Charles Reuben Murfitt
(Confirmed)
Born: 16 February, 1888
Died: 1 July, 1934
Biographical Summary:
An electrician who enlisted in the AIF on 22 October 1914. He embarked for Egypt on 22 December 1914 with the 2nd Division Signals Company.
He landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and was wounded (leg) on 30 April then evacuated to Egypt for treatment and convalescence. He returned to Gallipoli and for his actions at the Battle of Chunuk Bair was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (second only to the Victoria Cross). The citation was as follows:
“For conspicuous gallantry and ability on 8th August 1915, at Abel Rahman Bair (Dardenelles). During the attack telephonic communications between brigade and head-quarters and the attacking column became interrupted, the line having been cut in several places. The maintenance of this communication was vital, and Lce. Cpl. Murfitt went out, under very heavy fire to restore the circuit. He proceeded along the line, stopping several times at various breaks, and, regardless of all personal risk, succeeded in restoring communication.”
He was evacuated suffering from enteric fever on 7 September to Malta and then England. He rejoined his unit in France on 4 September 1916. In September 1917 he commenced officer training at London and was appointed a Second Lieutenant in February 1918 and rejoined his unit on 30 March. He was transferred to the Australian Corps Headquarters Signal Company on 20 April.
He embarked for Australia on leave on 24 September 1918 and arrived on 23 November then his commission was terminated on 24 January 1919. [JSB]
Recorded Names:
Service Number: 659
Ranks:
- Held rank of Sapper
- Held rank of Lance Corporal
- Held rank of Corporal
- Held rank of Second Lieutenant
- Held rank of Lieutenant
Birth Records:
Death Records:
Address:
Organisations:
- Member of - 2nd Australian Division Signals Company
- Member of - Australian Corps Headquarters Signals Company
Main Sources:
- MURFITT Charles Reuben Service Number Lieutenant Place of Birth London England Place of Enlistment Melbourne VIC Next of Kin Mother MURFITT K (Webpage)
- First World War Embarkation Roll Charles Reuben Murfitt (Webpage)
- Honours and Awards DCM Charles Reuben Murfitt (Webpage)
- AWARDED THE DCM (Webpage)
- LANCECORPORAL CHARLES REUBEN MURFITT (Webpage)
- Sir John Monash Personal Files Book 9 29 August 1 September 1915 Entry similar to DCM citation Folio 51 (Webpage)
- Charles Reuben Murfitt (Photograph)
Commemorations:
