by Cindy Shanks

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: March 09, 2012

1973, the Dutch Grandprix; a date that would shock the racing community and racing fans. David Purley didn't stop to think as he noticed his friend Roger Williamson's car crash, becoming a ball of flames before his eyes. Not caring for his own safety, this courageous man abandoned his own race to help Williamson as the crowds and marshals were unaware of what was actually happening. In exasperation, he tried to turn over Williamson's car but wasn't strong enough. Grabbing a fire extinguisher out of the marshal's hands he battled to extinguish the flames but it was no use. Despite begging people to stop and help, despite the fire engine arriving it was too late for Williamson who had sadly perished.

This act earned him the George Medal. The photo of his dejected body leaving the scene won Cor Mooij a prize in the World Press Photo Competition. How did it all begin? How did this English man become a hero and become involved in racing?

David Purley was born in the UK in a seaside resort called Bognor Regis in West Sussex, January 26th 1945. After leaving school he served in the Parachute Regiment of the army.Even here his life was fraught with danger when he had an accident with one of his parachutes that didn't open up properly. This accident was to signify one of many calamities throughout his life.

Once he left the army, his friend Derek Bell inspired him to become a driver. His father Charles Purley was wealthy to allow David to indulge in his dreams and he started striving towards his goal to be a race car driver. His family supported his endeavors. He tried Formula 1 with little success. He tried other avenues with moderate success. David Purley enjoyed Formula 2 and the Formula 5000 in a Chevron where in 1976 he won the British championship.

It wasn't until 1977 that he decided to return to Formula 1. Unfortunately, he was involved in a near fatal crash when he crashed into a wall in Silverstone after problems with his throttle. At such a dramatic impact, it was considered amazing that he has survived it. He had multiple injuries including fractures to his legs and pelvis. It seemed it was all over for him but he came back to race again. This was shortlived when he decided to quit the sport in 1977 and try aerobatics. Sadly his love of adventure and extreme sports was to be his demise. He died in 1985 when his biplane crashed into the sea.

David Purley's memorial page website address is http://www.asag.sk/bio/purley.htm

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