Sjt 16857 Henry Daniel Murray

• Age: 25
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Wednesday 26th January 1916
• Commemorated at: Carnoy Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: O.12

Henry Daniel Murray was born on the 02nd December 1890 at 6 Salisbury Road, Walton, the eldest of five children born to Edward John Murray, a seaman, and his wife, Constance (née Murray). Edward John Murray aged 24 and Constance Murray aged 18 married on 26th February 1890 at St Mary’s Church, Walton and Henry was baptised on 19th April 1891 at the same church. 

In 1891, Constance, aged 19, married, is living at 6 Salisbury Road, Walton, with her baby son Henry Daniel, 4 months, and Daniel Murray, a 71 year old widower, described as a bootmaker, and listed as “grandfather”. Presumably Edward is away at sea. It is unclear whether Daniel is her grandfather, her husband’s or her son’s. 

In the 1901 Census the family are living at Bradshaw Lane, Grappenhall. Cheshire, father Edward is aged 35, a mariner born Liverpool, mother Constance is aged 29, born Tranmere, with four children - Henry D. aged 10, Jessie aged 8, Constance aged 5 and William aged 1 month. Henry and Jessie were born in Liverpool; Constance in Birkenhead; and William in Grappenhall. 

Henry Daniel Murray was born on the 2nd December 1890 at 6 Salisbury Rd, Walton, the eldest of five children born to Edward John Murray, a seaman, and his wife, Constance (née Murray). Edward John Murray aged 24 and Constance Murray aged 18 married on 26th February 1890 at St Mary’s Church, Walton and Henry was baptised on 19th April 1891 at the same church. 
 
By the time of the 1911 Census, Constance, aged 39. They advised that they had been married for 21 years, and have had 7 children, 5 of whom have survived. They live with her children at 60 Cresswell Street, Liverpool 6. Henry Daniel, a ship’s steward (White Star Line); Constance; William and her youngest child, Mary, born 1905 at Thelwall. 

At Christmas 1913 Henry sent a card home from Genoa, Italy whist aboard the “Cedric.” 

Henry enlisted at St George's Hall in Liverpool joining the 18th battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 16857. He gave his age as 23 years 275 days, his occupation as clerk and states that he has previously served with the 3^rd Cheshire Volunteers. He was described as being 5' 8” tall, weighed 140lbs, 40” chest, with fresh complexion, had hazel eyes and brown hair. He stated his religion as Church of England and next of kin as his father Edward, of 42 Cresswell Street, Everton. 

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

On 26th September 1914 he was promoted to Corporal and on 26^th January 1916 to Sergeant.

He was killed in action on 26^th January 1916, alongside his fellow Sergeant John Frederick Gell.

The only other death recorded for 26th January 1916 in the 18th Battalion was that of Sergeant 16857 Henry Daniel Murray and as such the validity of the report into the circumstances of there being four Sergeants killed is questionable. 

A report on Henry's death featured in the Liverpool Evening Express on 09th February 1916 and gave the following information:

"Intimation has been received of the death of Sergt. Murray of the 2nd City Batt,. King's (Liverpool Regiment) (Pals) who was killed by a bomb explosion in a dug-out on January 26th. Sergt. Murray, who was 25 years of age, was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Murray, 42 Cresswell Street, Everton. Prior to enlisting, he was engaged in the victualling department of the White Star Line on the Mediterranean service, the members of which will regret to hear of his sad end".  

He now rests at Carnoy Military Cemetery, France.

The cemetery was begun in August 1915, by the 2nd King's Own Scottish Borderers and the 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, when the village was immediately South of the British front line. It continued in use by troops holding this sector until July 1916, when Field Ambulances came up and a camp was established on the higher ground North of the village. It was closed in March 1917. From March to August 1918, it was in German hands, and German (and a few British) graves were made between the British graves and the entrance, and also in a German Cemetery alongside; but the German graves and the German Cemetery were removed in 1924.

There are now over 850, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 30 are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers and one airman from the United Kingdom, known or believed to be buried among them.

The cemetery covers an area of 4,441 square metres and is enclosed by a red brick wall.

Soldiers Effects, Army Pay of £6 5s 9d and War Gratuity of £8 10s to father Edward J., a gratuity to his “capacity half impaired” mother Constance, address now 5 Columbia Road, Walton Village. 

Personal effects returned included:- 1 disc, gold ring (H.M), fountain pen, cigar case, notebook, combination knife, clasp knife, wallet containing photos and papers, handkerchief, India rubber, service book, pencils, and packet of correspondence.

 Henry’s death was commemorated in the Liverpool Echo on the first anniversary of his death on 26th January 1917 

-  Roll of Honour -  

MURRAY – In ever loving memory of our dear brother Harry (Sergeant KLR) killed in France Jan 26 1916.  Jess, Connie, William and Mamie – 42 Cresswell Street, Everton 

MURRAY -  In ever loving memory of our friend Henry Murray (Sergeant KLR) kill in France Jan 26 1916 (Ever remembered by Mrs Watters, William and Robert – 99 Cresswell Street, Everton

Further notices were placed on the second anniversary of his death in the Liverpool Daily Post 28th January 1918

MURRAY - In loving memory of our dear son, Sergeant HARRY MURRAY (sergeant K.L.R.), killed in France, January 26th 1916. - Ever remembered and sadly missed by all at home.

MURRAY - In loving memory of Sergeant Harry Murray, killed in action, January 26th 1916 (Sans changer). (The memory of a love that has been cut short remains still fragrant now). - Nell and all at 99 Cresswell Street.

On the 1921 Census at Columbia Road, mother Constance is aged 54, father is not present, William is 20. Mary 16, and married daughter Constance Jones 26. 

By the 1939 Register Edward, dob 10th Nov 1865, and Constance, dob 26th June 1871, have moved to Lilac Bank, Hawarden Rd, Penyfford, nr Chester. 

His father Edward died aged 85 in Crosby in 1951, and mother died aged 84 in 1956 in Cheshire. 

Henry is also commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 27.

We currently have no further information on Henry Daniel Murray, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.