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John Lancelot Murray - Information

John, known as Lance, was born on the 7th of December in 1887 in Animbo, NSW to John and Margaret Murray. When the First World War commenced, Lance was living at 342 Highett St in Richmond, Victoria and working as a fireman and greaser. At the time, Lance’s parents were residing in Campbelltown. Lance then decided to enlist in the military, signing up in Melbourne on the 16th of April 1915. Lance joined the Royal Australian Navy as an Able Seaman Driver, as a part of the Bridging Train. He embarked Melbourne on the HMAT Port Macquarie on the 4th of June 1915 for war service.

Lance arrived at Lemnos Island on the 21st of July, and was transported for duty in the Dardanelles. The Bridging Trains were at the core of logistics for the Gallipoli Campaign. They were responsible for the transportation of men, arms, materials and equipment through the development of piers and wharves. At Suvla Bay, Lance was slightly wounded by a shell fragment on the 31st of August. After receiving treatment, he was detached for duty on Tug Daphne. At the time, Tug Daphne was being taken to Mudros on Lemnos Island from Suvla for repairs. After completing his duty at Suvla, Lance rejoined his unit at Mudros in mid December. From there, Lance’s unit was transported to Alexandria in January 1916. The Bridging Train units were demobilised, and Lance was sent to Australia on the Bulla from Suez. He reunited with his family in Campbelltown, and received his discharge papers on the 22nd of July 1917. Four days later, the Local Lad’s Committee gave Lance a welcome home party at the Town Hall with a fancy supper and entertainment.