Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Murray Family History
James Thomas Crockatt Murray was born on 25th July 1873 in Edinburgh.
He was the son of David, born about 1843, and Elizabeth (nee Eyre) born about 1836 in Leith, Scotland. The couple married on 8th December 1870 in Edinburgh. James had a sister called Eleanor Etme Murray born about 1878 in Edinburgh.
At the time of the 1891 Scottish Census, 17 year old James and his family lived at Inshes House, Inverness, Scotland: a country house, a plain three storey ‘mansion’.
By the time of the 1901 census James’ mother Elizabeth was widowed and living with her daughter Eleanor in Harrow Road West at Dorking. Both women were living on their own means and employed a cook and a house/table maid.
At the time of the 1911 Census, both women were living in an 11 room house at Upland, Harrow Road West, Dorking with two servants. On 4th December 1914 James’ mother died. At the time of her death she lived in Fernside, Harrow Road, Dorking. Her daughter Eleanor received effects of £471.15s. 2d. Eleanor married Frederick Hugh Collingridge in Sussex in 1922.
Military History
James Thomas Crockatt Murray was part of the 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).
‘He was gazetted second lieutenant on 21st of October, 1893; first lieutenant on 1st April, 1896; captain on 16th February, 1901 and Major on 25th February, 1911. He was adjutant of the Territorial Force from 23rd January, 1910, to 15th February, 1911. He took part in the operations in the Orange River Colony from December, 1901, to May, 1902, and received the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. He was also engaged in operations on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, and received a medal with clasp.’ (19 Oct 1914 Dundee Evening Telegraph, Scotland)
On the 14th of August 1914, the 1st Battalion the Black Watch landed at Le Havre in France.
HIGHLAND OFFICERS MENTIONED
In Despatches
Major James Thomas Crokatt Murray, 1st Black Watch, was born on 25th July 1872. He was gazetted second lieutenant on 21st October 1873; first lieutenant on 1st April 1896; captain on 16th February 1901; and major on 25th February 1911. He was adjutant of the Territorial Forces from 23rd January 1910, to the 15th February 1911. He took part in the operations in the Orange River Colony from December, 1901 to May 1902 and received the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. He also was engaged in operations on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, and received a medal with clasp.
In October 1914 Major James Thomas Crockatt Murray was mentioned in dispatches. (19th Oct 1914 Dundee Evening Telegraph, Scotland)
Major Murray died of wounds in France on the 16th of February 1915. He was 42 years old.
DEATH OF MAJOR J.T.C. MURRAY – TWICE WOUNDED AT THE FRONT
Major James Thomas Crockett Murray of the Black Watch, was well known in Dorking, where his mother resided in Harrow Road West, until her decease a few months ago. Major Murray was wounded in the head in the early stages of the war by shrapnel, and was invalided home. He paid a short visit to Dorking, and then, we believe proceeded to Scotland, where he rendered good service in training Kitchener’s Army. He subsequently applied to be again sent to the Front and his death is now recorded. Major Murray was born in 1873, and received his appointment in the Royal Highlanders in October 1893. He was promoted to Captain in February, 1901 and obtained his majority four years ago. During the Boer War he bore a part in the operations in Orange River Colony, and was awarded the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. He received mention in Sir John French’s despatch of October 8th last.
27th Feb 1915 Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser
THE LATE MAJOR MURRAY – Black Watch
Reference to Major Murray’s death was made at St. Paul’s church on Sunday evening by the Rev. J. Blennerhassett West. Major Murray, he said, was one of their parishioners, a seat holder and regular worshipper at St. Paul’s when he was home at Dorking. He (the preacher) had seen a good deal of Major Murray when he was home wounded last November: he was in every sense a man – a true type of a British officer, and above all a God-fearing man, ever conscious of the Divine presence. The death of such a man made us realise our own unworthiness – we who were doing so very little for our country and less for our God. Major James Murray died as true a martyr’s death as did those who perished of old at the stake – died for his country and he believed for his God. The sympathies of the congregation and people must go out to Miss Murray in her sad loss. The “Dead March” in “Saul” was played at the close of the service.
27th Feb 1915 Dorking and Leatherhead Advertiser
Major Murray is buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery Extension in France, grave reference C.2. Lillers was used for billet and headquarter offices from August 1914.
The King awarded Major Murray a Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.). The medal given to officers for distinguished service during the WW1. (25th Mar 1915 Dundee Courier, Scotland)
Major Murray was also awarded the British, Victory and the 1914 Star medals.
Probate; which took place on 31st March 1915; was £6653. 12 s was given to his sister Eleanor.
Eleanor also received soldier’s effects of £6, 6s in 1916 and a further £60 on the 26th of August 1919.
Major Murray is commemorated on Dorking, South Street Memorial and on the memorial in St Martin’s Church in Dorking.
His headstone at Lillers Cemetery, chosen by his sister reads: ‘From his Little Lassie – I Will Give Thee – the Crown of Life’.
| Born | Edinburgh, Scotland | |
| Son of | David and Elizabeth Murray | |
| Brother of | Eleanor Etme Murray | |
| Regiment | 1st Battalion. Black Watch. Royal Highlanders | |
| Date of Death | 16th February 1915 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Accidentally killed | |
| Age | 41 | |
| Cemetery | Lillers Communal Cemetery Extension, France |
