McMurtrie Street was named in 1955 to honour the service of Corporal Matthew Smith McMurtrie who served in the Second World War.
As part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Streets of Remembrance program, the street sign is now embellished with the Australian Army Rising Sun badge to further acknowledge his dedication.
Prior to enlistment, Matthew was a grocer and resided at 246 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg.
Matthew passed away whilst on duty abroad in Thailand (Prisoner of War).
Matthew has been memorialised within the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, and the Bundaberg Civic Centre Memorial Portico.
In addition, the following information was provided for the Streets of Remembrance program:
Cpl Matthew McMurtrie, QX10793, served in the Second Australian Imperial Force in World War II.
He was captured in the fall of Singapore and was taken as a POW to work on the Burma Railway.
They were known as ‘F Force’. Unfortunately, due to ill health, he passed away at Niki on the Burma Railway.
His body was taken to Thanbyuzayat Cemetery in Burma for burial.
Matthew was born in Brisbane and was an avid rower for the Bundaberg Rowing Club.
The Club has a trophy in his honour, the McMurtrie Forster Cup.
Corporal Matthew Smith McMurtrie
- Service Number: QX10793
- Service Area: Australian Army – 27th Australian Infantry Brigade
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Years of Service: 13 July 1940 – 14 November 1943
- Date of Death: 14 November 1943 (Prisoner of War)
About the Streets of Remembrance program
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Streets of Remembrance recognises the service of veterans with a connection to the Bundaberg Region by adding the badge of the military force in which they served to the street sign of streets named in their honour.
More information about Bundaberg Regional Council’s Streets of Remembrance program and how to nominate a street or service person is available here.
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