| Place | Middle East: Ottoman Empire, Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli, Anzac Area (Gallipoli), Anzac Beaches Area, Gaba Tepe |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | OL00666.004 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Location | Main Bld: Hall of Valour: Main Hall: Somme to Hindenburg Line |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Distinguished Conduct Medal : Lance Corporal H W Murray, 16 Battalion, AIF
Description
Distinguished Conduct Medal (Geo V). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.
History / Summary
Henry William 'Harry' Murray holds a unique place in the history of the AIF. For his actions with the machine gun section of 16 Battalion on Gallipoli in May 1915 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). This was the first of many decorations that Murray would receive during his service with the AIF. During the course of the war he also received the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) (twice), appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, awarded the French Croix de Guerre and was Mentioned in Despatches four times.
The citation for the DCM reads:
'For distinguished service on several occasions from 9th to 31st May, 1915, during operations near Gabe Tepe (Dardenelles), when attached to the machine gun section. During this period he exhibited exceptional courage, energy and skill, and inflicted severe losses on the enemy, he himself being twice wounded.'
Murray was born at Evandale, Tasmania on 1 December 1880 and was working in Western Australia when he enlisted in the 16th Battalion as private soldier 315. Later commissioned in the 13th Battalion, by the end of the war he commanded the 4th Machine Gun Battalion and was more highly decorated than any other AIF soldier.
He settled in Queensland on his return to Australia and during the Second World War commanded the 26th Battalion and later the local Volunteer Defence Corps. Murray died in the Miles District Hospital on 7 January 1966.
Murray's DCM is preceded by the Victoria Cross and DSO and Bar, and is accompanied by service medals for the First and Second World Wars, coronation medals for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and the French Croix de Guerre. The medals are on loan from the direct descendants of Harry Murray.