Murray, Harold John "Harry"

TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Murray, Harold John "Harry"

Date of birth:: November 13th, 1898 (Bowral/New South Wales, Australia)
Date of death:: October 22nd, 1968 (Innisfail/Queensland, Australia)
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Corporal
Unit:: 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army
Awarded on:: June 18th, 1917

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He assumed command of and led his platoon with great dash, gaining his objective."
"At HERIES on 9th April 1917 for gallantry in action in our attack on the German trenches. After both his Platoon Commanders and Platoon Sergeant had been wounded this N.C.O. took charge of, and led the platoon direct to its objective. He attacked with determination and vigour a strongly defended trench on high ground, and after gaining a footing on one flank personally led his bombing team through the trench, either killing or capturing the whole of the garrison. He finally placed the position in an excellent state of defence."

Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: M Special Unit, Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD), Australian Army
Awarded on:: March 8th, 1945

"During the period 29 October 1943 to 30 November 1943 this officer by his exemplary leadership, courage and devotion to duty successfully established a party consisting of himself six AIF Other Ranks and eight native police in enemy controlled territory. He was responsible for securing and sending back important intelligence of great value to GHQ.
Captain Murray also led a party of US marines on a secret mission, the party being subsequently ambushed by the enemy who used LMGs. As a result of Captain Murray's leadership and coolness in the face of the enemy having superior numbers, three of the latter were killed, some wounded and the remainder put to flight. One LMG was captured. Extremely valuable information was secured during this period of the operation."