Edward Murphy Diary
TitleEdward Murphy Diary
ReferenceSM009/1
Date
1883-1885
Production date 1883 - 1885
Scope and ContentDiary/Journal of Edward Murphy, Bombardier, Royal Marine Corps, titled 'Cruise of the Channel Fleet 1883[-85], Vice Admiral HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, HMS Minotaur Flag Ship'.
He describes embarking from Portmouth on 19 November 1883, saluting the Admiral, and proceeding to Vigo in Spain, and thence to Gibraltar, Palma, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete ('Candia'), the Greek Islands, and Marmorice (Turkey), returning via Rhodes, Athens (Greece), Malta, and Ireland, reaching Portsmouth on 7 October 1884. Murphy records encounters with other vessels, daily activities, and notable events, as well as descriptions of places and routes taken. Later that month, the fleet was active again between Plymouth and Gibraltar. In April 1885 the Minotaur saluted the Prince of Wales at Kingstown, and at Queenstown, in Ireland. In June 1885 the Minotaur left Portland as part of the Particular Service Squadron, later visiting Bantry Bay and continuing around Ireland. There are no entries for 1886, the journal recommencing in July 1887, when the Jubilee Fleet was visited by the Queen at Spithead, who conducted a 'Grand Review' on 23 July, 'Jubilee Day'. Murphy gives a list of 'man-of-war gun boats and troopships' present, and a sketch of formation. At the back of this volume are further notes headed 'Bits and scraps & c at this side of Book'. These include poems by Murphy (eg, 'The forcing of the Dardenelles 1878') and others, with an account of the formation of the Royal Marines; songs; letters; and notes (eg, list of mess mates; questions and answers of useful naval knowledge). Inserted are some sketches, newscuttings of a 'weekly competition' [humourous stories submitted], and a printed 'Transval Special' newspaper supplement with military photos [Murphy not present].
He describes embarking from Portmouth on 19 November 1883, saluting the Admiral, and proceeding to Vigo in Spain, and thence to Gibraltar, Palma, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete ('Candia'), the Greek Islands, and Marmorice (Turkey), returning via Rhodes, Athens (Greece), Malta, and Ireland, reaching Portsmouth on 7 October 1884. Murphy records encounters with other vessels, daily activities, and notable events, as well as descriptions of places and routes taken. Later that month, the fleet was active again between Plymouth and Gibraltar. In April 1885 the Minotaur saluted the Prince of Wales at Kingstown, and at Queenstown, in Ireland. In June 1885 the Minotaur left Portland as part of the Particular Service Squadron, later visiting Bantry Bay and continuing around Ireland. There are no entries for 1886, the journal recommencing in July 1887, when the Jubilee Fleet was visited by the Queen at Spithead, who conducted a 'Grand Review' on 23 July, 'Jubilee Day'. Murphy gives a list of 'man-of-war gun boats and troopships' present, and a sketch of formation. At the back of this volume are further notes headed 'Bits and scraps & c at this side of Book'. These include poems by Murphy (eg, 'The forcing of the Dardenelles 1878') and others, with an account of the formation of the Royal Marines; songs; letters; and notes (eg, list of mess mates; questions and answers of useful naval knowledge). Inserted are some sketches, newscuttings of a 'weekly competition' [humourous stories submitted], and a printed 'Transval Special' newspaper supplement with military photos [Murphy not present].
Extent1 vol.
Physical descriptionFragile
LanguageEnglish
Persons keywordMurphy, Edward | b ? 1863 | Royal Marines Artillery, Royal Marines
SubjectDiaries and Journals, Travel Writing, Military organisations, British Army, Personal and family papers
AccessOpen by appointment to all holding a current reader's ticket
RightsSubject to Rules Governing Reproduction of Records at CCCA
LevelItem
RepositoryCork City and County Archives
Object categoryText