Robert Murray documentation

In 1916 it was decided that some form of memorial would be established for presentation to the next of kin of those that had died in the war. A government committee was set up to agree the nature of such a memorial, and in August 1917 it was determined that it would take the form of a bronze plaque. The design of the plaque would be decided by a public competition, with a first prize of £250. The winner of the competition was Edward Carter Preston of the Sandon Studios Society in Liverpool. Production of the plaque began in December 1918 in a disused laundry in Acton, West London, later transfering to the Woolwich Arsenal and other munitions factories. Over a million plaques were produced to commemorate the sacrifice of men and women who died between 4 August 1914 and 30 April 1920.

Robert's plaque was sent to his mother in an envelope post-marked 9 August 1921 and addressed to Mrs G Murray, 50 Fountainhall Road, Edinburgh. It was redirected to Oakleigh, Comrie, Perthshire. Accompanying it was a letter from Buckingham Place, bearing the facsimile signature of King George, which read simply: "I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War."

The plaque is inscribed with the words: "He died for freedom and honour" and it bears the name Robert McDiarmid Murray. The design is based around the figure of Britannia, classically robed and helmeted. In her left hand she carries a laurel wreath crown, and she supports a trident with her right hand. In the foreground is a male lion - originally described as "striding forward in a menacing attitude". There is also a small dolphin - symbolising British sea-power - and a branch of oak leaves and acorns. Right at the bottom a lion pounces on an eagle - a reference to the desired destruction of Germany.

Robert's war medals - the 1914-15 Star; the British War medal; and the Victory medal - also known irreverently as "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred" - were sent in an envelope post-marked 20 August 1922 to his mother Mrs A Murray at 50 Fountainhall Road, Edinburgh and redirected to Oakleigh, Comrie, Perthshire together with a letter dated 13 June 1922 from the War Office at 27 Pilgrim Street London EC4 which reads:

"Madam,
I am directed to transmit to you the accompanying 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals which would have been conferred upon Lieutenant R M Murray had he lived in memory of his services with the British Forces during the Great War.
In forwarding the decorations I am commanded by the King to assure you of His Majesty's high appreciation of the services rendered.
I am to request that you will be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of the Decorations on the attached form.
I am, Madam, Your Obedient Servant, P M W McDonogh, Adjutant General."

How Lieutenant Robert McD Murray RGA received the wounds of which he died is told by his commanding officer, who writes as follows to the young soldier's mother: "He received his wounds while performing an act of gallantry, having left the comparative security of his billet, in order to go to the assistance of the drivers of a horse waggon which had been hit by a hostile shell. While he was rendering this assistance another shell burst near him, the fragments of which wounded him. Once more let me express to you, in my own name and that of the entire battery, our great sympathy, and believe me that so far as is in my power lies, your son's act of gallantry shall not go unrecognised." The Captain also wrote and said: "The men are always asking if I have heard anything about him, and they shall be awfully pleased to get the slightest news." Lieutenant Murray was the younger son of the late Mr Abijah Murray, ISO, Secretary of the Local Government Board for Scotland. His mother resides at 50 Fountainhall Road, Edinburgh.

Photograph, and the caption "Mr McD Murray RGA, son of the late Mr A Murray, Secretary of the Local Government Board, lost his life in trying to save others."

Official intimation has been received in Edinburgh that the Commander-in-Chief, by permission of the King, has awarded the Military Cross to the late Lieutenant Robert M Murray RGA. Lieutenant Murray died on 25 February from injuries received in the field. Lieutenant Murray was 22 years of age, and was the youngest son of the late Mr A Murray ISO, Secretary of the Local Government Board for Scotland.

Official intimation has been received by Mrs Murray, 50 Fountainhall Road, Edinburgh, that the Commander-in-Chief, by permission of the King, had awarded her son, the late Lieutenant Robert McD Murray, RGA, the Military Cross for an act of gallantry in the field. Lieutenant Murray died on 25 February from injuries sustained when he was rendering first aid to some drivers who had been wounded. He and his battery were being shelled, and when he saw that the drivers were struck he and one of the gunners gallantly rushed to their assistance. Lieutenant Murray was 22 years of age, and was the younger son of the late Mr Abijah Murray ISO, Secretary of the Local Government Board for Scotland.

Photograph, and the caption: "Lieutenant Robert Murray, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died from wounds in France, aged 22. He was the younger son of the late Abijah Murray, and his mother resides at 50 Fountainhall Road, Edinburgh. His brother, an officer in the 4th Royal Scots, is also on active service."

Citation which read as follows: "His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the field."

The London edition of the paper includes both Robert Murray and Francis Vercoe in the section headed "Honours of the War". Robert's citation appears in the Military Cross list and reads as follows: "Temp Lt Robert McDiarmid Murray, 7th Seige Battery, RGA: For conspicuous gallantry under fire on many occasions, notably when he went out under heavy shell fire to a wagon, which had been hit by a shell, and the drivers and horses of which were wounded. While extricating the drivers who had fallen underneath the wagon he was severely wounded by a shell, which burst a few feet away." Corporal Vercoe had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 22 January 1916, and this later citation recognises the award of a Clasp to his Distinguished Conduct Medal for subsequent acts of gallantry. It reads as follows: "Gnr F Vercoe, 7th Seige Battery, RGA - For conspicuous gallantry. He went out with his officer under heavy shell fire and assisted in rescuing the drivers of a wagon which had been hit by a shell, drivers and horses being wounded. He and his officer were then both wounded by a shell, the latter very severely. Gunner Vercoe, wounded as he was, carried him back under heavy fire and refused to have his own wounds attended to till he had assisted to dress those of his officer."

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