Canada, CEF. A First War Medal Group to Pte. F. Murray, 8th Infantry, KIA in 1915

A 1914-15 Star, bronze, full size, reverse impressed A22118 PTE. F.C. MURRAY. 8/CAN: INF:, replacement ribbon, light wear to obverse, very fine

A British War Medal, silver, full size, rim impressed 422118 PTE. F.C. MURRAY. 8-CAN. INF., replacement ribbon, lovely patina, light contact, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 422118 PTE. F.C. MURRAY. 8-CAN. INF., replacement ribbon, light wear, very fine. 

A 44th Infantry Battalion Cap Badge, pickled brass, two lugs on the reverse, measures 35.0 mm (w) x 42.6 mm (h), light wear, very fine. 

Footnote: Frederick Charles Murray was born in Kircaldy, Scotland in 1890. He was employed as a carriage painter, and had two months experience with the 34th Fort Garry. He enlisted with the 44th Battalion in Winnipeg on April 8, 1915 at the age of 25. 

He was taken on strength in June 1915 at Shorncliffe, and transferred to the 8th battalion at the end of July. Pte Murray was reported killed in action on December 19, 1915. 

A newspaper clipping states: 

“Mystery regarding fate of kirk caldy canadian. Mrs. Murray, 14 Thistle Street, Kirkcaldy, has received information from the Canadian Record Office that her son, Private Fred. C. Murray, 8th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, was killed in action on 19th December. About a fortnight ago Mrs Murray received two letters from her soldier son, both dated 20th December., in one of which he states that he had received a slight wound on the previous day whilst going out to meet a scouting party. Private Murray, who enlisted at the commencement of the war, went to Canada four years ago, and prior to enlistment was employed as a traveller for a biscuit manufacturing company. He served his apprenticeship as a coach painter with Messrs. A. Dowie and Sons, Townsend Place, Kirkcaldy, and was very well known in the town.”