William Charles Murray

Rank:

Sergeant

Regimental number:

772106

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Wounded:

Yes

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Greater London

Birth city:

London, Islington

Address at enlistment:

216 Park Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

216 Park Avenue, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Actor

Employer:

Massey-Harris Co.

Religious denominations:

Presbyterian

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX July 13, 1916

125th Won High Praise in Review – Sir Sam Hughes Paid High Compliment to the Brant Battalion – The Direct Nuisance – Sand and Dust are Ankle-Deep and With Twenty Battalions Marching the Men’s Lungs Get Choked Up

July 11, 1916
Camp Borden

I was not able to see you before we left so I thought I would drop you a line. Well, believe me this is some camp. About 40,000 troops are stationed and more to come in yet. I suppose you heard about the big riot which happened last night. The bunch from London started it. They were sore because they were moved from their own camp at London, which they claim is better than this. Well I think it ought to be. We have to march to the ceremonial ground a distance of about two miles from the camp, and the sand and dust here are ankle deep. The heat is fierce and by the time we reach the drill ground we are thick with dust. We look like a bunch of stokers in the navy instead of soldiers. The sweat rolls off one and with about 20 battalions in front of you kicking up the dust you can hardly see those marching ahead of you for the dust. The stuff gets into our nose and lungs until it almost chokes you.

On Monday when we rehearsed, the big review orders were given by Brigadier-General Logie that the men were not to carry water bottles, and believe me out in all that open ground and the sun striking down on you, you needed all the water you could get to wash your lungs out. As a result about 20 men out of every battalion were knocked out by the heat. The Red Cross was kept busy. The result, I think, has ended in quite a few in the hospital. The riot occurred over that. So today when we were inspected by Sir Sam Hughes they allowed us our water bottles, and only a few dropped out. Believe me she is a corker. The camp, I believe is 20 miles long. The rifle ranges are about two miles long and the trenches about a mile. They intend a battalion to stay in the trenches 4 days at a time so as to get them up to a finish.

The 125th has been highly complimented on its appearance and marching by Sir Sam Hughes. When we marched past him today I heard him say (I happened to be on the end of A. Company line) “Not a break in the line. Who are those men?” General Logie said “the 125th.” When he rode past after getting acquainted with the colonel he came past A. Company and stopped next to Lieut. Preston and said “haven’t I seen you before.” Mr. Preston said “No sir.” Sir Sam Hughes asked who he was. They are tickled with us. Gen. Logie himself said on Monday we were a fine looking bunch. We heard a rumor we were highly recommended for overseas.

Yours truly,
Lc.-Corp. W.C. Murray
125th Overseas Battalion
Third Brigade

BX September 6, 1916

The Voyage Over

The following interesting letter telling of the trip across the Atlantic has been received from Lance-Corp. W.C. Murray, formerly a vaudeville artist, now with the 125th Brants.

August 20, 1916
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, Eng.

Just a few lines to say we arrived safely in old England. We had quite a pleasant trip across “the briny.” The only incident which marred the trip was the death of a member of one of the other battalions on one of the troop ships. There were four boatloads of troops in all. We were escorted by warships. The weather was fine and the sea behaved itself. A few of the boys were down with seasickness. We sailed from Halifax after we had lain over in the harbor for two days waiting for the other troopships to come in and load up. There were about 8000 troops in all. The boys all enjoyed the trip, life on board being well spent with the help of our hard-working chaplain, Capt. Lavell, who had charge of sports and concerts. Capt. Lavell was right there when it comes to looking after the comfort of the boys, both at Borden Camp and on board the ship. He is a hard worker and was the means of putting some life into the monotony and dullness on board ship.

There is one face the boys of A Co. misses, in the person of Major Shultis, who we were forced to leave behind. The boys miss his voice. Although he is not with us now he made soldiers out of us and we still feel his spirit is hovering around us yet. We could see at the parting at Camp Borden when he said good bye to us that he felt pretty badly at seeing us leave and not being able to lead his own boys, whom he had trained and made soldiers out of into the firing line. He has a warm place in our hearts yet. I am speaking for the boys of A Co.

