William McMurray, Loyal Edmonton Regiment, R.C.I.C

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by BFBSM, Jan 18, 2011.

  1. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    I have just found out I am related to William, who despite the recorded age, was born in 1923 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.

    Name: MacMURRAY, WILLIAM A.
    Initials: W A
    Nationality: Canadian
    Rank: Private
    Regiment/Service: Loyal Edmonton Regiment, R.C.I.C.
    Age: 18
    Date of Death: 06/08/1944
    Service No: K/49865
    Additional information: Son of William H. and Myrtle MacMurray.
    Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
    Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. A. 11.
    Cemetery: FLORENCE WAR CEMETERY

    His brother Jack was born in 1914, and served as a sports coordinator for the 5th Canadian Reinforcement Unit. Jack actually joined the army in 1930 and attained the rank of CSM. Jack married the widow of my Grand-Uncle, George Dyer (1/6th Queens), in 1946 in England.

    [​IMG]

    I am wondering if anyone on here, knew either of these men, or have any information they could share. I am in contact with other closer members of their family, and would like to pass on any information provided.
     
  2. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    BFBSM -
    both of these chaps served in the 2nd Bde of 1st Cdn Division - why they were in the Florence area was to take part in a scheme to confuse Kesselring as to where the main punch attack was to come for the Gothic Line battles.

    The 1st Div had been resting near Naples amd messing around in boats to confuse the enemy that a landing was being planned for the Spezia area - the 1st Paras - 26th Panzers and 29th Pz Grens were moved nearer the coast- so 1st Div all went up to the Florence area and made sure that the enemy knew they were there and the paras and panzers were moved back to Florence - then around the 20th August everybody did a 180 and went over to assemble at Fabriano - then on to Iesi and on the 25th started moving over the Metauro to start the battle with the Seaforths - with my Tank regt 145th RAC and PPCLI with 12RTR - the Loyal Eddies in reserve with 48thRTR - it took Kesselring three days to move the paras and panzers back to face us near the Foglia - so we had a head start !

    Your relation obviously was killed near Florence, to be buried there...
    Cheers
     
  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Might be worth writing or calling the Museum.
    >> Info

    They don't do email due to excessive spamming.

    Telephone:780-421-9943
    Fax:780-421-9943
    or write to us at
    The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum
    #118 Prince of Wales Armouries
    Heritage Centre
    10440-108 Avenue
    Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3Z9
     
  4. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    Thanks you gentlemen.

    Tom, That information is handy - it points me at where to look in the Canadian histories I have.

    Owen, I shall definitely contact the Mumseum to see what information I can obtain.
     
  5. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    BFBSM -
    The Seaforth's museum is still at Burrard St., Vancouver B.C. although they will be moving to Jericho Beach shortly to make room for yet another high rise apartment block ...
    Cheers
     

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