Purcell Family of America

An association to help those trace the Purcell family line

F. J. Purcell, 2nd engineer posted by Blair_Purcell Joined: July 17, 2008  on Aug. 31, 2009, 3:27 PM

From sources: F. J. Purcell was 2nd engineer aboard the ship S.S. St. Patrick early on Friday 13 June, 1941 when it was engaged in regular ferry service between Fishguard in England and Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland. His ship was struck by an enemy bomb within sight of Fishguard and sank within six minutes. The loss of life was marked at thirty, including her Master, Captain J. Faraday and his son. Engineer Purcell was awarded the Lloyd's Medal for gallantry at sea for his performance of his duties aboard the rapidly sinking ship. The S.S. St. Patrick was owned and operated by the Great Western Railway of Great Britain and had also been engaged in the evacuation of British, French and other troops from Dunkirk in late May and early June of 1940. http://www.fishguardonline.com/Harbour_Centenary.html (third paragraph) http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/30/a8649930.shtml (BBC People's War) Also: Grime & Glory - Tales of the Great Western, by Adrian Vaughn (Guild Publishing, London 1985), page 149.