Relatives sought for Ennis man buried in South Korea

AN Australian man, who has been campaigning since 1982 to find the bodies of Australian soldiers missing in action in South Korea, is seeking to make contact with relatives of Ennis native Corporal William Kevin Murphy, who went missing in action on April 24, 1951 during the Korean War.

The war was fought between North and South Korea from June 1950 until July 1953. Corporal Murphy was born in Ennis in 1921 and enlisted in the Australian Army in 1950. His service number was 3/400143.
Ian Saunders, who lives in New South Wales, first contacted the Irish Embassy in Canberra, who suggested that he seek family information on Irish men missing in action through local newspapers.
Mrs Margaret Murphy, with an address at Drumcliffe in Ennis was named as Corporal Murphy’s next of kin on his Australian army enlist form. He joined the army aged 29.
“If the sons or daughters, or their children, of Margaret Murphy exist, I would like to make contact with them and outline in more detail the information that I have derived to date,” Mr Saunders told The Clare Champion.
“We intend to pursue the South Korean government and enquire about the possible recovery of Corporal Murphy’s remains,” he explained. 
Mr Saunders has an exact grid reference with regard to where Corporal Murphy is believed to be buried in South Korea. However, what are termed mtDNA samples from family members, would be required to confirm the identity of Corporal Murphy if he was to be exhumed.
“My own father is also missing in action in Korea and I have pursued the entire status of Australia’s 44 missing in action service men for quite a long time. A very recent trip to UNMC Pusan cemetery in South Korea has created an urgency in my purpose,” Mr Saunders said.
Surviving relatives of Corporal William Kevin Murphy can contact Ian Saunders via e-mail at sammysaunders@bigpond.com.