| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Bapaume Cambrai Area, Noreuil |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL39432 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Bronze, Steel |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1920 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Next of kin plaque : Private H Murdie, 18 Battalion AIF
Description
Bronze next of kin plaque showing Britannia and a lion together with the words 'HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR'. The name of the dead soldier, 'HUGH MURDIE', is inscribed in raised letters within a raised rectangle. The plaque has an accompanying trench art stand, not part of the original issue. The stand is made of a rectangular steel base with two split .50 calibre (12.7 mm) copper bullets screwed in to hold the plaque in place.
History / Summary
Associated with the service of 2956A Private Hughie Murdie. Murdie was born in Nhill, Victoria in 1893 and was working as a bullock driver when he enlisted on 13 June 1916. He embarked for the United Kingdom on 25 October aboard HMAT Ascanius as a member of B Company, 55 Battalion, 7th Reinforcements. After two months training, Murdie proceeded overseas to France on 28 February 1917 aboard the SS Golden Eagle. He landed at Etaples on 1 March. On 21 March Murdie was taken on strength of 18 Battalion on 23 March. He was killed in the front line on 18 April 1917, which was noted in the unit war diary as a quiet day. Two other ranks (one being Murdie) in the battalion were killed and five wounded. Murdie was buried at Noreuil Australian Cemetery.