Stuart McMurray

2^nd Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps

Stuart McMurray lived at 62 Longton Grove, Sydenham and was a student at Alleyn’s until 1906. He originally joined the war effort in 1914 as part of the Seaforth Highlanders and served as a 2^nd Lieutenant on the Western Front. In 1915, he was serving in France when he was wounded in action at Festubert on May 5^th 1915. Due to the severity of his injuries, Stuart was no longer considered as fit for active service with the Army. However, injured soldiers could still choose to continue their wartime service with the Royal Flying Corps as Observers. This role was well suited role to those who had been previously injured in battle as it was less physically demanding and primarily concerned air reconnaissance. Stuart decided to join the Royal Flying Corps in this post in 1917 and returned to the Western Front to carry out his duty. On August 8^th, he took part in a successful bombing raid in France but unfortunately was killed on landing in the dark. He is buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery.