35 Facts About Murray Moten

Murray John Moten was born on 3 July 1899 at Hawker, South Australia, the eldest son of John Moten and Maude Mary Sophia, Murray.

Murray Moten started as a messenger boy at the Mount Gambier post office in January 1915.

Murray Moten returned to civilian life and was transferred to the head office of the Savings Bank of South Australia in Adelaide.

Murray Moten undertook further studies, studying accountancy at the University of Adelaide in 1924.

Murray Moten was elected the President of the Bank Officials' Association of South Australia in 1934.

Murray Moten took command of the 48th Battalion, which was not immediately mobilised and remained on part-time service.

On 29 February 1940, Murray Moten was awarded the Efficiency Decoration, which was issued to part-time officers for 20 years of efficient commissioned service.

Murray Moten was accepted despite having reduced vision in one eye.

Murray Moten, who was forward with the third company, saw an opportunity to encircle the French still resisting the leading companies, and ordered the third company to take up a position on high ground overlooking a road running east from the French positions towards Es Sakiye, with his headquarters and the pioneer platoon deployed onto high ground above the coastal road to block that line of withdrawal for the French.

Murray Moten then sent two companies forward, and their successful attack secured the bridge across the Zaharani River and captured about 200 French prisoners.

Murray Moten requested an additional battalion to sustain operations against the town of Damour on the road to Beirut, but this was not immediately forthcoming.

Murray Moten kept his units back from the Damour River to limit casualties from French artillery, but ordered his two battalions to patrol forward aggressively.

Murray Moten tasked his nearest company commander to send a strong fighting patrol to the feature that night, and it was captured after brief resistance.

Stevens wanted to avoid another frontal attack, so Murray Moten sent patrols forward to reconnoitre French positions and river crossing points on the right flank.

When Murray Moten took command, the 17th Brigade was training and re-equipping in Syria with the rest of the 6th Division after the disastrous Greek campaign.

On 12 February 1942 Murray Moten was mentioned in despatches for distinguished services in the Middle East and made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for "excellent leadership and gallantry in the capture of Sidon".

Murray Moten perceived that the Saida garrison had apparently withdrawn and immediately sent a patrol into the town.

Murray Moten administered command of the 11th Division from 29 December until he flew to Wau in the New Guinea on 9 January 1943 to conduct a reconnaissance for a planned brigade deployment to the area.

Murray Moten was scathing about the air transport arrangements, saying that they were "uneconomical and haphazard".

An aggressive enemy advance up the "Jap Track" completely derailed this plan, and Murray Moten responded with piecemeal defensive deployments as troops arrived in Wau, including forward positions south east of Wau near Leahy's Farm.

Murray Moten called most of his forward elements to withdraw to Wau and deployed them in close defence of the village and airfield.

That evening Murray Moten signalled New Guinea Force that Wau was secure.

Murray Moten held them there rather than withdrawing them to Wau to rest, as the overall situation remained unclear.

On 18 May 1943, Murray Moten was awarded the bar to his DSO for "a high order of leadership and control" during the Battle of Wau.

Murray Moten established rest camps where his troops could sleep in dry conditions, have a few hot meals, and wash themselves and their uniforms.

Savige's initial directions to Murray Moten were that the 17th Brigade was to prevent the Japanese from entering the Bulolo Valley from the Mubo area, secure the Mubo-Guadagasal-Waipali area, and gain control of the coastal area immediate south of the Bitoli River.

At this point Murray Moten believed the best location for his headquarters remained at Wau, but Savige disagreed and urged him forward.

Murray Moten concentrated on aggressive patrolling, and soon this had restricted the Japanese to their defensive positions.

Murray Moten was tasked with coordinating the landing and then, taking the US battalion under command, capturing Mubo.

Murray Moten took command of the 6th Division from 18 November 1945.

Murray Moten became the Australian Army Representative of the Imperial War Graves Commission in 1947, and went on to command the 9th Brigade of the CMF and while serving in this capacity he was appointed honorary colonel of the 27th Battalion of the CMF in 1952.

Murray Moten was appointed as an aide de camp to the Governor-General of Australia on 16 March 1953.

Murray Moten collapsed at the 27th Battalion ball at the Torrens Drill Hall on 5 September 1953 and on 14 September, while in the Royal Adelaide Hospital, he died of a heart attack.

Murray Moten was buried with full military honours in Centennial Park Cemetery with Anglican and Catholic rites.

Murray Moten was survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.