Private John Murphy.
15902 11th East Lancashire Regiment.
Killed in Action 1st July 1916, aged 24.
John was born in the March quarter of 1892, Burnley the son of Edward Murphy and Ann Rogers. In the 1901 census the family lived at 15 Arch Place, Burnley. Annie 30 cotton spinner, Mary 7, Bridget 4, Margaret 2, John 9 all born in Burnley.
By the time of the 1911 census the family had moved to 4 Green Yard, Burnley. Ann 40, John 19, Bridget 14, Margaret 12, Sarah 8, Ann 6 and Elizabeth 6 months (thus the six sisters mentioned in the article dated 26th Aug 1916). His parents had been married 22 years and had had 9 children 2 of whom had died in infancy.
From the Burnley News dated 13 May 1916: BURNLEY "PALS". HOW PRIVATE CLARK WAS KILLED. FIVE BURIED BY A SHELL.
The Burnley "Pals" have been engaged in heavy fighting and news has come to hand of one having being killed and another wondered.
The soldier who unfortunately lost his life was Private Jack Clark son of Mrs Clark 28 Grosvenor Street Burnley, who according to a letter from Lieutenant L Ryden, was killed instantaneously by a Shell on the 29th ult. Private Clarke was employed at the Beehole Pit and in enlisted shortly after the Outbreak of War. He would have been 21 years of age next month. He was a member of the Burnley Lads' Club and was fond of Sport, being a keen footballer, cricketer and boxer. He was very popular among his acquaintances and much sympathy will be felt for his mother in her sad bereavement.
Private William Sharpe writing to his father at 95 Lyndhurst Road says, " we came out of the trenches last night and we were in from April 28th. I am sorry to tell you Johnny was wounded on the 29th. Five of them were buried by a Shell; one was killed and 4 injured. I do not know whether he was badly injured or not, as I did not hear about it until the following day, as there was a bombardment on at the time, and we were not relieved until the next afternoon at our post. We are now about 5 miles behind the firing line and we had a much needed sleep when we arrived."
Private John Murphy of 102 Anne Street Burnley, who tells the story of the occurrence, was also one of the injured men. He says that the incident happened on the 29th April, and his letter to his parents continues: " the same night they started the bombardment and a Shell came and buried five of us, killing one poor fellow. His name is Jack Clark. The others were, O'Mara and Kendall Brothers. It took them an hour to dig me out and I am now in hospital suffering from shell shock. I am getting all right now. I have been in two or three hospitals but I think I shall soon be back to the Battalion."
Private Murphy was formerly connected with St Mary's Catholic Church. He joined the Burnley "Pals" (11th East Lancs) in September 1914.
From the Burnley Express dated 26th August 1916: YOUNG CATHOLIC MISSING
Mr. and Mrs Murphy of 102 Anne St., Burnley, are greatly concerned as to what has happened to their only son, Private John Murphy 15902,of the Burnley pals, who is officially reported as missing since July 1st or 2nd. He was well known in the town. He worked as a weaver at Messrs’ Thistlethwaites, and for a good many years he also acted as a newsboy. He was connected with St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and with the Burnley lads' Club. As a footballer who played for the club. Captain F A Heys has written:- "I am sorry to inform you that your son is missing. He went over with the attacking line on the 1st July, and since then we have heard nothing of him.... He was a brave hearted boy, and always did his duty well and faithfully." Private Murphy has six sisters.
From the Burnley Express dated 9th May 1917: Another "Pal" Presumed Dead.
Mr and Mrs Murphy of 102 Anne Street Burnley, who have been greatly concerned as to the fate of their only son, Private John Murphy 15902, of the Burnley "Pals" reported as missing since July 1st or 2nd, have now been informed that he is presumed dead. He worked as a weaver at Messrs’ Thistlethwaites, Elm Street, and for a good many years he also acted as a newsboy. He was connected with St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and with the Burnley lads' Club. As a footballer, he played for the club. Captain s a haze, 11th East Lancashire Regiment, wrote at the time: "I am sorry to inform you that your son is missing. He went over with the attacking line on the 1st July, and since then we have heard nothing of him.... He was a brave hearted boy, and always did his duty well and faithfully." Private Murphy who was 25 years of age, has six sisters.
(Strange that this article was in the paper nearly a year after he went missing)
From the Burnley Express dated 30 June 1917:
In loving memory of Private John Murphy, 11th East Lancs, "Pals" Battalion who was killed in action July 1st 1916, aged 24.
Days of sadness still O'er,
Tears in silence often flow,
Thinking of the day we lost you,
Just one year ago.
Worthy of everlasting love from those he left behind,
A better son never breathed,
Nor one more true and kind. R.I.P.
From father mother and sisters, 102 Anne Street Burnley.
Lived at 102 Anne Street. Son of Edward and Anne Murphy, of 62, Olympia St., Burnley.
John left his effects to his mother Ann.
John is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France : Pier and face 6C.
Photo courtesy of George Coppock 2024