Harry Murray

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Henry William Murray
30 December 1880 - 7 January 1966 (aged 85)
Major Harry Murray, November 1917
Nickname	Mad Harry, Harry
Place of birth	Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Place of death	Miles, Queensland, Australia
Allegiance	Australian Army
Years of service	1902-1908 (Launceston Artillery) 1914-1920 (WWI) 1939-1944 (WWII)
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Unit	Launceston Artillery, 16th, 13th, 4th Machine Gun, 26th, and 23rd Battalions
Commands held	4th Machine Gun Battalion (15 March 1918 - 24 September 1918) 26th Battalion (21 July 1939 - 10 August 1942) F group Volunteer Defence Corps (19 August 1942 - 7 February 1944)
Battles/wars	World War I Gallipoli Battle of Hamel Battle of Amiens Hindenburg Line *Battle of Somme World War II
Awards	Victoria Cross Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Distinguished Service Order and Bar Distinguished Conduct Medal Mention in Despatches (5) French Croix de Guerre

Henry William "Harry" Murray VC, CMG, DSO & Bar, DCM, ( 30 December 1880 - 7 January 1966) was Australia's highest decorated soldier during World War I (1914-1918), one of the most decorated infantry soldier in the British Empire, 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.

Henry Murray's memorial.

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. The recommendation for the VC noted that "his Company would follow him anywhere and die for him to a man".

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1918. His appointment in the AIF ended on 9 March 1920.

On 21 July 1939 he returned to the Active List to command the 26th Battalion which performed coastal defence tasks in North Queensland until September 1942. He retired from active duty on 7 February 1944.

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 Evandale, Tasmania, where he grew up.