Walter Purves was the youngest son of William Laidlaw Purves M.D and Elizabeth (née Adie). He was born on the 15^th July 1892 and arrived at Westminster in September 1906. He represented his house – Homeboarders – in both fives and the high jump. The Elizabethan captures the following snippet of one of his performances:

5– HIGH JUMP. UNDER 15. 

W.D. L. Purves, 1; K. D. Murray, 2. Height, 4 ft. 84 ins. 

There was little to choose between the winners, who both

jumped very nicely… Purves and Murray tied at first

at 4 ft. 84 ins., but were evidently tired, and on jumping it off

after a rest had to have the bar lowered twice before Purves

succeeded in clearing it. This is the third year in succession

in which the Junior High Jump has been above 4 ft. 81 ins.

Walter went travelling after he left the school in December 1909. He went to South Africa first, and later to the Malay States.

Back in the UK, he enlisted in King Edward’s Horse in August 1914. He transferred to the 9^th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment as a 2^nd Lieutenant the following December. He was billeted with them in Eastbourne before moving with them to Seaford in April 1915 and again to Aldershot in June. He was promoted to Lieutenant the day before his regiment landed at Boulogne on the 5^th September. From there they travelled to Salonika, arriving 5 November 1915.

The First Battle of Dorian commenced on the 22^nd April 1917. Walter was made acting Captain on the 24^th, but he was killed in action on the 28^th April. He is buried Karasouli military cemetery.