World War Two Service
Veteran Details
Name |
MCMURRAY, JOHN ROBERT |
Service |
Australian Army |
Service Number |
VX130206 |
Date of Birth |
17 Aug 1915 |
Place of Birth |
PORT MELBOURNE, VIC |
Date of Enlistment |
30 Nov 1942 |
Locality on Enlistment |
PORT MELBOURNE, VIC |
Place of Enlistment |
IN THE FIELD, NSW |
Next of Kin |
MCMURRAY, JUNE |
Date of Discharge |
24 Dec 1945 |
Rank |
Sergeant |
Posting at Discharge |
23 AUST INF BDE HQ |
Prisoner of War |
No |
Honours |
None for display |
Source: World War Two Service: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=530686&c=WW2
Veteran Dedication: LVRSL Main Service 2019:
John Robert MacMurray OAM, better known as Jack was one of our great members of the Lenah Valley RSL,
Jack enlisted in the AIF August 1940 in Melbourne. Jack served in Victoria until 1943 when he was posted to NSW, then Queensland before embarking for New Guinea.
He was promoted to acting sergeant in 1944 before being transferred first to Australian Supply Depot then to Headquarters 23 Australian Infantry Brigade.
Jack saw action in the southwest pacific area and moved back and forward from Lae, Bougainville, New Guinea and Australia. The rank of sergeant was confirmed in early 1945.
Jack was officially discharged on Christmas eve 1945.
After his war service Jack became a devoted member of the RSL. But football was also a passion.
Jack started football umpiring in the Melbourne Boys Club association before umpiring in the VFL during 1941 and 1942 even though he had enlisted and was serving in the army.
After his discharge Jack re-joined the VFL. During his distinguished umpiring career he umpired six VFL Grand Finals [as a single umpire], 16 finals games and 216 roster games.
Jack recounted the day when he forgot his pass to the game at the MCG. You can’t come here without a pass, said the Gate Attendant. Jack quietly replied, if I can’t come in, then there will be no game today. He was let in.
Jack retired from the VFL in 1956 and decided to accept an appointment to the Tasmanian Football League.
Jack umpired the 1956 TFL Grand final which was his last game before retiring from umpiring.
He continued his service to umpiring and football administration for over 20 years.
Jack was inducted into the Australian Football hall of fame in 1996 together with his father Jack McMurray Senior. Jack was also inducted as a Legend in the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his umpiring and coaching contribution to Tasmanian football.
He was a fine example of a returned serviceman who devoted his life to community service. All that time Jack remained a devoted and active member of the RSL.
Jack was at various times President of the Lenah Valley RSL, Secretary Manager, State Executive Member, Deputy State Vice President, and State Vice President.
He was awarded life member of the League and the Lenah Valley RSL in 1983.
Jack maintained his interest and membership of the club until his passing in 2004.
A great servant of our club and we thank him and his family for the dedication and service to our Country, Community and to the Lenah Valley RSL.
Thank you Jack MacMurray.
Source: Adele McTye
Sources
Link to World War Two Service: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=530686&c=WW2
Link to Honours: https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/872175
Link to The AFL/Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame: https://afltashalloffame.com.au/legends/75-jack-mcmurray/
