Roll of Honour

Frank Murray

Frank died shortly after his 78th birthday in September having suffered a heart attack while mowing his lawn.

Born in Edinburgh, he lost his father when he was very young and was brought up by his mother who sent him to George Watson's school. He then went to Edinburgh University where he graduated in civil engineering before gaining the appropriate professional qualifications and pursuing a successful career in that field.

While at school Frank joined the Army Cadet Force and went on to Officer Training at university. On being commissioned he served in 1 Tp of 300 Sqn of 131 I ndep Para Regt (RETA). He proved to be a good shot and led the Sqn which won the shooting competition at the 44 Para Bde Annual Shoot at Altcar in 1966.

Although not a founder Frank was one of the early members of the AEA Branch in Scotland. He was persuaded to become Chairman and did the job to the very best of his ability for four years. On standing down he was always available to substitute if his successor absented himself and was much appreciated by all.

One of the issues Frank actively pursued and promoted was the remembrance of John Lonergan, our SSM who was killed in the attack in Aden in 1965. He was one of the prime movers in agitating and campaigning to have the former 131 Regt's HQ at Honeypot Lane in London renamed "Lonergan Lines" and attended the ceremony to mark that event in London in April 2016, The Lonergan family emigrated to Canada after John's death but Frank kept in touch initially by post and saw them when they returned to the UK — the last time being only a few years ago.

Another issue was the annual parade in memory of the 10 TA sappers who drowned at Cromwell Lock on exercise "Trent Chase". It was during Frank's chairmanship that the Branch joined in the annual parade in Grangemouth for which we have now assumed overall responsibility.

Frank was above all a family man who took great pleasure in his wife, two daughters and latterly his grandchildren. The family enjoyed holidays, particularly in Scotland although he and his wife indulged their scuba diving interest in the UK,Europe, the Middle East and Down Under.

An Airborne honour guard met Frank's coffin when he was laid to rest at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium in early October. Seven former 300 Sqn members escorted his coffin, beret and military wreath into the chapel and the Standard bearer from the PRA attended it throughout the service.

Frank's wife much appreciated our dress, deportment and demeanour at the funeral. Rest in peace.