David Purgavie

Bank: Commercial Bank of Scotland

Place of work: Alloa branch

Died: 19 August 1944

David Gilbert Purgavie was born in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, in 1918, the son of Gilbert Hay Purgavie and his wife Elizabeth Currie Purgavie. He worked for Commercial Bank of Scotland at its Alloa branch. 

During the Second World War Purgavie left the bank to go on military service with the Seaforth Highlanders. By the summer of 1943 he held the rank of Lieutenant and was serving in Sicily. He was awarded a Military Cross for his conduct in fighting at Francofonte, Sicily, on 13-14 July 1943; the officer who recommended him noted that 'the courage and leadership displayed throughout the two days' fighting by this officer was of the highest order and is worthy of recognition. He was a fine example to all those who came in contact with him.' He was later promoted to Captain. 

Captain Purgavie MC was killed in action in Normandy on 19 August 1944. He was 26 years old.

David Purgavie is commemorated on a bank war memorial at Gogarburn campus, Edinburgh.