Memorabilia - Personal Objects of Dr. Ian Stephen MacLeod Murphy - 2 pieces of shrapnel collected by Dr. Murphy, 2 pieces of shrapnel purportedly striking the owner, Ian Stephen Macleod, on the helmet during the London Blitz in 1940

Historical information

Dr. Ian Stephen MacLeod Murphy (1905-1981) studied at Geelong College (1919-1922) and then Melbourne University (1929-1937). He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in 1939 and served as a navy surgeon for the duration of World War II. He moved to Emerald in 1947 after running a successful medical practice in Hampton, with the intention of retiring and breeding turkeys. But Emerald and the surrounding districts had no doctor, so for the next 34 years, Dr. Murphy provided tireless medical care to Emerald and surrounding districts. Dr Murphy was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1977 for devotion to the health of the community. He died in 1981 at the age of 76 years and a Memorial Fund was set up in his name to provide support for local students studying Medicine.

Significance

These objects belonged to Emerald's first and much-loved GP and represent significant events in his life.

Physical description

Pieces of Shrapnel which hit I.S. Murphy on head

Other parts of this item

Back to top