AS we lead up to the 100th anniversary of ANZAC day, the stories of those ordinary men and women who went through extraordinary times between 1914-1918 are now more vibrant than ever.
The April 25 landings at Gallipoli, in 1915, have become a symbol of that war but it was only the first part of Australia’s involvement in the conflict with, another three years of horrific fighting to follow on the Western front and in Egypt.
After the First world war and right through to the 1960’s and 1970’s when most surviving veterans were very old, very few seemed to talk about their experiences of the war and only a few published books recounting their time spent far away fighting for our county. It must have been incredibly difficult for them, to go so far away from their homes, fight in what were generally atrocious situations, then return to civilian jobs, with very little counselling support as issues like post-traumatic stress disorders were not really identified. It seems many children and grandchildren of these men (and some women) were to know little of what they endured. Only in the last 25 years so, probably since the making of the television series ‘The ANZACS” ( which featured Paul Hogan before Crocodile Dundee fame ) have their stories become known to new generations.
One classic case in point of a civilian who excelled as a solder, but who went back to civilian life and never sought fame for his deeds, was Henry William “Harry” Murray.
“Harry” Murray’s story is the stuff of legend, but the man himself never seemed to live on his past glory and in fact sought a quiet life away from the spotlight. So great was his fame by the end of the First World War that many people believed he should have stood for politics or be appointed the Governor General of Australia, but the man himself sought a quieter life, spending much of his time in the bush in Queensland. Harry was born into a farming family in Tasmania in 1880, and after working on the family farm he moved to Western Australia where he worked as a timber cutter and courier in the mines. He enlisted at the outbreak of the war in 1914, and at 34, would have been one of the older recruits at the time. He had in fact spent sometime in the militia, (similar to today’s army reserve) when in Tasmania so had some military training. Fighting on Gallipoli, where he was wounded twice, Harry’s was promoted and awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery.
He transferred with the rest of the AIF to France in 1916 where he was again in the thick of fighting and was wounded twice. He received the Distinguished Service Order in 1916 and promoted to Captain. Harry gained a reputation for leading his men with great care for their well being. It was on the night of February 4-5, 1917, that his efforts in a fierce 24 hour battle led to his being awarded the Victoria Cross.
The official citation of his award read as follows:
War Office, 10th March, 1917
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer: –
Capt. Henry William Murray, D.S.O., Aus. infy.
For most conspicuous bravery when in command of the right flank company in attack. He led his company to the assault with great skill and courage, and the position was quickly captured. Fighting of a very severe nature followed, and three heavy counter-attacks were beaten back, these successes being due to Captain Murray's wonderful work.
Throughout the night his company suffered heavy casualties through concentrated enemy shell fire, and on one occasion gave ground for a short way. This gallant officer rallied his command and saved the situation by sheer valour.
He made his presence felt throughout the line, encouraging his men, heading bombing parties, leading bayonet charges, and carrying wounded to places of safety.
His magnificent example inspired his men throughout.
King George V awarded Harry the Commander in the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) and he also received a medal from the French Government known as the Croix de Guerre
Harry survived the war, and by the time he came home he had the following decorations, and according to Charles Bean, the official Australian war correspondent of the time, the most of any Australian soldier from the conflict:
o Victoria Cross
o Companion of the order of St Michael and St George
o Distinguished Service Order and bar
o Distinguished Conduct medal
o Mentioned i despatches ( 4 times)
o French Croix de Guerre
While waiting to come home from the war he attended Agricultural schools with his heart set on going back to the land once home. Finally in 1920 he was out of the army and had moved to Queensland, first to a property near Muckadilla, and then after his first marriage ended, and after a brief time in New Zealand, he and his new wife moved to a property near Richmond. He once joked that he was going to “teach his sheep to march in fours”
During World War II this great warrior left his station to re enlist and was made the commanding officer of the 26th Militia Battalion and for a time his second in command was another Queensland VC winner ( who will feature in next week’s article) Edgar Towner. It is doubtful any battalion in the Australian army has ever had a commanding officer and 2IC both with VC‘s to their name!
In 1943, after being deemed too old for the Army, Harry set up a Volunteer Defence Corps unit (similar to the home guard) described as “somewhere in Northern Australia”, to help defend the land should the Japanese invade.
Harry seldom attended Anzac Day services, but did go to the UK in 1956 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the VC inception. He also became something of a writer, providing articles for the RSL. In 1966, at 85 year of age Harry was involved in a car accident near Condamine, and he passed away in the Miles hospital. A book on his life was published in 2003, 37 years after his death, called “Mad Harry: Harry Murray, VC, CMG, DSO and Bar DCM C de G: Australia's most decorated soldier by George Franki and Clyde Slatyer.
Harry Murray never sought fame or fortune, he was a classic ordinary man thrust into extraordinary times, who rose to the occasion in magnificent fashion, with modesty and humility. A true Australian hero.
Lest we forget.
