Captain Thomas Laurence Purdom was a World War I flying ace credited with 13 confirmed aerial victories.Purdom served originally in the ground forces. He flew a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2 for 15 Squadron during most of 1916. He was willing enough to fight the Germans, but none of his many combats showed success. When he transferred to 62 Squadron, he also changed to a newer airplane, the Bristol F.2 Fighter and to the new status of Flight Commander.