The outstanding New Zealand Maori War Naval Brigade officer at the action at Gate Pah, Tauranga on 29 April 1864, and Napier’s Abyssinia Expedition pair awarded to Commander W.F. Murray, Royal Navy, who was one of only 26 officers to be award the New Zealand Medal with the 1863-1864 reverse.
Pair: New Zealand Medal 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (W. F. MURRAY, MIDMN. H.M.S. CURACOA); Abyssinia Medal 1867; (LIEUTT. W. F. MURRAY. H.M.S. ARGUS), both fitted with silver ribbon buckles.
Condition: light contact marks, otherwise Nearly Extremely Fine
William Frederick Murray was born on 5 January 1845, and entered the service as a Naval Cadet when aged 13 years 3 months, aboard the Training Ship Britannia. On passing out from Britannia he gained three months sea time. He served as a Naval Cadet aboard Amphion September 1859 and whilst in this vessel he was promoted to Midshipman on 8 December 1860, and 'loaned' for service aboard Formidable February 1863 and Victory April 1863.
He was next appointed to the Steam Frigate Curacoa December 1862, Flag Ship of the Australian Squadron, Commodore 2nd Class Sir William Wiseman, Bart. In this vessel he took part in the closing actions of the second New Zealand war during 1863 and 1864. As a member of Curacoa’s Naval Brigade he was landed for service on shore and was present at the actions at Rangiawhia on 20 November 1863, Te Awamutu and Rangiawhia on 21-22 February 1864. He was transferred to Harrier on 21 March 1864, and took part in the action at Gate Pah, Tauranga on 29 April 1864. During his service in Harrier he was promoted to Sub Lieutenant on 6 September 1864, and on returning to England he was appointed to the Royal Navy College at Excellent on 1 April 1865. On passing out he obtained 2nd class Certificates in Seamanship and Gunnery and a 3rd Class Certificate in Navigation.
In the rank of Sub Lieutenant he was appointed to the paddle sloop Argus on 7 September 1865, for service with the East Indies Squadron. Promoted to Lieutenant on 11 September 1866, he was present in this vessel during the Abyssinian War of 1867-68. Argus was much involved at Zoulla, Armesley Bay in the movement of the large sailing transports. After four years aboard Argus he was paid off to the receiving ship Duke of Wellington and granted eight weeks leave. He was then appointed to Excellent for a short Gunnery Course in February 1870 and then served aboard Vanguard September 1870 and Iron Duke April 1871. He was invalided from the latter vessel to Plymouth Hospital September 1871. Passed as fit October 1871 he was next appointed to Black Prince in June 1872, lent for a short period to Helicon August 1872, and then joined Pallas in August 1872. He returned to England aboard the S.S. Malta in April 1873 and was invalided from the service on 1 October 1873, with the rank of Commander. He died shortly afterwards on 8 November 1873.
