David Murray was the third son of David Murray, a carpenter, and Mary Lamont of Rose Villa, Newmachar . He was born on 11th November 1883 and educated at Newmachar Public School and the Civil Service Training College in Aberdeen. For some years he worked on the staff of the local Post Office and after passing the Civil Service Examination, became a sorter in the Head Office, Aberdeen.
He joined the pre- Territorial Force Volunteers on 22nd March 1900 and was with the Expeditionary Force in France from 1st May to October 1915. At that time he returned to England and acted as Regimental Sergeant Major. In November 1916 he was again sent to France. He was killed in action near Ypres on 31st July 1917 and was buried two miles north of that town and five miles north-east of Poperinghe*. His Chaplain wrote: "Sergt. David Murray was a very gallant soldier who ever did his duty and who died faithful to the very end." Another officer wrote: "He had been my platoon sergt. for five short weeks and during that time I had grown to admire and respect him. Always devoted to duty, he set an example to all N.C.Os and men under him. His loss is mourned by the officers and men of his company alike, for in him one had a friend." He obtained a first-class certificate in musketry on 1st March 1915, and gained the Gold Medal for club shooting, being twice in the King's Forty at Aberdeen Wapenshaw. [*Note: Murray's grave was subsequently destroyed and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial]
From deRuvigny's Roll of Honour