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Note: William James Murphy, son of William John Murphy and Annie Robinson, was born on 13 Nov
1881 in Comber, co. Down. He died in 1943. He married Coralie Marguerite Lebleu on 02 Apr
1919 in Steenwerk, France. She was born on 30 Sep 1897 in Steenwerck ,France. She died on 06
Aug 1982 in Sevenoaks Hospital,Kent.
Notes for William James Murphy:
William James [Grandad] was born in The Square, Comber,Newtownards on 13th.November 1881.
At the time of his birth his father William John gave his occupation as "Innkeeper". Although there
is a civil registration of his birth,no record was found of his baptism.
In the records for Londonderry National School [in Comber,presumably named after the Marquis of
Londonderry who owned land in the area] it states:
"Number 77 James Murphy,entered school 15 November 1886,aged 4,Presbyterian,residence in
Comber,father a publican." Given that his father was a publican in Comber and the age at entry
corresponds to his birth certificate, it is very probable that this James Murphy was actually William
James Murphy [Grandad].
Many school records in Comber relate to members of the Murphy family, most are Presbyterians or
Unitarians, and there is a similarity in the christian names which suggests that they were all related
in some way.
In the 1901 census he was living with his mother and sister at 6,Bridge Street,Comber. He was
aged 19 and his occupation was given as a clerk. The family had a lodger aged 23 who was an
inland revenue officer. No mention is given of William James' father but it is possible that he was
living and working in Belfast where the family was located later.
William joined the Imperial Yeomanry Company (Irish Horse) in the Boer War (1899 -1902) as a
Trooper, Number 40624. He was awarded the Queen*s South Africa (QSA) Medal & 2 Clasps:
Cape Colony, South Africa 1902.
On 14th January 1904, in Belfast, he enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.). In all he
served 12 years & 351 days in colours and a further 3 years & 92 days in the Army Reserve finaly
being discharged a Woolwich on 31st March 1920. He had received the 1914 Star, British War
Medal & the Victory Medal. (also Chevrons "one red & four blue).
After the onset of the First World War in 1914 William served in France for the duration during
which time he met Coralie whom he was later to go back and marry after the war ended.
He had received the 1914 Star, British War Medal & the Victory Medal. (also Chevrons "one red &
four blue).
In March 1917, at Rouen, he was reduced to the ranks for apparantly being involved in the
alteration of a paybook although by his discharge in 1920 his rank is Staff Sergeant.
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