On 15 May 1935, some school children were being driven in coaches along Great Western Road, Glasgow. They were en route to King’s Park as part of the King’s Jubilee Celebrations. The excited children were creating a lot of noise, shouting, singing and waving flags and streamers. As they reached Belmont Lane, the noise caused a horse, which was yoked to a cart, to take fright and bolt eastwards on Great Western Road.
Constable Murray, then on traffic duty on Great Western Road at Belmont Street, saw the horse and cart careering towards him. Realising that there were a large number of pedestrians in the vicinity, he sprang at the animal and caught the reins. As a result, the horse shied and pulled Constable Murray off his feet and his left side struck one of the shafts causing him great pain. He hung onto the reins and was dragged for 150 yards before he brought the horse and cart to a standstill.
As a result of the incident, Constable Murray sustained bruising to his chest and a broken rib. He was able to return to duty after 15 days.
For his prompt action and bravery, Constable Murray was awarded the King’s Police Medal and the Glasgow Corporation Bravery Medal.