Good morning all, A newbie here, and seeking help. My father, Captain John Weir Murray (known as Ian Murray) of Dundee went to Normandy on D-Day+6, and fought with the Black Watch (Scottish Tyneside) in and around Tilly sur Seulles/ the Rauray ridge (among many other locations). He was injured but survived, and lived in Australia until he passed away in 2012. When he was still fit and well, we visited several of his battlefields so I could see and hear about these first hand. I have returned many times, and discovered more about the experiences of people in the towns, villages, and farms, through their sons and daughters. My sister has now discovered a wartime photograph of him, which I would like to post on a “whatever happened to…” type page, and perhaps help fill another piece in the Normandy Landings jigsaw puzzle. I don't want to waste others' time by posting this on the wrong page/ multiple pages, so wondered - can someone more experienced here recommend the best forum / section? Thanks in anticipation.
Welcome to the forum. Keep this thread to say 'Hello' & start another one here specific to your query. >> Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy <<
Good advice from Owen. In the meantime, have you seen the book 'Breaking the Panzers' by Kevin Baverstock. It describes the crucial Rauray battle fought by the Tyneside Scottish and 24th Lancers (my late fathers Regiment). Also lots of information on the Forum: just search for Rauray, Tessel Wood, Fontenay le Pesnel and so on.
Excellent, and thanks, all. I am not a military man, so appear to have got the terminology wrong. He was referred to as "captain" by a former major (whom I met years later in London - they became great friends); but always described himself as "lieutenant"/ "platoon commander". Very confusing to us non military types.
Could have been promoted to Captain at a later date? His Service Records would reveal all the details.
Many thanks for this - if you are returning to Normandy (perhaps yet again!!), we can highly recommend an excellent gite in the heart of Tilly (taken and re-taken 23 times). ...It's run by a woman whose father was the village butcher, and fled just before the invasion, then returned to find it truly flattened. A fascinating lady. ...And a location within walking distance of the local cafe/ watering hole... PM for details. Cheers
London Gazette has this for 1945. Page 2149 | Supplement 37045, 20 April 1945 | London Gazette | The Gazette . War Subs. Lt. J. W. Murray {265886) relinquishes his commn. on account of disability, 25th Apr. 1945, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.
Will remember that for some future visit: I'm already booked up for this year 75th. Staying just outside Bayeux although I will be spending much of my time in Tilly, Fontenay, Tessel and so on....
Thanks for the clarification - again, I have no idea about ranks, thankfully having lived through a more peaceful era (at least in Europe), thanks to all these brave men.
