Michael Murphy (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Murphy
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Michael Murphy VC
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| Born | c. 1837 Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland |
| Died | 4 April 1893 (aged 55–56) Darlington, County Durham, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 27 August 1855 – 1 February 1875 |
| Rank | Farrier-Major |
| Unit | Military Train |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross (forfeited) |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Fox
(m. 1860–1893) |
| Other work | Blacksmith, labourer |
Michael Murphy was an Irish soldier born around 1837 in Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy given to soldiers from Britain and other Commonwealth countries.
Michael Murphy was the son of a blacksmith, also named Michael Murphy. He had two younger sisters, Mary and Julia Mary. Not much is known about his early life before he joined the army in 1855.
Contents
Army Life
Starting His Military Journey
Michael Murphy joined the army on August 27, 1855, signing up with the 17th Lancers in Cork. At that time, the 17th Lancers were fighting in the Crimean War. Many of their soldiers had been lost in a famous event called the Charge of the Light Brigade. So, Michael started his training with another group, the 16th Lancers, in Dublin.
In May 1856, Michael joined the 17th Lancers. They were on their way from the Crimea to India to help with the start of the Indian Mutiny. However, his plans changed. In October 1856, he joined the 2nd Battalion Military Train instead. This unit was responsible for moving supplies and equipment for the army.
In March 1857, Michael left Ireland and sailed to Woolwich, England. From there, he set off for Hong Kong. But when news of the Indian Mutiny reached them, his battalion was sent to Calcutta, India, instead. They arrived in August and were soon sent to help relieve the city of Lucknow.
Winning the Victoria Cross
On April 15, 1858, Michael Murphy was fighting near Azimgurh in north-east India. During a battle, he and another soldier, Private Samuel Morley, were badly hurt. They were bravely defending a wounded officer, Lieutenant Hamilton. Lieutenant Hamilton sadly died the next day.
For his amazing courage, Michael Murphy was awarded the Victoria Cross. The official announcement said:
War-Office, 27th May, 1859.
Private Michael Murphy of the 2nd Battalion, Military Train, showed incredible bravery on April 15, 1858. During a chase after Kooer Singh's Army from Aziraghur, he saved Lieutenant Hamilton, who was wounded, had fallen from his horse, and was surrounded by the enemy. Farrier Murphy fought off several enemy soldiers. Even though he was badly wounded himself, he stayed by Lieutenant Hamilton's side until help arrived.
Queen Victoria herself presented Michael Murphy with his Victoria Cross at Windsor Castle on January 4, 1860.
Coming Back to the UK
After his injuries, Michael Murphy was sent back to the United Kingdom to recover. He returned to duty in May 1859. In April 1860, he got married in Aldershot.
Michael was promoted to Farrier Sergeant and later to Farrier-Major. A "farrier" is a soldier who takes care of horses' hooves and shoes them. He served in Canada for a few months in 1862. By 1869, his unit, the Military Train, became the Army Service Corps. Michael then transferred to the 7th Hussars in 1871.
Losing the Medal
In 1872, Michael Murphy was involved in an incident where he was accused of taking some army goods. He was found guilty and sentenced to nine months in prison. Because of this, an order was given for him to lose his Victoria Cross. Michael Murphy was one of only eight men in history to have their Victoria Cross taken away.
After he was released from prison in November 1872, he returned to his regiment. His wife and children, who had left army housing, returned in December 1873. His medal could not be found after the order to forfeit it.
Later Army Years and Leaving the Service
Michael Murphy continued to serve in the army. He moved with different battalions to places like Wimbledon, Maidstone, and Norwich. In 1874, he transferred to the 9th Lancers.
On February 1, 1875, after nearly 20 years of service, Michael Murphy was discharged from the army in Colchester.
Life After the Army and Death
After leaving the army, Michael Murphy worked as a blacksmith in different towns in England, including Scotswood and Murton, County Durham. Later, he worked as a labourer in an ironworks in Darlington.
Michael Murphy died from pneumonia on April 4, 1893, in Darlington. He was buried in the North Road Municipal Cemetery. A gravestone was put up by a kind supporter, Sir Henry Havelock-Allan, 1st Baronet, who was also a Victoria Cross recipient, and by his old army friends. His gravestone says that three of his sons died while serving in the military.
The Medal Returns
It's a mystery where Michael Murphy's Victoria Cross was for 26 years after he lost it. But in June 1898, five years after his death, the medal reappeared! It was offered for sale at an auction. The Army Service Corps bought it back.
Today, Michael Murphy's Victoria Cross is owned by a special trust for the Royal Logistic Corps. You can see the medal at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum if you arrange it beforehand.
Remembering Michael Murphy
On April 15, 2008, people gathered at Michael Murphy's grave in Darlington to mark 150 years since he won his Victoria Cross. Members of the Royal Logistic Corps, the Mayor of Darlington, many of his family members, and the British Legion were all there to remember his bravery.
Family Life
Michael Murphy married Mary Fox on April 7, 1860. They had at least three children together:
- Edward John Murphy (born 1864)
- George Frederick William Murphy (born 1875)
- Mary Ann Murphy (born 1878)
Even though only these three children are clearly listed in official records, Michael Murphy's gravestone says that three of his sons died while serving in the army before 1893. This suggests he may have had other children or stepchildren who served and passed away.
Medals Michael Murphy Received
Michael Murphy was entitled to wear the ribbons for these medals:
| Ribbon | Description | Notes |
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Victoria Cross (VC) | Awarded in 1858 |
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Indian Mutiny Medal | Awarded for service in 1858 |
Images for kids
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Trooper James Howell presents the Victoria Cross at the grave of his great great great grandfather, Michael Murphy, on the 150th anniversary - 15 April 2008
