Private John Charles Murphy (VX61153) served in 2/2 Pioneer Battalion, Australian Infantry during World War Two. He was the son of James Murphy and Emily Murphy of Derry/Londonderry.
Documentation on Murphy is held by the University of Melbourne. According to this Military Card, an enquiry into Murphy’s welfare went out on 30th March 1942. On 19th August 1942, Casualty List V328 listed the Private as Missing. In June 1943, information suggested Murphy was a Prisoner of War with the No. 12480 at Camp 4, Thailand.
John died of malaria in Camp 4, Thailand on 16th March 1944 aged 33 years old. Information issued by Japanese authorities suggests a burial with full military honours took place.
John Charles Murphy’s grave is in Section 1, Row P, Grave 21 of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. His headstone bears the inscription:
On his soul, Sweet Jesus have mercy.