Private William Andrew Purcell 223092 was born 5 July 1890 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Married to Mary Lenora Purcell. They had one child, aged 8 months. William was a barber.
Enlistment
Private William Andrew Purcell attested 1 November 1915 at Halifax, with the 85th (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Battalion. Standing 5′ 8″ tall, with fair complexion, brown eyes and dark brown hair, he weighed 135 lbs.
Within one month of its inception, military officials relocated the unit’s headquarters to Halifax. Firstly, the battalion mobilized 200 men over strength on 14 October 1915. ‘A’ Company entered quarters in the Armouries. Secondly, the remaining three companies were accommodated in huts erected on the adjacent Common. Finally, throughout the fall and winter of 1915-16, its recruits enthusiastically trained, in anticipation of orders to proceed overseas.
Nova Scotia Highland Brigade
In early 1916, recruitment efforts expanded. Including an additional three units, the 193rd, 185th and 219th Battalions, as part of the Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. At the time, the 85th formed the Brigade’s senior unit. Then, as subsequent events unfolded, it was the only battalion to enter service as a unit. Its three counterparts eventually dissolved to provide reinforcements for other battalions in the field.
To England
The call to overseas duty finally came more than a year after the 85th’s formation. Then, on 13 October 1916, the 85th and its Brigade mates boarded SS OLYMPIC at Halifax. The four battalions safely crossed the North Atlantic and disembarked at Liverpool on October 19. Finally, at the time of its arrival in England, the 85th consisted of 34 Officers and 1,001 Other Ranks (OR).
Private William Andrew Purcell and the 85th Battalion spent the autumn and early winter in training at Witley Camp, Surrey.
To France
They eagerly awaited orders to depart for France. Shortly after the dissolution of the Highland Brigade in December 1916, the 85th was on the move. Crossing the English Channel on 10 February 1917. Finally, completing its final training for service in the line at Gouy Servins, Bouvigny and Bouvigny Wood, France.
In March 1917, the 85th was officially designated a working unit. Then, temporarily attached to the 4th Canadian Division’s 11th Brigade. As its soldiers had no combat experience, the unit was assigned to reserve positions. In support of the Canadian Corps’ assault on Vimy Ridge. Firstly, its soldiers were to follow the advancing units. Secondly, carry ammunition, construct dugouts, establish and maintain communication trenches. Lastly, clear entangled wire and guard prisoners of war as the battle progressed.
Lt.-Col. Borden
Despite the 85th’s anticipated role, Lt.-Col. Allison Hart Borden insisted that his soldiers prepare for combat. Its personnel training over the tapes on a model of the sector assigned to the 4th Canadian Division.
Its Officers also received complete briefings on the plan of attack. Then, as subsequent events unfolded, Borden’s directives proved invaluable on the day of battle.
Battle of Vimy Ridge
As the April 9 attack unfolded, the battalion’s role changed significantly. While advancing infantry units successfully captured most of their initial objectives along the well-fortified ridge. German positions in front of Hill 145, the ridge’s highest and most strategically important feature, withstood the initial artillery bombardment. Then, emerging from their dugouts as the 11th Brigade advanced up the ridge. The German soldiers held out against the 87th and 102nd Battalions. Finally, they enfiladed the Canadian left flank with devastating machine gun fire.
As the overall success of the day’s assault hung in the balance, Canadian commanders hastily discussed their options. Dusk coming soon. The 85th Battalion’s ‘C’ and ‘D’ companies to execute a direct assault on the strategic German position. Then, at 6:45 p.m., the two companies advanced up the ridge without artillery cover.
In the face of relentless machine gun fire. Dwindling German supplies and lack of reinforcements. Finally, with the determination of the assaulting troops, the position captured and solidified the Canadian Corps’ hold on the ridge.
Relief
The entire 85th Battalion remained in the line on the newly captured ridge until relieved on April 14. Their first combat experience under their belts. Then, the unit permanently assigned to the 4th Canadian Division’s 12th Brigade. Finally, serving alongside the 38th (Ottawa), 72nd (Seaforth Highlanders) and 78th (Winnipeg Grenadiers) Battalions for the remainder of the war.
Battle of Hill 70
The 85th’s soldiers served a regular rotation in the trenches near Lens throughout the spring and summer of 1917. Private William Andrew Purcell appointed Acting Corporal in the field, 27 June 1917. However, Corporal William Andrew Purcell reverts to permanent grade of Private at own request, 28 August 1917.
Second Battle of Passchendaele
In October 1917, the battalion joined other Canadian personnel in Belgium’s treacherous Ypres Salient. The Canadian Corps prepared for its second major assault of the year, an attack on German positions along Passchendaele ridge.
The 85th’s soldiers participated in the third phase of the attack, carried out from October 28 to November 2, 1917. Prior to the advance, ‘D’ Company, consisting of Cape Breton recruits, responded to an enemy counter-attack.
On the night of October 28, German infantry launched an assault. During relief operations and seized a strategic portion of the front line. Then, the 85th’s ‘D’ Company, the relieving unit, succeeded in recapturing the trench at a decisive point in the fighting. Thus preserving the existing line.
Corporal William Andrew Purcell Wounded
Two days later, the 85th’s ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies participated in the advance on Passchendaele village. ‘D’ Company remained in support. Later, entering the fight at a crucial moment and turning the tide in favour of the attacking forces.
Corporal William Andrew Purcell wounded by shell explosion. GSW head, neck and arm (compound fracture right radius), 30 October 1917. Admitted to No. 8 Canadian Field Ambulance, then to 1st South African General Hospital, Abbeville, 31 October 1917. Granted Good Conduct Badge, 1 November 1917.
Aftermath
While the 85th succeeded in securing its objectives, the costs were considerable. Of the 26 Officers who entered the line at Passchendaele, 12 were killed and eight wounded. While 371 of the 662 OR who entered the trenches on October 28 were casualties. Finally, the battalion retired from the line on the night of October 31/November 1.
Its Passchendaele statistics represent the 85th’s greatest single tour losses of the entire war. Several months after the November 1918 Armistice, a group of its soldiers returned to the battlefield. So many of their comrades were killed or wounded. They erected a monument in their memory. The structure remains there to this day. Its plaque engraved with the names of the soldiers killed in action during the Passchendaele tour.
The 85th Battalion’s successes at Vimy and Passchendaele prompted other units to refer to the 85th as The Never Fails.
Slow Recovery
Corporal William Andrew Purcell admitted to 2nd West General Hospital, Manchester, 20 November 1917. Military Convalescent Hospital, Epson, 19 January 1918. No. 5 General Hospital, Kirkdale, 18 April 1918. However, William’s recovery slow and not very satisfactory.
Corporal William Andrew Purcell invalided to Canada, from Avonmouth, HS ARAGUAYA, 25 May 1918. Then, admitted Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax, 4 June 1918.
Discharged, medically unfit, at Halifax, 30 April 1919. Partial loss of function right forearm and hand, partial ankylosis right elbow, defective hearing right ear. Finally, Corporal William Andrew Purcell passed away in 1930, at 50 years of age.
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