Private Thomas Johnston McMurray

 

Thomas Johnston McMurray was born on 8 July 1892 at Carnaght, Ballymena, County Antrim, the first of twelve children of labourer (later farmer) Samuel McMurray and his wife Martha (née Johnston). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at nearby Tannybrake, Kells, with his parents and nine siblings, and working as a general labourer.

McMurray enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Ballymena on 13 August 1915 (No. UD/277). On 6 October 1915 the squadron embarked for France, serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division. McMurray, however, remained at the squadron's reserve camp at Enniskillen.

On 24 April 1917 he embarked for France with ten other men of the squadron, to be transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry). Unlike the others, however, it appears that McMurray's transfer did not go ahead, and he was sent to join the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron in the field.

In June 1916 the Inniskilling squadron had joined with C and F Squadrons of the North Irish Horse to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to X Corps. In September 1917 the 2nd NIH Regiment was disbanded and its men were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry battalion. Most, including McMurray, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt soon after. McMurray was issued regimental number 41164 and posted to B Company.

He saw action during the Battle of Cambrai from 22 November. On 15 December he was wounded in the thigh. The battalion diary for that day reported:

South of Marcoing. Battalion in the line. D Company relieved B Company in the outpost line. One Officer 2nd Lieutenant Bray and three Other Ranks casualties.

McMurray was evacuated to England on 20 December and was treated in the Clopton War Hospital, Stratford-on-Avon. On 18 March 1918 he was posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was transferred to The Royal Irish Regiment (No.3547) on 20 April and posted to the 2nd (Home Service) Garrison Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. He subsequently returned to France with the battalion, which had been redesignated the 8th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment.

McMurray returned to the UK on 22 March 1919 and on 20 April was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve. His military character was recorded as 'very good'.

 

Two of McMurray's brothers also served in the war. Lance Corporal George McMurray, 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (No.19120) was killed in action on the Somme on 1 July 1916. Private James McMurray (No.19121) also served in the 12th Battalion.

 

This page last updated 19 July 2023.