We arrived in Liverpool Friday afternoon, Aug. 18 and entrained the same evening for camp, when we arrived early Saturday morning. The camp is situated in a pretty spot of England – hills on all sides, but we are not entirely blotted out from civilization. There are a few English villages near the camp and our boys are well treated there. There is a hospital and I understand there are a lot of wounded Canadians there, but I have not been there and could not say whether any Brantford boys were in it.

I saw a few of the 84th in camp here. Some of them are in France and others are with the 75th and the base in camp here. I saw a few of the Brantford boys in camp here. We have not started in to work yet, but I think we are waiting for the other battalions to arrive to form the new division which is to be formed here and to be called the fifth Canadian division. Whether we are to be kept as a unit or broken up to strengthen other battalions I am not in a position to state yet, but it’s according to the will of the authorities here I suppose. It seems hard for a fellow after being in his own battalion and making pals and getting to know one another to have the battalion broken up and be drafted among new faces.

The boys are beginning to settle down. We sleep in huts large enough to accommodate 50 men. Today is Sunday and the boys are all busy writing news home. We get no Canadian papers here and we hope some kind people in Brantford will think of their own county boys here and how much they will appreciate books and papers with news from home. Letters and news from Brantford will be appreciated by the boys here, so drop a line when you find time between work.

No. 772106 Lance-Corporal W.C. Murray,
No. 3 Platoon, A. Co.,
125th Batt., C.E.F.
Bramshott Camp,
Hants, Eng.

BX September 18, 1916

Freddie Williams Broke His Ankle – Local Boxer and Harry Van Fleet Are Convalescing in Old London – 125th on Leave – Interesting Letter From Member of Brant Battalion Tells of Happenings There While he was on Leave From Bramshott – Saw Damage Wreaked by the Zeppelins recently

Freddie Williams, champion light weight boxer of Canada, Brantford boy who was with the artillery in France, and Harry Van Fleet of the 4th Battalion, are among the Brantford boys who are convalescing in Old London. An interesting letter has been received by The Expositor from Lance-Corp W.C. Murray of the 125th Battalion, who had just returned after six days’ leave, which he spent in London, and while there he ran across these two Brantford soldiers. Freddie broke his ankle while on active service, while Harry Van Fleet is convalescing. Lance-Corp. Murray writes as follows:

September 2, 1916
Bramshott Camp, Hants,
England

How is the old town looking these days? I heard that the 215th had gone to camp. The town must look out of place without the familiar khaki, and without hearing a bugle blow. The boys here have just had their six days’ leave. Quite a few had friends or relatives in England. A few went to London, myself among them, it certainly is some town. There are many interesting places to visit, and the soldiers are allowed every privilege. Amongst the sights which the boys took in were the Houses of Parliament on the Thames, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and other historical sights.

At night London is dark about 9 p.m. It is most interesting to watch the searchlights flash over the sky in search of hostile aircraft. While we were there London was visited by Zepps. A few of us went down to see the damage done.

While in London I met two of the Brantford boys of the First Contingent. Freddie Williams, one of our local boxers, who is with the artillery out in France, and who is at present convalescing from a broken ankle, and Harry Van Fleet, who is with the 4th Battalion, and who is convalescing in London. They wished to be remembered to their friends in Brantford.

London at present is full of soldiers. Mostly Colonials – Canadians, Australians and South Africans. Here hospitals are filled with wounded. All day long the Red Cross ambulances are bringing in fresh wounded from the big drive in France. There are some sad sights to see in London. Where we are it is only 150 miles from the front – a few hours’ journey – and a fellow realizes he is near the real thing.

They are beginning to work us hard in camp here, night route marches and spells of four days in the trenches. The weather here is not like the Canadian climate. It has been doing nothing but rain since we landed in camp. We once kicked about Camp Borden and its sand, but the English mud has it beaten a mile.

