Morris William Murphy - 844958

Ribbons of the British War Medal and Victory Medal

              Morris William Murphy was born on 18 November 1897 in Wilkesport, Ontario to Richard Murphy.  He was likely the younger brother of Arthur Welsley Murphy.  He left his farm and enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 23 February 1916 at Brigden, Ontario.  He began his service as a Private with the 149th Overseas Battalion.

              Private Murphy deployed to England aboard the S.S. Lapland, arriving on 7 April 1917.  From there he was posted to the 25th Reserve Battalion in Bramshott. Both Arthur and Morris arrived in England on the same date via the same vessel, but from that point their service diverged.  In February 1918, Private Morris Murphy moved to the 21st Reserve Battalion, then to the 49th Battalion to deploy to the field. 

              While in the field in April 1918, Private Murphy was attached to the 3rd Canadian Division Signals Pool.  He remained with them until the Armistice.  He was later moved in February 1919 to await demobilization.

In March 1919, Private Morris William Murphy was transferred to the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.  This move seems to only have lasted a day, as he returned to Canada later that month for demobilization and was taken off strength.  He intended to return to Wilkesport after the war.

References: A. https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=pffww&id=208204&lang=eng&ecopy=B6515A-S069