Death in South Africa in 1916

[ElizabethHerts]

My great-grandmother's sister was Mary Dickens Quintrell and she married Herbert Charles Purkis, who was also related to my grandfather.

Herbert was in the Merchant Navy. He died on 10th August 1916 at Durban, South Africa. I don't have any details about the circumstances of his death.

His wife was buried in the grave in Highgate cemetery with my great-grandparents. Herbert's daughter Margaret (Peg) was one of my favourite people of all time, just a lovely lady.

How can I find out more about his death? FMP don't have it.

[Sue from Southend]

I Googled him Elizabeth and found a photo of his grave - http://www.eggsa.org/library/main.php?g2_itemId=1528449
I haven't explored the site so I'm not sure if it's member submitted but it may lead somewhere...

[ElizabethHerts]

Sue, thank you so much! I have googled him many times but never found anything.

[ElizabethHerts]

Could someone please see if Herbert left a will? I wonder how his estate was resolved. He left a wife and daughter, and I know his widow struggled financially later on.

[Merry]

It's on the NPC Elizabeth. Estate value £709 19s 11d. Probate granted to his widow.

[ElizabethHerts]

Thanks, Merry. Could you tell me the year, please?

[Merry]

The address is 10 Landrock Road, Stroud Green, Hornsey, Middlesex, died 10th Aug at Durban, SA, probate 3rd Nov 1916.

[ElizabethHerts]

The address is 10 Landrock Road, Stroud Green, Hornsey, Middlesex, died 10th Aug at Durban, SA, probate 3rd Nov 1916.

Fantastic, Merry. Many thanks. My great-grandmother lived in Hornsey for a while too.

[ElizabethHerts]

Merry, that information was great:

http://www.barnettmaritime.co.uk/koranna.htm

[Merry]

Oooh, good.

[ElizabethHerts]

On another ship:

http://mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1909/09/164buc.htm