The Murrays - 1
Sergeant David Murray 1st / 14th London Scottish Rifles and Air Training Corps
The Man David Murray was born on 23rd November 1893 at 46 Kirk Street, Peterhead, Aberdeen, son of William and Janet, known as Jesse nee Robertson and was one of nine children. William born in 1883, James Robertson 1884, Robert 1886, Alexander John 1889, Violet Murray 1890, Joseph 1891, Allan 1897 and Fullerton 1900.
The Scottish Census of 1901 shows David aged 7, a scholar, living with his family and Grandfather, also a William aged 69, at 42 Kirk Street, Aberdeenshire.
Sadly David’s mother Jesse died in 1911 aged 49, when he was just 17. He enlisted into the 1/14th County of London Battalion (London Scottish) London Regiment with service number 528055 possibly in about 1911 aged 18. Most likely with a reserve or training battalion as by the time he was posted to the Western Front during World War I on 30th March 1918, he was a Sergeant.
On 26th March, the Battalion had been caught up in the German Spring offensive as the German assaults turned toward Arras and were in action around Oppy Post. After severe fighting and upon withdrawal the Battalion was reinforced and moved to the Arras Caves before returning the line on 13th April. This was possibly David’s first experience of frontline trench warfare.
The Scottish Census of 1901 shows David aged 7, a scholar, living with his family and Grandfather, also a William aged 69, at 42 Kirk Street, Aberdeenshire.
Sadly David’s mother Jesse died in 1911 aged 49, when he was just 17. He enlisted into the 1/14th County of London Battalion (London Scottish) London Regiment with service number 528055 possibly in about 1911 aged 18. Most likely with a reserve or training battalion as by the time he was posted to the Western Front during World War I on 30th March 1918, he was a Sergeant.
On 26th March, the Battalion had been caught up in the German Spring offensive as the German assaults turned toward Arras and were in action around Oppy Post. After severe fighting and upon withdrawal the Battalion was reinforced and moved to the Arras Caves before returning the line on 13th April. This was possibly David’s first experience of frontline trench warfare.
It is probable he then saw action in and around Blangy in May, experiencing heavy shelling and gas attacks, followed in June by further fighting at Feuchy and Dainville, where there were outbreaks of the Spanish Flu to add to the carnage. In July after various moves the Battalion were sent to Chateau de la Hale-Thilloy and subjected to night bombardment by enemy aircraft which drove the companies out of their accommodation huts and destroyed their rations. In August, the Battalion were in the line around Tilloy and Tilloy Wood, Blangy support again and experienced mixed shelling and high explosives that caused 40 casualties, one fatal. They were then in action in the Battle of Albert and in September crossed the Canal du Nord returning to Arras, until tasked with following up the final German retreat which they did through the ruins of Cambrai to Douchy and Famars and then into Belgium. The Battalion were at Le Dessous near Blaregnies north of Maubeuge when the Armistice was signed. David remained at the front until the Armistice on 11th November and was appointed Acting Colour Sergeant Major, possibly whilst the Battalion was serving in Germany as part of the Army of occupation, but prior to the 14th London Medal Roll being made up. For his service he was awarded the 1914-18 War and Victory Medals.
On 3rd September 1926 aged 33 David married Margaret Mitchell at the Imperial Hotel, Stirling Street Aberdeen, at the time he was living at 84 Queen’s Street in Peterhead. They had three children David junior born in 1929, James Mitchell 1930 and George 1933.
In about 1928 David joined the Post Office and in March 1941, aged 48 and on its formation, 1295 (Peterhead) Squadron Air Training Corps as a Warrant Officer, where he remained for the duration of World War II.
The following was reported in the Aberdeen Evening Express on Monday 28th April 1952:
PIONEERS OF THE ATC
Seven pioneers of the Air Training Corps in the North-East of Scotland were honoured at Fairfield House Drill Hall yesterday. They each received the Cadet Forces Medal they were: Squadron Leader William Norrie OBE Commanding the North East Wing of the ATC. Flt Lt Charles Fraser No 107 (Aberdeen) Squadron. Flt Lt James Garden No 1719 (New Pitsligo) Squadron. Flt Lt George Donald No 5 Gliding School, Dyce. Flt Lt Alexander Shand No 1719 New Pitsligo) Squadron. F.O. Patrick Monaghan No 107 (Aberdeen) Sqn. W.O. David Murray No 1295 (Peterhead) Squadron.
The CFM was awarded with effect from 5th November 1948 with war service counting two-fold and appeared in Air Ministry Order N.94/1951.
David continued in the Post Office as a postman and retired in 1953 aged 60. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal which appeared in the London Gazette of 8th January 1954.
