Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Patrick Percy MURPHY, Hill Crest North Road, Ryde, NSW

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally led a small party to clear some enemy snipers from the shell holes in which they had posted themselves, and whence they were directing an effective fire on our men. During the organization of the counter attack, this W.O. was of the greatest assistance to his officers, and rendered very valuable service in keeping up the supply of small arm ammunition and grenades, exposing himself regardless of danger under severe shell and machine gun fire. He set a very fine example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

A soldier with a fine record passed quietly away at 4.30 o'clock on Wednesday morning, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Orange, in the person of Lieut. Joseph Henry Murphy, D.C.M.,  aged 35 years, after a lengthy period of illhealth, contributed to by the effects of war service covering four and a-half years. Bright's disease was the cause of death. His parents  came to Orange about 20 years ago, when his father was appointed warrant officer here. He joined them a year later, on leaving college in Sydney, and entered the employ of Mr.  L. A. Lane, solicitor as a junior clerk. He showed con spicuous ability, and it was not long before he was raised to the rank of managing clerk. When the call came for recruits in  1914, he was amongst the first to enlist, and left Australia as a sergeant for the Colonial camp at Egypt, where on account or his exceptional clerical abilities, he was detained for  office duties. However, his was the spirit or a dinkum digger, and, when he saw his chance, he left his minor occupation, well away from the sound of batlle, and went without  leave to Gallipoli. Here he fought in several engagements, but was finally located and escorted back to Egypt. This was most galling to him, and he took the first opportunity of  being transferred to his old regiment in France, where he remained till the signing of the Armistice. It was here that he became very ill, and on one eventful night the nurses drew the screens around him, and the doctor in charge subsequently reported him as dead. A cable was dispatched to that effect to his parents. However, he was still alive on the  following morning. He left hospital before he should have done so, and shortly afterwards was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The official document, issued in  connection with that distinction, read as follows:—"His Majesty the King has been pleased to award the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:— No. 799, Company Sergeant-Major J. H. Murphy, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He personally led a small party to clear some  enemy snipers from the shell-holes in which they had posted themselves, and whence they were directing an effective fire on our men. During the organisation of the counter-attack, this W.O. was of the greatest assistance to his officers, and rendered very valuable service in keeping up the supply of small arm ammunition and grenades, exposing  himself to of danger under severe shell and machine-gun fire. He a very fine example to his men. For this act his comrades maintained that he was really deserving of the Victoria Cross. In addition he was later mentioned in dispatches on three occasions. Towards the end of the war he was made a lieutenant and, after the signing of the Armistice was  retained in France for special service.

He returned to Orange in 1920, and three days after landing was back in his old position with Mr. L. A. Lane. iIn 1922 his health failed, and he was obliged to give up office life. He then went into the hotelkeeping business at Wagga, and later at Teralba, where he remained until the latter end of 1924, when he again resumed duties with Mr. Lane. Health  once more failed him, after about twelve months, and he was forced to take another rest. Only a few months ago he went to Nyngan, where he engaged the law practice of the  late Mr. O. D. Hughes, until the beginning of February. From then on his condition became critical, and despite the best of medical attention, he passed away as stated. His mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Murphy, are now residing in Armidale, where the latter is area officer. Four brothers, Eric, Cyril, Len and Jim, and one sister Eileen, survive him. Much sympathy goes out for his widow, who was formerly Mrs. Perrottet. Deceased won a great deal of respect and admiration by his straight forwardness and integrity in business  matters, and his expedition and thoroughness always gained for him the highest praise from Mr. Lane. His manner of speech was ever candid, even to the degree of bluntness, he  was a true friend, with a happy disposition, and one who could put life into any company. Possessed of a keen sense of humor, he bore discomfort and suffering without  complaint. His remains were accorded a military funeral on Wednesday, the interment taking place in the R.C. section of the Orange Cemetery, the gathering at the graveside being representative of professional, commercial and military circles. 

Late Lieut. Murphy, D.C.M.
GALLANT SOLDIER'S DEATH
Particularly sad features are associated with the death at Orange of Lieut. Joseph Henry Murphy, son of Warrant-Officer and Mrs." Murphy, of Armidale. The late Lieut. Murphy, who was 34 years of age. He was born at Glen Innes, and matriculated at Holy Cross College, Ryde, in 1908. In that year he was articled to Messrs. Lane and Co., solicitors, of  Orange. Five years later he passed his final examination, and assumed control of that firm's office. In February 1915, he volunteered for active service, and served in Egypt,  Gallipoli, France, and Belgium. He won the D.C.M. at Villiers-Brettenaux and was thrice men tioned in despatches for bravery on the field. On one occasion he was reported to his  parents at Armidale as dead. On return to Australia he took up his old position at Orange, and about twelve months ago purchased a practice at Nyngau. He became ill, and was  ordered to Orange Hospital, where he was treated hy several eminent doctors. It is a coincidence that the solicitor whose practice the late Lieutenant Murphy bought died a few  months ago. Efforts were being made to get Lieut. Murphy to Armidale where he could recuperate, but in the end medical opinion was against the long journey. Much sympathy is  felt for his sorrowing parents. He leaves a widow, but no fam ily. His brothers are Eric (Partes), James (Armidale), Leonard (Werris Creek), and his sister Eileen (Armidale). The  funeral took place at Orange on Wednesday afternoon, when the deceased was buried with full military honours.