John Murray

He charged a rifle pit and rescued a wounded fellow soldier.

John Murray was born at Birr, King's County, Ireland, about 1831. He enlisted in the 68th Regiment of Foot in February 1852 and soon became a corporal. His service in the Crimean War earned four clasps to the Crimea Medal. The regiment subsequently spent several years on garrison duty in Burma, where Murray was promoted sergeant in 1860.

In January 1864 the 68th arrived in New Zealand. Murray was present at the failed attack on Gate Pā in April. At Te Ranga, near Tauranga, on 21 June, he took part in the assault on the Māori defensive position. The Victoria Cross citation credited him with exceptional courage in charging a rifle pit and fighting at close quarters. He also went to the aid of a wounded comrade, Corporal John Byrne, helping to bring him away from danger.

His Victoria Cross was gazetted in November 1864. Brigadier-General Richard Waddy presented it at Wanganui in December 1865. The New Zealand Medal joined his Crimean awards, and his long regular service was recognized by the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Murray transferred to the 2nd North Durham Militia in 1872 and left the Army in February 1873 after twenty-one years' service. He returned to Ireland and, as his health declined, lived with his sister at Derrinlough near Birr. He died there in April 1911 and was buried at Eglish. His medals remained together as a group linking his early service in the Crimea with the later New Zealand campaign and the long professional career between them.

Victoria Cross citation excerpt

“for his distinguished conduct”