James Murray
Irish soldier (1859–1942); recipient of the Victoria Cross
About James Murray
Lived 1859 – 1942 (aged 83). James Murray was an Irish military personnel.
James Murray VC (February 1859 – 19 July 1942) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Murray was born in St Michael's Parish, Cork City, Ireland. He was approximately 21 years old, and a Lance-Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, The Connaught Rangers, British Army during the First Boer War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 16 January 1881 at Elandsfontein, near Pretoria, South Africa, Lance-Corporal Murray and John Danaher, a trooper of Nourse's Horse, advanced for 500 yards under heavy fire from a party of about 60 of the enemy and brought out of action a private who had been severely wounded.
He died in Dublin on 19 July 1942. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, England.
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Important facts
People in James Murray's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped James Murray's
Frequently asked questions
Who was James Murray?
Irish soldier (1859–1942); recipient of the Victoria Cross
When was James Murray born?
James Murray was born on 1 February 1859 in Cork.
When did James Murray die?
James Murray died on 19 July 1942 in Dublin.
What was James Murray's occupation?
James Murray was a military personnel.
What nationality was James Murray?
James Murray was Irish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Murray. https://biography.guide/james-murray-military-personnel/
MLA: "James Murray." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-murray-military-personnel/.
Chicago: "James Murray." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-murray-military-personnel/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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