Pte 49007 Harry Charles Murray

• Age: 27
• From: Birmingham
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Saturday 28th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Cherisy Rd East Cem, Heninel
  Panel Ref: 35

Harry Charles Murray was born in the September quarter of 1888 in Birmingham, the son of Henry Murray and his wife Pamela (nee Riddiford), who married in 1875. 

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 100 St Lukes Road, Edgbaston. His father Henry is aged 41, born in Birmingham and employed as a machine maker and his wife Pamela is aged 38, born in Wooton-under-Edge, Gloucs, with no occupation listed. They have four children, Namsona Amelia aged 15 is a brass-makers apprentice, George Henry is aged 12 scholar as is Thomas Leonard aged 8 and Harry Charles is aged 2.

The 1901 Census shows the family now living at 191 St Lukes Rd, Edgbaston. His father, Henry, is aged 51 and is a toolmaker, his wife Pamela is aged 48, with no occupation. They have their four children living with them, Namsona Amelia 25 is a dressmaker, George Henry aged 22 is a rivet maker, Thomas Leonard is 18 and a fishmonger and Harry Charles is aged 12. They have two boarders Emma and Maude Payne also living at the address.

The 1911 Census shows the family living at 125 Belgrave Road Edgbaston, Warwickshire. Harry's father Henry is aged 61, born 1850 occupation fitter of wrought iron gates, his mother, Pamela, is aged 58. They have been married for thirty seven years and have had four children. All of their children are still at home and are listed as; Amelia aged 35, born 1876 is a dressmaker, George aged 32, born 1879 and Harry Charles aged 21, born 1890 is a clerk for a baker. Their children were all born in Birmingham.

Harry enlisted in Birmingham and initially served with the Royal Field Artillery with the service number 137950 but was transferred to the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 49007. He was killed in action on 28th April 1917, aged 27.

Harry now rests at Cherisy Road East Cemetery in Heninel, France at Plot 35 where he shares his headstone with Private 48411 Michael Alphonsus Fitzgerald, also of the 17th Battalion K.L.R. who was killed in action on the same day aged 19 and rests at Plot 36.

The village of Heninel was captured in a snowstorm on 12 April 1917 by the 56th (London) and 21st Division. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division, advancing from Heninel on the two following days, captured Wancourt Tower. Cherisy Road East Cemetery was made by the 30th and 33rd Division Burial Officers in April 1917. The cemetery contains 82 First World War burials, 19 of which are unidentified.

His death was reported in the Birmingham Daily Post on 17th May 1917:

Private Harry Charles Murray (28), King's Liverpool Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs Murray, 211 Balsall Heath Road. He was a well-known parks cricketer.

Soldiers Effects to father Henry, Pensions of Harry and brother Thomas to mother Pamela, 211 Balshall Heath Rd, Birmingham

Harry Charles is commemorated in the Birmingham Roll of Honour book.

His mother Pamela died aged 67 in December 1920 and his father Henry died in March 1931 aged 81.

Harry's brother, Thomas, served as Private 4117 6th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was discharged as sick on 27th October 1915 receiving the SWB.

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