Private Thomas Murphy served in the 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles during World War Two. Known as Tommy to his family, he was born on 3rd August 1913 at 7 Cinnamond Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim. Cinnamond Street was in the Pound Loney area of the city.
Tommy was the son of John Murphy and Margaret Anne Murphy (née Carney). His mother died in 1916 aged 44 years old from illnesses related to tuberculosis. Tommy had ten siblings; Eileen (Nellie), Charles (Charlie), John, William (Willie), Sarah (Sally), Robert (Robins), Kathleen, Edward (Eddie), Joseph, Margaret (Peggy). John, Kathleen, and Joseph who died in infancy.
Murphy married Bridget Wilson and the couple had a daughter named Mary Murphy. During the war, he served in Europe and India with the Royal Ulster Rifles. After World War Two, he returned to Belfast, Co. Antrim, where he worked in construction and was a keen follower of many sports.
Thomas Murphy died on 11th February 1996 aged 82 years old. His grave is in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast, Co. Antrim.