Is he my Uncle?

[MichaelMurphy]

For many years I have searched for my Uncle Charles, killed in WW1. He was from Tipperary and so I concentrated on Irish Regiments. However, much digging established that he and his family moved to Neath about 1913/1914. My father married an Ammonford girl. I have now established that a Charles Murphy from Tipperary joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and went to the Balkans with 2 Battalion in 1915. He died of wounds on 17th August 1918, and is buried in Sandpits British cemetery, Fouquereuil, Pas de Calais. Anyone out there can help me as to how I can take this further in my quest to verify I have found the right man. I am 78 and do not have too long left. I intend to visit Sandpits Cemetery in the near future. I am willing to take as many photographs of former RWF graves as I find and pass them on. In the meanwhile any help I can get would be really appreciated. Michael Murphy

[Hywyn]

Michael

The Charles Murphy at Sandpits. The Soldier Died GReat War database gives born and reside Tipperary, enlisted Machynlleth. Died of Wounds.

His medal card states he entered Gallipoli (shown as 2b Balkans) 28/6/1915. This would have been with the 8th Battalion. The 2nd were not in that theatre of war.
I cannot see any service records having survived to this number.

He would have enlisted last week in August 1914.

Gwil

[Baconwallah]

And I'd like to add that 12528 Pte Charles Murphy died while serving with 9 RWF, to which he apparently had been transferred from 8 RWF. As 8 RWF remained in the Middle East, I venture to suggest that he was wounded, evacuated to the UK, and upon recovery posted to 9 RWF. I have come across a number of similar cases.

The 1915 Star Medal Roll (B Cat) gives the date of embarkation for Gallipoli as 28/06/1915.

I suggest e-mailing the Curator of the RWF Museum, Brian Owen, for possible further information. The e-mail address is on the Museum website.

John

[MichaelMurphy]

John,

Thanks. I'll contact Brian Owen as you recommend.

Will let you know of any luck

Michael

[MichaelMurphy]

Gwil,

Thank you so much for your reply. You are a gent.

Will keep you informed if I get any further.

Michael

[Baconwallah]

This photo of Charles Murphy 12528 was sent to me by Michael just now.

John

[ap1]

Thats nice, seven years later and not forgotten. I have a book about Mach soldiers at home, I wonder if Charles gets a mention. Will check after my travels.