Captain John Murray: Miniature Wounded Bear
 
Captain John Murray continues the Great War commemorative bears collection and story.
For the many thousands of Australians who enlisted in the early years of the war the idea of the "Great Adventure" was soon replaced by the realities of deadly new technologies such as aeroplanes, tanks and poisonous gases. But nothing was more deadly than the relentless shells of heavy artillery and the often futile charges into no-man's land.
Murray, like many who served, could be promoted through the ranks to replace those officers lost in the fighting. In 1914 officers did not wear the 1912 designed standard dismounted troops' khaki uniform with its loose fitting jacket, puttees and slouch hat. Instead they purchased the standard officers' tunic, shirt and tie, and trousers. The three 'pips' on Murray's epaulettes denote his Captain rank and he would wear only the standard British Service Cap, or his Brodie helmet in battle.
For hundreds of thousands of Australian wounded, injured or seriously ill, hospitalisation was for the most simply a break from the fighting. Most would return to the front to face the perils once more.
With Captain Murray we proudly remember their service and sacrifice and the courage of those who returned to contribute to Australia's development for years to come.
 
The Bear stands approx. 12cm Tall