Donald Arthur Murray was born on 25 March 1926, a son of Joseph Murray (1894-1969) and Frances Maud Murray née Baldwin (1896-1975). His birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1926 in the Bethnal Green Registration District, London.
The England and Wales Register that was compiled on 29 September 1939 confirms his date of birth and shows him as still at school and living at 54 Digby Estate, Globe Road, Bethnal Green, with his parents and three siblings: Joseph William Murray (1918-1978) - whose occupation was recorded as general portering; Sidney George Murray (1920-1996) - a veneer presser and Eileen Frances Murray (1930-2011) - at school. His father was described as a builder's labourer and a sheltering member of Air Raid Precautions, whilst his mother was shown as a wire stitcher - box trade.
He was killed, aged 14 years, when a German bomb was dropped on the Columbia Market air raid shelter on the night of 7th/8th September 1940 and his death was registered, incorrectly as aged 15 years, in the 3rd quarter of 1940 in the Bethnal Green Registration District, London. His body was , Sebert Road, London, E7 0NP.
He is shown as 'MURRAY Donald 15' on the Columbia Market air raid shelter memorial in the Rose Garden, Old Market Square, Ravenscroft Park, London, E2.
He is also commemorated on the , on the and in that is kept just outside the entrance to St George's Chapel at the west end of Westminster Abbey.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
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