David Murray-Lyon
David Murray-Lyon | |
---|---|
Born | Mentioned in despatches (5) | 14 August 1890
Early life
Murray-Lyon was born in Glendale, Northumberland, on 14 August 1890, the eldest son of Dr Thomas Malcolm Lyon, and a grandson of David Murray Lyon of Ayr, Scotland. He married Meredith Napier in 1916, they had two daughters and one son.
Military service
Murray-Lyon was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery of the Territorial Force, the British Army's part-time reserve force, in 1908. He transferred to the 3rd Battalion (Depot), King's Own Scottish Borderers, as part of the reserve of officers, in 1910. In 1911 Murray-Lyon became a regular army officer and was transferred to the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry based in Lucknow, India.
First World War
After the outbreak of the First World War in the summer of 1914, many British regiments based around the world returned to join the fighting on the
Murray-Lyon returned to France in December 1916 as second-in-command of the 2nd Battalion. He remained in the front lines throughout 1916 and most of 1917 with this battalion. In November 1917 he was given command of a battalion of the King's Regiment (Liverpool) . While in command of this battalion, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his actions during an attack on his battalion trenches at Mœuvres, the citation read:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy attacked and penetrated the line after intense fighting and continual bombing attacks, by his courage and personal example he succeeded in driving them out and held his position against further heavy attacks with splendid coolness and determination.[1]
Between 1917 and 1918 he was
Interbellum
Due to the downsizing of the British Army after the First World War, Murray-Lyon, along with many other officers, found commands few and far between and had their rank reduced, so Murray-Lyon became a major again. He returned to the Highland Light Infantry and became adjutant of the 6th Battalion in 1920 and later with the 2nd Battalion he held various posts in their advance parties and auxiliary forces based in Egypt and India. In 1927 he transferred across to the
In 1936 during fighting in
Second World War
After the outbreak of the Second World War, Murray-Lyon returned to India and was given command of the
Malaya
When the Japanese attacked
The Japanese assaulted Murray-Lyon's positions with incredible speed. Tanks, aircraft and infantry attacked in waves and constantly out-flanked any resistance. Before long the 11th Division was in full retreat, with the Japanese advancing so rapidly that their reconnaissance motorcyclists were often driving through the retreating columns. On one occasion Murray-Lyon was fast enough to draw his service revolver and shoot one off his motorcycle.
Unfortunately for Murray-Lyon, the true extent of the ill-prepared defences of Malaya and the rapid mobility of the Japanese Army had not been discovered by the British commanders in Singapore, and as a result, he was dismissed from his command by Lieutenant General Arthur Percival on 23 December 1941.
Murray-Lyon was taken prisoner by the Japanese when Singapore fell, and spent the rest of the war in captivity. Although a brave and competent commander, he was not offered another command, much to the surprise of other Indian Army officers.
References
- ^ "No. 30801". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 July 1918. p. 8442.
Sources
- 'Singapore Burning', Colin Smith. Penguin Books 2006. England. ISBN 978-0-14-101036-6