Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 278. doi: 10.1192/pb.29.7.278
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 278
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Brigadier John Francis Desmond Murphy
Formerly Commandant RAMC Training Centre
Graham Lucas
Desmond was a man of quiet determination, of great moral strength, deep
integrity and of boundless compassion for anyone in need. Whether sharing joys
or sorrows with him, he had the knack of making everyone feel very special and
valued.
From his teenage years he loved the artistic side of life, especially
classical music, poetry and painting, all of which he continued to enjoy
throughout his life. He loved social occasions, dancing, music, and above all,
people. He also had a keen sense of humour that would surface just when least
expected. He achieved an ideal work–life balance and whenever his
batteries felt low, he went fishing, or to his home in Ireland, for spiritual
refreshment.
I first met him in 1959, when I was posted to the Military Psychiatric
Hospital at Netley. He and his wife Anne warmly welcomed newly recruited
medical officers to their quarter in the hospital grounds. In the early 1960s,
this group included Peter Abraham, Bill Green, John Grimshaw and Desmond
Kelly, to mention just a few. I subsequently served under him in the British
Army of the Rhine and at Millbank. His insistence on the highest clinical
standards, and of literacy and accuracy in the drafting of psychiatric
reports, has proved invaluable, particularly for today’s rigorous
continuing professional development, audit, appraisal and revalidation
requirements.
He graduated MB BCh NUI in 1937, later proceeding to MD. Following junior
hospital appointments in England, he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps
(RAMC) in 1939.
He survived both Dunkirk and Normandy and it was his experience in treating
battle-shocked soldiers from 1940 as far as the advance through France and
Germany in 1944–1945 that increased his interest in psychiatry. Ahead of
his time, he understood that vulnerability extended beyond identifiable
physical injuries, to the unseen and previously ill-understood adverse effects
on the mental state. This led him to specialisation, the DPM and his life-long
interest in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He had a very successful Army career, passing staff college and being
promoted to Brigadier – his final posting was as Commandant of the RAMC
Training Centre – unusual for a psychiatrist. He was also appointed
Honorary Physician to the Queen and elected a Founder Fellow of the Royal
College of Psychiatrists in 1971.
On retiring from the Army, Desmond became Chief Consultant Psychiatrist to
the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, which specialises in caring for former
service and merchant naval personnel suffering from the long-term effects of
battle-related psychiatric illness. He held this post for 16 years, offering
all who needed it a sympathetic ear and a healing hand. He understood and
responded to the devastating consequences of PTSD, including depression,
alcohol dependence, loss of job, core identity, and frequently, of family and
friends. The work of this much valued charity (Combat Stress) continues to be
of particular importance today.
Desmond will be remembered not only for his great achievements and honours,
but for his amazing gift of empathy, and for having time and concern for all
those around him. He was a true gentleman and to have his friendship was a
privilege.
