Henry William Murray

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Henry Murray's memorial.

Henry William Murray VC, CMG, DSO & Bar, DCM, C de G (France)( 30 December 1880 - 7 January 1966) was Australia's highest decorated soldier during World War I (1914-1918), and continues to be Australia's highest decorated soldier.

He was 36 years old, and a captain in the 13th Battalion (N.S.W.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 4/5 February 1917, at Stormy Trench, north-east of Gueudecourt, France, Captain Murray led his company to the assault and quickly captured an enemy position. Very heavy fighting followed, and three times counter-attacks were beaten back owing to this officer's wonderful work. During the night the company suffered heavy casualties and on one occasion gave ground, but Captain Murray saved the situation, encouraging his men, leading bayonet charges and carrying the wounded to places of safety.

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1918. George Franki and Clyde Slayter wrote a biography "Mad Harry" which published in 2003 by Kangaroo Press. There is a statue of Harry Murray in Ulverstone, Tasmania, where he grew up.