6th Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
07/05/1898
Died:
12/08/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age:
19
Summary
Francis Murray was the son of Francis and Teresa Murray. Francis was born on 7th May 1898 in Garvaghy, Ballygawley. Private Francis Murray was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he was killed in action in France on 12th August 1917. Francis’ older brother Patrick also died in World War One. He was one of three brothers who died in the war.
Further Information
Francis Murray was the third son of Francis and Teresa Murray. Francis Murray and Teresa Birney were married on 20th November 1892 in the district of Omagh.
Francis Murray was born 7th May 1898 in Garvaghy, Ballygawley. He was the third of at least four children.
Known family: Francis Murray, Teresa Murray, Patrick Murray (born 28th December 1893, Ballygawley), Charles Murray (born 26th February 1896, Fintona), Francis Murray (born 7th May 1898, Ballygawley), Lucinda Murray (born 23rd June 1900, Ballygawley).
The 1901 census records Francis as 3 years old, living with the family at house 41 in Garvaghy, Errigal, County Tyrone. His father was a farm labourer who was born in Scotland. His mother was born in India.
Oddly, there’s no sign of their mother and father in the 1911 census. The family had split up.
The 1911 census possibly lists Francis as age 12, working as a farm servant at house 27 in Altanagh, Athenree, Tyrone
Francis Murray enlisted in Londonderry. He was living in Sixmilecross.
Private Francis Murray arrived in France with the Royal Irish Regiment on 17th December 1915.
Private Francis Murray was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he was killed in action in France on 12th August 1917.
Francis’ brothers, Charles and Patrick, also died in World War One. Remarkably, Francis and Patrick died within 4 days of each other in August 1917.
Private Francis Murray is buried in Tyne Cot Cemetery. His inscription reads: HIS PRIZE IS WON
Private Francis Murray is listed on page 42 of the Ballygawley War dead book.
The CWGC record Francis as the son of Francis and Teresa Murray of Foremass, Sixmilecross, County Tyrone.
Many thanks to Barbara Murray, to whom the three brothers were great uncles, for informing us of Francis Murray and confirming other information on the family.
