Purdon was almost 14 years old when World War II began, and he saw his older brother, Robert, enlist in the Royal Scots regiment, serving as a Commando until killed in France after the Normandy Landings in 1944.
When it was his turn to be conscripted, Purdon's National Service number ended in 0, which meant that he would not be joining his brother in the army – he was bound for the pits (coal mines).
[citation needed] Purdon married, stayed in Chester-le-Street after the war and worked in the pits digging coal in three foot seams with water up to his knees at times.
He saw and shared the hardship of the miners; many of his songs reflect the sense of community that an embattled people develop.
Mining and politics are inseparable, and Purdon's verses captured his contempt for those who, in his view, put profit before people.