John Murray (VC)

John Murray (February 1837- 7 November 1911) was born Birr, County Offaly and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was approximately 27 years old, and a sergeant in the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry), British Army during the Waikato-Hauhau Maori War, New Zealand when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 June 1864 at Tauranga, New Zealand, when the enemy's position was being stormed, Sergeant Murray ran up to a rifle-pit containing eight to ten of the enemy and, without any assistance, killed or wounded all of them. He then went on up the works, fighting with his bayonet.

Further information

He died Derrinlogh, County Offaly, 7 November 1911.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Durham Light Infantry Museum & Durham Art Gallery "(Durham City, County Durham, England)".

References

Listed in order of publication year
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
*The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
*Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/ireland.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Co. Offaly, Ireland)"