Margaret Purves facts for kids

Margaret Purves GC (born Margaret Vaughan; 25 November 1934 – 12 September 2021) was a brave British nurse. When she was only 14 years old, she performed an amazing act of courage. For this, she received the Albert Medal. In 1971, this medal was replaced by the George Cross. The George Cross is a very high award given for great bravery.

A Young Hero

Margaret Vaughan was born in Cardiff, Wales. Her father, James Boswell Vaughan, was a police chief in Cardiff. Her mother was Dorothy May Vaughan.

In 1949, when Margaret was just 14, she showed incredible bravery. She saved a Boy Scout and his leader from a dangerous sea. This happened off the coast of Cardiff. Because of her courage, she was given the Albert Medal. This award was announced in the London Gazette on 1 November 1949. Margaret became one of the few people alive to hold the Albert Medal.

Life as a Nurse

After finishing school, Margaret Vaughan decided to become a nurse. From 1957, she worked as an officer in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps. This is a special nursing group for the army.

In 1961, she married Captain John Watt Purves. He was an officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. They got married at Llandaff Cathedral. They had met six months earlier in a military hospital in Hanover.

Later Years and Public Service

In 1983, Margaret Purves and her husband left the army. They moved to Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire. There, Margaret became involved in local government. She served on the town and county councils until 1989. This meant she helped make decisions for her local community.

In 2016, a portrait of Margaret Purves was bought by the National Portrait Gallery. This painting, made by photographer Rory Lewis, is now part of their permanent collection.