More Canadian battalions are arriving in camp here. The 120th of Hamilton is with our division, the 124th Pals of Toronto, the 110th, 134th, 123rd, 109th, 112th and 121st are all here. The camp is beginning to form up the new division to be commanded by Sir Archibald Hunter. At present the boys are feeling fine, and they wish to be remembered to their friends in Brantford. From what I hear there is going to be something doing, but I am not in a position to state what at present. Compliments to my Brantford friends.

Yours sincerely,
Lance-Corp. W.C. Murray,
“A” Company, 125th Batt.
Bramshott Camp

BX March 5, 1917

War Will Likely Not Last Very Long – Acting-Corp. W.C. Murray Writes Home A Cheerful Letter

A member of The Expositor Staff has receive the following letter from Acting Corp. William Charles Murray formerly of the 125th now of the 1st Canadian entrenching battalion, Canadian Light Railway Corp, C.E.F.

February 6, 1917
France

Just a few short lines to let you know I am still in the land of the living and in the best of spirits, I have a copy of the Christmas Expositor which is certainly a piece of good work. It has been going the rounds of the Brantford boys here who were not fortunate in getting one. It makes one feel homesick to see the old battalion’s pictures and look backward on those days of training and the friends we miss. Well, let’s hope we will be amongst them again soon. The war is on its last lap. The boys have Fritz worried to death. They never give him any peace, with occasional raids which you hear about on the papers and official reports. The Canadians are famous for their bombing raids into Fritz’s lines which keeps Fritz on edge. Our boys think nothing of getting over the top and facing Fritz’s machine gun and into his front lines, and inviting Fritz out of his dugouts with the influence of a little hand bomb which Fritz has learned to respect. His devilish tricks of warfare count as nil with our fellows. They have him beat 40 different ways at whatever new stunt he cares to put over. Our artillery is superior for every one shell he sends over they give him a present of a dozen which quiets him for a while. Also in the air we have him beat. On a clear day when Fritz gets gay and soars over our lines our boys are right after his tail and it soon gets too hot for Fritz and he beats it back to his beloved fatherland. Well the war won’t last long. We have some surprises in store for Fritz which will make him say more than “mercy kamerard, kamerad.”

I have a fairly good job. I am located behind the lines and at night I go up into the line in charge of a mule train with rations and supplies for the troops in the trenches. Winter has set in good and hard, with snow in some places a foot deep. In some parts of France it is eight below zero, which is going some for Sunny France. It is claimed to be the severest winter France has had for some years and the coldest winter the British troops have had since their landing here. It puts one in remind of a good old Canadian winter with the exception that we miss the jingle of the sleigh bell with its tuneful music. The draft from the 125th had had a few casualties in killed and wounded. I have not had a chance to see much of the Brantford boys with the different battalions, and they are farther down the line. I saw some talk in the papers from home about the Christmas parcels which were sent out from England from the 125th to the boys of the draft and which was graciously given by the people of Brantford. The boys in the line have yet to receive their share which I might add is better than it was, or whether the battalion in England forgot about us out here and enjoyed themselves there.

New from home, thanks to the betterment of the mail service, is coming regularly to the boys here – Expositors and other Brantford papers, to keep the boys in touch with home. I see Mayor Bowlby has been re-elected again. What new stunt or performs has he in mind for Brantford this term of office? I also notice the 215th is active again in their efforts at recruiting up to strength. Let’s hope they succeed and Brantford can add one more triumph to her laurels and keep up the reputation that Brant Count’s sons did not hesitate in their share. We have just received news that the United States has declared war on Germany. Let’ hope Uncle Sam has come to his right state of mind and help to bring the war to a quick finish. Well, I must close my letter hoping this finds you in the best of spirits. Remember me to my Brantford friends and I would be glad to hear from them at all times. News from home is music to the ears. I remain.

