Murray, Alexander

Corporal Alexander Murray

(Tweedsmuir)

Machine Gun Corps.

1919.  June 11 (Wednesday).

At Sunderland Military Hospital, on 11th June, Alexander Murray, Corpl., M.G.C.,

eldest son of David and Isabella Murray, Bield Cottag'e, Tweedsmuir, and grandson

of the late William Potts, Peebles.

After a period of weakness and ill-health, following on wounds received in Prance

during the great struggle of March, 1918, Corporal Alex. Murray, died in Sunderland

War Hospital on Wednesday morning, June 11. Corporal Murray, who was in his 33rd

year, was the eldest son of Mr David Murray, roadman, Tweedsmuir. He was educated at Tweedsmuir School, and was afterwards apprenticed to the grocery trade, and on joining the army he was manager of the Maypole Dairy Company's branch at Portobello, a position in which he was held in high regard by his employers. He saw considerable service at home and abroad in the

Machine Gun Corps. Having been shot through the shoulder, he came home to recuperate, and though the wound healed, and he was apparently in his usual good health, he never fully recovered the use of his arm. An attack of influenza and pneumonia again laid him low, and finally after a time

meningitis supervened and carried him off.

There can be no doubt that this melancholy succession of ailments was directly traceable to the wound leceived more than a year since. Corporal Murray was an ideal soldier, of fine physique, and possessed of a singularly happy spirit, and he had many other admirable qualities befitting not only

the fearless man of war but also the successful cultivator of the arts of peace. He was much liked by the people of his native glen. Deep sympathy was felt for his parents, who had three sons serving during most of the war.

By the grace of God and the courage

Of our soldiers far and wide;

By the toil and sweat of those who lived.

And the blood of those who died;

We have won the fight, we have saved the right.

For the Lord was on our side.

We have come through the valley of shadows.

We have won to the light again.

We have smitten to earth the evil thing.

And our sons have proved them men.

But not alone by our might we have won.

For the Lord fought in our van.

Source: The Book of Remembrance for Tweeddale – Peebles Book 4 & 5 - Page 175 and 176

Name: MURRAY, ALEXANDER 

Initials: A

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Corporal

Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps

Date of Death: 11/06/1919

Service No: 55260

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: 623.

Cemetery: PEEBLES CEMETERY