Modern sailor’s landing at Gallipoli to honour family VC

On Thursday, 5 April 2018, Able Seaman Norman Cooper of Australia’s Federation Guard visited the Australian War Memorial to see medals and information on display that relate to the service of his relative, the late Lieutenant Colonel Henry ‘Harry’ William Murray, VC, CMG, DSO (and Bar), DCM (1880-1966).

CAPTION: Royal Australian Navy Able Seaman Norman Cooper with a picture of his ancestor, Henry William ‘Harry’ Murray, VC, CMG, DSO and Bar, DCM, at the Australian War Memorial before going to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day 2018. Photo by Leading Seaman Jake Badior.

Able Seaman Cooper now heads for Turkey as a member of Australia’s Federation Guard, to participate in ceremonial duties at the Gallipoli Dawn Service.

While mounted in the Catafalque Party, Able Seaman Cooper will reflect on the outstanding service of his relative, the late Lieutenant Colonel Henry Murray, and the service of all Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen who have served in all wars.

As a private in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), Henry Murray participated in the allied landing at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

During his service in Turkey, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and commissioned as an officer in the 13th Battalion, AIF.

He was then sent to France where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his work at Mouquet Farm and the Victoria Cross for his actions at Stormy Trench in 1917.

He earned a second DSO in Bullecourt.

During his time on the Western Front, Henry Murray was promoted through the ranks to lieutenant colonel, was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, was appointed Companion in the Order of St Michael and St George, and was described by war correspondent Charles Bean as “the most distinguished fighting officer of the AIF”.

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