Sincerely yours,

Corporal Wm. Murray

BX April 17, 1917

Appeals to Men to Fill Up 215th – Member, First Brant County Battalion Calls on the Eligibles Here

From Somewhere in France a member of the First Brant County Battalion sends an urgent plea to the eligibles of Brant County to rally behind the 215th Battalion, as there is still work to be done at the front. The letter was received by Capt. “Duff” Slemin from Corp. W.C. Murray as follows:

“Excuse this liberty I am taking in writing these lines. You remember no doubt my being in your N.C.O. class in the First Brant Battalion and still remember the hard knocks and peculiarities which was confessed by the O.C. of the class at that time to his habit of teaching. I was one of the pupils, so excuse my familiarity in expressing myself in that manner. I am sorry to know that the Second Brants are having a tough time in reaching the required strength. What seems to be the trouble with the eligibles still left in Brantford? I think there could still be a little weeding done yet in the stores and banks, and a hunting out of those who think more of staying at home than helping to keep up the reputation of Brant County and her sons who have gone before and given the best that was in them. The least they can do is to come forward and fill in the leakage in the 215th, so that the Second Brant Battalion can say that she was in at the finish. Believe me, Fritz has still a little fight left in him yet and it’s up to those at home who can and are lacking in the courage to pull themselves together and get into line with the rest of the boys. If they were In England and could see how the women folks are doing their bit it would open their eyes. It’s wonderful, I believe myself, when it comes down to the fine point as far as regards courage and pluck, and some of the women have it on the men. Why can’t they allow girls and women to come forward and do their bit in munitions work and other branches of male labor in Brantford? I know they would only be too eager to come forward and show themselves capable of shouldering part of the burden of the Empire and help release at least a large amount of eligibles. I believe the 215th would attain their object in no time. Well, let’s hope that Brantford can keep up her reputation and honor roll that she has in the share of the Empire’s burden.”

BX June 1, 1917

Three Brantford Men Hit By Shell – Lance-Corp. W.C. Murray Tells Graphically of His Wounding

“A shell burst in the trench amongst five of us and covered us with dirt and dust. When I pulled myself together I found I was hit. Three other Brantford fellows also got wounds from the same shell.” This is the way Lance-Corp. W. Murray, who is now in a hospital in France, describes his wounding in the right knee by shrapnel on May 4, in a letter to his mother, Mrs. C. Murray, 216 Park Avenue. He is now quite well, he reports.

Of the battle during which he was wounded he further says:

I expected to get hit every minute, as Fritz had been shelling us all day and knocking our trench to pieces. We had to sit there and get all the cover we could by digging a hole in the side of the trench and lying in it and getting it blown in on us every once in a while. For 48 hours we went without rations and water. All we got was a good issue of rum. We had to be on the lookout as the Germans were counter-attacking us in mass formation, but they never reached our trenches, for we mowed them down with rifle and machine gun fire.

My first experience of going over the top I will always remember. We got mixed up in our own artillery barrage and the Germans’ barrage and you couldn’t see where you were going for shell smoke and dust every now and again, I would fall into a shell hole, not seeing where I was going, fellows were dropping right and left of me, but I seemed to still keep going. I was in the bombing section, and a shell burst right in amongst us, leaving only the officer and myself to make the best we could of it. My officer got killed along with my platoon Sergeant (Sergt. Young, a Brantford boy from Echo Place, who was a splendid fellow) by a shell later in the day, after we had gained the town and were strengthening our position. We lost pretty nearly all our officers and men after we had started to dig in.

Well, thank Heaven I am out of it for a little while. It’s a joy to be able to get under the white sheets and enjoy a good square meal again. I don’t know how long I will be kept in the hospital.

BX June 15, 1917

Brantford Men In the Big Rush For Vimy Ridge – Pte. William Charles Murray Tells of his Experience in the Capture of Fresnoy – Had Knee Smashed

Private W.C. Murray a Brantford boy now in the Huddersfield (York) War Hospital writes to a friend here:

