Major-General William Brooke Purdon DSO OBE MC (28 November 1881 – 1 December 1950[1]) was an Irish soldier, physician and medical administrator.

Towards the end of his life he was a representative of the Northern Ireland Government in London and for four years was an Honorary Surgeon to the King.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross and was mentioned in dispatches three times during the conflict.

[5] After retiring from the British Army he took up the role of Agent in London of the Northern Ireland Government.

The Wales game, which Ireland won 11–6, saw the Irish team finish with just 13 men on the pitch, after Ernie Caddell broke his leg and Purdon was forced to withdraw with torn knee ligaments.