The following comment was posted today on another page of the blog. I decided that more people would see it if it was posted here. Many thanks to Flavio for sharing this information with us.

I am delighted to share my grandfather’s story. He, along with all the other hundreds of thousands of young men from all countries, gave his life because he believed it was the right thing to do.James Murphy was a husband and father of 3 young children living in Kilbirnie in Scotland when he enlisted in 1914. He firstly joined a Scottish regiment but, after his brother joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers, James deserted from the the Scottish regiment and enlisted in the same regiment as his brother. He was caught by the military police at a railway station and was on his way to military prison. A priest witnessing his arrest pled his case and he was released to his new regiment.He served in Ireland firstly then was posted to France. My mother, although only 2 can remember watching him marching in Dublin on his way to France.He fought in Arras and was killed on April 11 1917 aged 28.Father Willie risked his own life to give him the last rites on the battlefield.Father Willie ensured that my gran was sent the postcard that James had written to his children before going over the top. ‘Dear Bridie, James and Catherine,The weather here is pretty bad just now. I will be in the frontline before you get this. See and be good children for your mother. Love Daddy.’ I have this postcard.My Grandmother was eternally grateful to Fr Willie for the comfort he gave her husband. Fr Willie’s photograph always had pride of place in her home.I too have reason to be thankful for his intercession. Because of privacy of those involved I am unable to give names but I know that Fr Willie’s intercession did cure someone dear to me and gave us joy beyond belief where there had been no hope. I promised I would do all I could to keep his memory alive and hope that by telling the present generation of children about his bravery, I am in some way doing this.God Bless