Patrick Murray, 313, 88th of Foot

Extracted from an article in South Africa believed to be published in 1929:

313. Private P. Murray, 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) Kaffir Wars 1877-1878: Zulu War 1879: Boer War 1899-1900: Great War 1914-1918

This, in brief, is the military record of Mr. Patrick Murray, City and Suburban, Johannesburg an old campaigner, who was today intoduced to the limelight in connection with the forthcoming celebrations in Durban to mark the 50th anniversary of the termination of the Zulu War. Mr. Murray who is 82 years old was born in Dublin, where, in October 1872 he enlisted in the 87th link battalion of his regiment, which he joined in Colchester from the regimental depot in Galway. After service in a number of home stations the 88th was drafted from the Curragh Camp (Kildare) to South Africa. Mr. Murray serving under Colonel Lambert throughout the ’77 and ’78 Kafir Wars and the Zulu War of '79. He has vivid recollections of Lord Chelmsford and Sir Garnet Wolseley under whom he marched through Natal.

In 1880 he took his discharge and, going overseas, returned to this country a short time afterwards. He was employed in Johannesburg and during the Boer War served thoughout the siege of Kimberley with the Town Guard, in Rem of which, in addition to his military medals, he was awarded the silver star presented by the then Mayor. In the Great War, he was on active service with the Irish Regiment in German West and at the conclusion of that campaign he volunteered for German East, but was rejected on medical grounds. Subsequently he was detailed for recruiting duty in Johannesburg and Kimberley and after the declaration of peace was demobilised.

CONGRATULATED BY PRINCE

Mr. Murray, who has in recent years attended most of the ex—servicemen’s parades in Johannesburg, has been personally congratulated by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Connaght, His Excellency the Governor-General, the Earl of Athlone and the late Field-Marshal Earl Haig.
As soon as the Prince spotted the t’ould Zulu War medal" said Mr. Murray in an interview today, "he took me by the arm, saying ‘T’ ould 88ths. He's a grand chap. God bless him". Mr Murray stated that until a few years ago there was a number of Zulu War veterans in Johannesburg including some belonging to the Connaughts.
“I know some of them have gone west” he proceeded, “but I’ve an idea that a few of the 88th are still doddering around like myself. There can't be many of them left but if there are I should be very happy to see them. It’s a long time since we soldiered together in the Connaughts and it would be very nice if we could meet them again because, as you know absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Mr. Murray is a member of the Moth Organisation. His two sons served with the Kimberley Regiment in the Great War.

Thanks Ken thats an interesting first post.
I will have to add him to my Zulu/Boer War list.
Kate