David died on 27th November 1967 aged 74 in Peterhead.
On 3rd September 1926 aged 33 David married Margaret Mitchell at the Imperial Hotel, Stirling Street Aberdeen, at the time he was living at 84 Queen’s Street in Peterhead. They had three children David junior born in 1929, James Mitchell 1930 and George 1933.
In about 1928 David joined the Post Office and in March 1941, aged 48 and on its formation, 1295 (Peterhead) Squadron Air Training Corps as a Warrant Officer, where he remained for the duration of World War II.
The following was reported in the Aberdeen Evening Express on Monday 28th April 1952:
PIONEERS OF THE ATC
Seven pioneers of the Air Training Corps in the North-East of Scotland were honoured at Fairfield House Drill Hall yesterday. They each received the Cadet Forces Medal they were: Squadron Leader William Norrie OBE Commanding the North East Wing of the ATC. Flt Lt Charles Fraser No 107 (Aberdeen) Squadron. Flt Lt James Garden No 1719 (New Pitsligo) Squadron. Flt Lt George Donald No 5 Gliding School, Dyce. Flt Lt Alexander Shand No 1719 New Pitsligo) Squadron. F.O. Patrick Monaghan No 107 (Aberdeen) Sqn. W.O. David Murray No 1295 (Peterhead) Squadron.
The CFM was awarded with effect from 5th November 1948 with war service counting two-fold and appeared in Air Ministry Order N.94/1951.
David continued in the Post Office as a postman and retired in 1953 aged 60. He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal which appeared in the London Gazette of 8th January 1954.
David died on 27th November 1967 aged 74 in Peterhead.
The Story The medals awarded to David Murray and his two sons, David junior and George were acquired from E-Bay on 19th June 2021. They were a buy it now or make an offer listing and following consultation with a fellow collector on values, an offer was made and accepted.
The medals had been detailed as a group of five to David Murray, the 1914-18 British War and Victory Medals, General Service Medal ‘Malaya’, Imperial Service and Cadet Forces Medal. Plus another unknown relative George Murray. There was also some biographical information giving possible, but incorrect details of the ISMs.
However, it was apparent that David would not have been eligible for the GSM, as if it was awarded for National Service, he would be too old having served in WWI, or too young to receive the ISM on the original date provided. He would also have been awarded the War Medal 1939-45 and Defence Medal had he served through World War II and the announcement of the CFM was in 1952 and with effect from 1948 meaning he would have double hatted as a regular and volunteer during a war which was unlikely.
Research on Ancestry.UK, Scotland’s People and the London Gazette, with the hometown of Peterhead being the main link, quickly established the medals were awarded to three different people. Ancestry confirming that David had three sons, James, David Junior born in in 1929, therefore aged 18 in 1947 and most likely the recipient the of the GSM during National Service and George, born in 1933 and who retired from the Prison Service in Peterhead in 1987 aged 55.
Ancestry also had a poor definition photograph of David Senor and Junior which was a real bonus as at least it puts a face to two of the recipients with the possibility of the third as it was from a wedding group picture.
The medals had been detailed as a group of five to David Murray, the 1914-18 British War and Victory Medals, General Service Medal ‘Malaya’, Imperial Service and Cadet Forces Medal. Plus another unknown relative George Murray. There was also some biographical information giving possible, but incorrect details of the ISMs.
However, it was apparent that David would not have been eligible for the GSM, as if it was awarded for National Service, he would be too old having served in WWI, or too young to receive the ISM on the original date provided. He would also have been awarded the War Medal 1939-45 and Defence Medal had he served through World War II and the announcement of the CFM was in 1952 and with effect from 1948 meaning he would have double hatted as a regular and volunteer during a war which was unlikely.
Research on Ancestry.UK, Scotland’s People and the London Gazette, with the hometown of Peterhead being the main link, quickly established the medals were awarded to three different people. Ancestry confirming that David had three sons, James, David Junior born in in 1929, therefore aged 18 in 1947 and most likely the recipient the of the GSM during National Service and George, born in 1933 and who retired from the Prison Service in Peterhead in 1987 aged 55.
Ancestry also had a poor definition photograph of David Senor and Junior which was a real bonus as at least it puts a face to two of the recipients with the possibility of the third as it was from a wedding group picture.
Medal Details:
- 1914-18 British War Medal: 520855 SJT. D.MURRAY. 14-LOND.R.
- Victory Medal: 520855 SJT.D.MURRAY . 14-LOND.R.
- Imperial Service Medal: DAVID MURRAY
- Cadet Forces Medal: W/O D.MURRAY. A.T.C.
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Page last updated 8 Jul 21
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