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Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore

1872 – 1962

Scottish military officer (1871–1962); recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore

Lived 1872 – 1962 (aged 89). Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore was a British military personnel and politician.

Alexander Edward Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore (22 April 1871 – 29 January 1962), known by the courtesy title Viscount Fincastle until 1907, was a Scottish peer, soldier and politician.

Early life and colonial military career Murray was born on 22 April 1871 to Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore and Lady Gertrude Coke, immediately taking the courtesy title of Viscount Fincastle.

Murray received the Victoria Cross for his actions, becoming the only journalist to be so honoured. and was appointed in command of the battalion with the temporary rank of Lieutenant-colonel 22 January 1902. The battalion numbered 32 officers and 603 men, recruited mainly from the Highlands. They left Edinburgh in April 1902 to embark the SS Galatea for South Africa, where they arrived the following month. The war in South Africa ended shortly after their arrival, and Lord Fincastle stayed until late November, when he returned on the . He relinquished the command of the 31st battalion Imperial Yeomanry in January 1903, and returned to his regiment. For his service in South Africa was Mentioned in Despatches. Lady Mary Elizabeth Murray (1913-2000), married Major Peter Oldfield in April 1937.

He died in London on 29 January 1962

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Important facts

Birth century
Education
Eton College
Positions held
Member of the House of Lords, Member of London County Council
Awards
Victoria Cross; Distinguished Service Order; Member of the Royal Victorian Order
Also known as
Alexander Edward Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore, V.C., Maj. Alexander Edward Murray

People in Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore?

Scottish military officer (1871–1962); recipient of the Victoria Cross

When was Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore born?

Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore was born on 22 April 1872 in Portland Place.

When did Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore die?

Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore died on 29 January 1962 in London.

What was Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore's occupation?

Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore was a military personnel and politician.

What nationality was Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore?

Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore

· Wikidata: Q4719721

· DBpedia: Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore. https://biography.guide/alexander-murray-8th-earl-of-dunmore/

MLA: "Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alexander-murray-8th-earl-of-dunmore/.

Chicago: "Alexander Murray, 8th Earl of Dunmore." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alexander-murray-8th-earl-of-dunmore/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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