| Regimental number | 315 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Evandale, Tasmania |
| School | Evandale State School, Tasmania |
| Religion | Congregational |
| Occupation | Bushman |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 30 |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Clarissa Murray, 33 Erina Street, Launceston, Tasmania |
| Previous military service | Six years service in the Australian Field Artillery (militia) in Launceston. |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 16th Battalion, D Company |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/33/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Machine Gun Battalion |
| Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: 13th Battalion Promotion date: Lieutenant Unit: 13th Battalion Promotion date: Captain Unit: 13th Battalion Promotion date: Temporary Major Unit: 13th Battalion Promotion date: Major Unit: 13th Battalion Promotion date: Temporary Lieutenant Colonel Unit: 4th Machine Gun Battalion Promotion date: Lieutenant Colonel Unit: 4th Machine Gun Battalion Promotion date: |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31089 (31 December 1918); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 (23 May 1919). Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31448 (11 July 1919); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 124 (30 October 1919). Mention in Despatches Awarded, and gazetted, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57 (18 April 1918). Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 29890 (2 January 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103 (29 June 1917). |
| Other details from Roll of Honour Circular | Commanded the 26th Battalion (militia) in North Queensland 21 July 1939-7 August 1942 and 23rd Regiment, Volunteer Defence Corps until 7 February 1944. |
| Fate | Effective abroad (still overseas) |
| Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll) |
Promoted Lance Corporal, 13 May 1915; Sergeant, 13 August 1915; commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant, 13 August 1915; promoted Lieutenant and Captain, 1 March 1916; Temporary Major, 11 April 1917, confirmed 12 July 1917; Lieutenant Colonel, 8 May 1918. |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For distinguished service on several occasions from 9th to 31st May, 1915, during operations near Gaba Tepe (Dardanelles), when attached to the machine gun section. During this period he exhibited exceptional courage, energy and skill, and inflicted severe losses on the enemy, he himself being twice wounded.'
Source: 'London Gazette' No. 7673 Date: Distinguished Service Order 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although twice wounded, he commanded his company with the greatest courage and initiative, beating off four enemy counter attacks. Later, when an enemy bullet started a man's equipment explosing, he tore the man's equipment off at great personal risk. He set a splendid example throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62 Date: Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery when in command of the right flank company in attack. He led his company to the assault with great skill and courage, and the position was quickly captured. Fighting of a very severe nature followed, and three heavy counter attack was beaten back, these successes being due to Captain Murray's wonderful work. Throughout the night his company suffered heavy casualties through concentrated enemy shell fire, and on one occasion gave ground for a short way. This gallant officer rallied his command and saved the situation by sheer valour. He made his presence felt throughout the line, encouraging his men, heading bombing parties, leading bayonet charges, and carrying wounded to places of safety. His magnificent example inspired his men throughout.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133 Date: Bar to DSO Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 169 Date: Croix de Guerre (France) 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He gallantly led his company over 1,200 yards of fire swept ground. Later, he went along the whole frontage, organizing the defence, encouraging the men of all units by his cheerfulness and bravery, and always moving to the points of danger. He is not only brave and daring, but a skilful soldier, possessing tactical instinct of the highest order.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: Commander of the Order of St Michael & St George Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Wounded three times at Gallipoli (25 April, 30 May, 8 August) and in France (August 1916 at Mouquet Farm). Appointed Lance Corporal, 13 May 1915; Sergeant, 13 August 1915; commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant, 13 August 1915. Detached to 2nd American Corps, 24 September-2 October 1918. Medals: Victoria Cross, Commander of the Order of St Michael & St George, Distinguished Service Order & Bar, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Croix de Guerre (France), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal Also served in World War II as OC, 26th Bn, CMF, 21 July 1939-7 August 1942; OC, 17th Bn, Volunteer Defence Corps, 9 August 1942-7 February 1944. Killed in an automobile crash, 1966. |
| Date of death | |
| Place of burial | Cremated |
| Sources | 'Australian Dictionary of Biography', vol. 10, pp. 641-43. |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