A few lines to let you know I am still alive and kicking by the above address you will notice I am back in dear old “Blighty,” as the chaps in the trenches christen it. I was hit in the right knee May 4th by shrapnel – a nice clean little wound. I was in Boulogne, France, for two weeks in one of the hospitals there and then they decided to ship me across the channel. Believe me I was one of the happiest guys on earth when I found out their decision. By the way, I also met a Brantford girl who is nursing in Boulogne and it felt like being back home again. The Canadians have been in the thick of the fighting since the great affray of April 9 when they captured the impregnable position of Vimy Ridge and have furthered the advance since then. Quite a few Brantford fellows have done their share in the big push and a few I regret to say have paid the supreme sacrifice. Brantford has a few more heroes to remember and honor who have helped to keep up the glorious reputation that Brantford now holds. May she never forget them. I will endeavor to give you my experience of over the top. On the night of May 2nd the company had moved up into the support trench about 1.30 am. My 3rd we moved up towards the front line and dug ourselves in and waited till the hour of 3.30 should arrive, as that was our time we were scheduled to go over. All this time Fritz was shelling pretty heavy and got quite a few of our fellows. At last after the suspense of waiting, the time came for us to go over. Our artillery barrage started and over we went at the same time as our artillery barrage started. Fritz took it into his head to start his artillery working as if he was wise and had an idea we were coming over to attack so we were between two fires. I was in the bombing section of the platoon and when you are loaded up with a dozen bombs, a spade on your back, and a rifle and bayonet you have to go some to keep up. It’s no joke, believe me. A fellow had to pick his way through the smoke and dust. As the shells struck the dry earth they kicked up a cloud of dust which mingled with the shell smoke, was like going through a fog. Every once in a while you could hear the groans of those who were hit. We had gone over about 100 yards when a shell burst right in between the section of bombers and left only the officer, another chap and myself to carry on. Before there had been 10 of us. After we had gained our objective, which was the town of Fresnoy and the woods, we started to dig in and consolidate our new position. By this time the German prisoners were coming in pretty thick. They had surrendered in bunches and a few were set to work to carry our wounded chaps.

When we had entrenched ourselves ready for Fritz we could see him in the distance massing for a counter-attack to retake what he had lost. Word was soon passed down the trench that Fritz was coming. We could see him coming down the slope about 800 yards away in about a dozen waves. We all waited until they became an easy mark and we let them have all the lead we could pour into them with machine gun and rifle fire and mowed them down. It put the glad heart into a lot of us to be able to get a good shot at Fritz and get our own back. Fritz never got anywhere near our lines and all his attempts to take back the town failed, although we had to suffer a lot, as he was shelling our position very heavily, and we lost quite a few men.

At night our company was relieved or what was left of the company, which was enough to make two platoons completed. We had lost all of our officers, but one and only two or three N.C.O.’s were left. We were put into another part of the line just as bad as the part we had come out of. It was about 9’o’clock the second night when I got hit. As Fritz had started his “evening hate” and shelling heavier than usual we started to dig ourselves a hole in the side of the trench. Another Brantford boy and myself, to protect ourselves from flying shrapnel, made ourselves as comfy as possible under the circumstances. We began to talk about olden times – Brantford, Colborne Street on a Saturday night, and wishing we were again at a matinee watching one of the shows at the Brant theatre when bang! A shell landed right in the bay of the trench we happened to be in and when I picked myself up I found I was hit in the knee. I managed to limp my way through the dust and smoke and made the best way I could in getting to a field dressing station. We had to walk about three miles before we got the motor ambulances. How I got there I am wondering yet. A fellow will go through anything to get away from the shells. Well, I am out of it for a while. I have had my share of France for some time to come. We are treated well here. I must say the Canadian Red Cross Society certainly looks after the Canadians in hospital. They see we are made comfortable and wanting for nothing from their headquarters in London. The people in the town also treat us well. We have free admission to amusements, free rides in street cars and invitation to teas and concerts galore. They cannot do enough for the wounded chaps coming over from the big push. A fellow does not feel so lonely after all. Well old chap, I guess I will draw to a close. Remember me to my Brantford friends. Will be glad to hear from you in your spare time.

Pte. Wm. C. Murray,

1st Battalion Canadians

BX May 14, 1917

That Private William Charles Murray had been admitted to the 14th General Hospital at Wimereux on May 5 suffering from a slightly wounded knee, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Clara Murray, 216 Park Avenue. Pte. Murray went overseas with the first battalion from the Dufferin Rifles. He was at one time a member of the Webb Chamberlain Stock Company, but prior to enlisting was working at the Massey-Harris factory.