Frank Murphy - Lest We Forget

Frank Murphy was born September 22, 1881 at Whitby, Ontario. He was working as a rancher in the Arrowhead area when war was declared in August 1914. He listed his brother Dennis Murphy, of Toronto, Ontario as his next of kin.

Frank Murphy signed his enlistment papers September 28, 1915 at Vernon. His regimental number was 464412. He was 34 years old, single, 5’ 9” tall with black hair and brown eyes. His religious affiliation was Presbyterian. Just prior to his departure for the Vernon camp he was one of the guests at a party in Arrowhead at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Johnston, 24 Mile Board to host the local men who had signed up. He was taken out on a moonlight excursion on the Arrow Lake that evening. He sailed with his unit on the SS Baltic on April 1, 1916, arriving in England on April 10.

Frank Murphy died September 27, 1916 of wounds received during the battle of the Somme. He was 35 years old. At the time of his death he was a Private serving with the 14th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec) Regiment. He is buried at the Contay British Cemetery, France.

The name of Frank Murphy is inscribed on the Courthouse and Cenotaph plaques under the Arrowhead listing.