Cornelius Martin Murphy
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 31 Jul 1910 |
| Place of Birth | Kirup, Western Australia |
| Death | 1967 |
| Age at Enlistment | 31 years, 7 months |
| Description |
5'10½" (1.79m) tall ; 162lbs 73.482 kg ; fair complexion ; brown eyes ; dark hair ; appendicitis scar |
| Occupation | Timber faller |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Jarrahdale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs. Hazel Maud Murphy |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W67679 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Mar 1942 |
| Rank | Warrant Officer Class 2 |
| Unit/Formation | 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
Pre War
During 1933 Cornelius married Hazel Maud Penn in the Northampton district. Electoral Roll entries: 1936 at 178 Carr street, Balkatta, timber worker; 1937 at 15 Berwick street, Victoria Park, timber worker.
War Service
Cornelius enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps at Armadale on 22 March 1942 and was initially allocated to the 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion. However, on 7 Aug 1942 he was transferred to the 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion, where on 30 Aug 1942 he was appointed Warrant Officer Class 2, CSM of 'A' Company. From 26 Dec 1942 until 3 Jan 19432 he attended a course at the 3rd Australian Army Corps training centre in Harvey. On 24 Dec 1943 Cornelius reported an injury to his back (strained muscles), which occurred while he was on duty, leaving him unfit for work for 2 weeks. He was treated by Dr. Streich during 2 visits (27 Dec 1943 and 3 Jan 1944) for 15 shillings ($1.50), and a later investigation found no negligence with Cornelius receiving £4/13/8d ($9.36) for loss of wages, although his employer had deducted £7/10/8d ($8.06) for lost time.
From 25 May - 3 Jun 1943 he attended another course of instruction at Harvey, and then along with many of his unit he received a new Army number with W67679 being replaced by W62294. On 31 Jul 1944 his unit was placed on Reserve.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at Mundaring Weir, Forest Department; 1954 at Karragullen, forester; 1958 at Forest Department, Tone River, forester; 1963 at Forests Department, Ludlow, assistant forester; 1963 at 110 Campbell street, Kalgoorlie, forester
Notes
A report on Cornelius's injury states:
On December 19th 1943 whilst carrying out Field Exercises under the supervision of Capt. Kinsella I was instructed to take charge of a diversionary attack being mounted south of Mt Cuthbert. During the attack I slipped and fell down a bare granite rock. My feet landed against another rock - pulling me up with a jolt - and straining my back muscles.