DUX MEDALLIST - Dux is Latin for "leader". In Hong Kong, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, dux is a modern title given to the highest-ranking student in academic, arts or sporting achievement in each graduating year. The names of every Dux Medallist at Perth Academy from 1899 onwards are recorded and displayed on commemorative boards in the school hall, including four who lost their lives during the Great War: 1899 John Kaye, 1909 James Ley Paton, 1911 Peter R. Purdie, 1912 John J. Low.

In 1901, the Purdie family were living at Donville, Little Dunkeld: Father John (Teacher) b. 1864, Whitburn; Mother, Christina Fyfe, b. 1864, Burntisland; Son, Peter R., b. 1893, East Benbar, Linlithgow; Son, William J. b. 1896, Little Dunkeld; and Daughter Margaret, b. 1899, Little Dunkeld. Peter Purdie’s father was initially an Assistant Teacher at Tillicoultry School. He was subsequently a Teacher at the Schoolhouse, Birnam and then at the Public School, Auchterarder.

Peter Purdie was born on 19th September 1893. He was educated at Perth Academy where he was the Dux Medallist. He first attended the University of Glasgow in 1911, and graduated MA with First Class Honours in English, and Italian Literature, on 20th November 1915. He wrote articles for newspapers and his poetry was published in the Glasgow Herald, and the Glasgow University Magazine.

Peter served with the Royal Horse Artillery/ Royal Field Artillery as an Acting Bombardier, Regimental No. 125479. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 9th December 1916 and joined the 14th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery on 13th March 1917.

Extract from the War Diary of the 14th Heavy Battery, RGA

"August 1917"

“During the month the Battery continued in position in front of Oost Dunkerke. A large amount of shooting was done both by day and night. During the day all shoots were cross observed from the Battery O.P.s in Nieuport and Nieuport Bains respectively."

"Although the Battery was not subjected to any destructive shots, the personnel were considerably harassed both by day and night by hostile shelling of the battery and roads and light railways close by. Several casualties occurred, including 2nd Lieut. A. W. B. Peggie and 2nd Lieut. P. Purdie, both killed on the night of 17th/ 18th.”

At the time of his death Peter Purdie was 23 years of age.

Peter Purdie is also commemorated on the Dunkeld and Little Dunkeld Parish War Memorial; and the Glasgow University War Memorial.