Alexander Murray

MA BSc

Alexander Murray was born on the 25th August 1880 in Aultbea, Ross-shire, and was the only son of Hugh Murray, a Teacher, and Barbara Murray. Alexander grew up in Aberdeen, attending the local Grammar School, before moving to Glasgow to enrol at the University.

Memorial chapel at the University of Glasgow — The Memorial Chapel at the University of Glasgow

Alexander matriculated at the University of Glasgow at the age of 20, in 1900. In his first year he studied Humanities and Mathematics, followed in his second with classes in English, Logic, and Greek. In his final year her studied Natural Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, and Political Economy, before graduating with an MA on the 21st April 1903.

Upon graduation, Alexander moved to Australia, working as a Mathematics Teacher at Haileybury College and the Scotch College, Melbourne. In 1909 he returned to Glasgow, to study Medicine, taking classes in Chemistry and Zoology, before changing to Agriculture. For this he took classes in Geology and Advanced Practical Botany, and Engineering. He graduated with a BSc in Agriculture on the 18th June 1912.

Having graduated, Alexander joined the staff of the Midland Agricultural College in Derby, before being hired by the West of Scotland Agricultural College. Immediately prior to the outbreak of war, Alexander was working as an extension lecturer for West Perthshire and the Cowal district of Argyllshire.

When war did break out, Alexander joined the Scottish Horse Yeomanry, which later became part of the Black Watch Royal Highlanders. In June 1915 he was made a 2nd Lieutenant, before being promoted to Captain in the Spring of 1917.

Captain Alexander Murray was killed in Belgium on the 14th August 1917, at the age of 36. He was buried at Menin Road South Military Cemetery, and his headstone reads: Their Glory Shall Not Be Blotted Out. He is also remembered on the Scottish National War Memorial, and The City of Glasgow and University of Glasgow Roll of Honours.