Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Great War D.S.O. group of six awarded to Major J. T. C. Murray, Black Watch (The Royal Highlanders)

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, in its Garrard & Co. case of issue; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, S.A. 1901, S.A. 1902 (Capt., Rl. Highrs.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1908 (Captn., 2nd Bn. The Black Watch); 1914 Star, with Mons clasp (Mjr., R.Highrs.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Major) together with Bronze Memorial Plaque (James Thomas Crockatt Murray) in its card case of issue, the Q.S.A. and I.G.S. with minor contact marks and edge bruising, otherwise nearly extremely fine, the I.G.S. extremely rare, one of only 3 to the regiment (7)

D.S.O. London Gazette 18 February 1915.

M.I.D. London Gazette 19 October 1914.

Major James Thomas Crockatt Murray, D.S.O., was born in July 1873, a native of Hove, Brighton. He entered the army as a Second Lieutenant in the Black Watch, October 1893; promoted Lieutenant in April 1898 and Captain in February 1901. He first saw active service in the South African War and, in 1908, was involved in the fighting on the North West Frontier of India, being one of just three members of his regiment to be so engaged. He was promoted Major in February 1911. In 1912 the regiment was given the honour of furnishing the Guard of Honour for their Majesties, while at Balmoral, from 24 August to 9 October and Major Murray was given command of this Royal Guard. Much mention is given to the events at Balmoral at this time and Major Murray is mentioned and photographed many times in the Black Watch Chronicle, including a picture of him fishing on the Balmoral Estate.

Major Murray served in France from the outbreak of the Great War (D.S.O. and M.I.D.) and was present at the retreat from Mons. He assumed command of the 1st Battalion in September 1914 and was severely wounded at Ypres on the 1st November 1914, when the enemy scored a direct hit on the cottage in which he was sleeping. He was thrown across the floor, wounded on the forehead and blinded for two days by the effects of the brick dust. Fourteen weeks later on 16 February 1915, he was accidentally killed by the premature explosion of a fuse when at experimental bomb throwing. Major Murray is buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, France. Sold with detailed research and several copied photographs.