Rifleman William James Murphy (14437714) served in 2nd Battalion The London Irish Rifles (Royal Ulster Rifles) during the Second World War. He was the second son of William James Murphy and Marion Murphy of 31 Union Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh. Records suggest William was born in Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland.
William died on 21st October 1944 aged 20 years old. He died along with 8 other men from the London Irish Rifles during an attack on Casa Spinello, south of Monte Spadaro, Italy.
William James Murphy’s grave is in Section I, Row G, Grave 13 of Santerno Valley War Cemetery, Italy. His name is on the Portadown War Memorial, Portadown, Co. Armagh. His headstone in Italy bears the inscription:
Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul. RIP.