The extraordinary behaviour during the early part of the Siege by this man nearly lost Derry to the protestant cause. He had no interest in the plight of the brave defenders nor did he have any wish to play any part in the conflict. He did everything in his power to persuade the citizens to surrender. Murray rendered ineffective any plans he may have had, when he entered the conference held by Lundy, raised his sword and shouted, "NO SURRENDER". Murray protested in the strongest possible manner against the policy being advocated by Lundy. Fearing for his life, the traitor fled the city in disguise, with a bundle of matchwood tied to his back on April 19th. It is now part of the ceremony in December to burn an 18 foot effigy of Lundy, several attempts have been made during the 19th century to ban this but the Apprentice boys maintained their right to carry out this ceremony. The first `burning` took place in 1832 and has been carried out ever since. It appears this tradition was carried out in France in 1915 by the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Christmas week found the Fusiliers in the village of Gorenflos, in a mood of hilarity the Derry men were remembering the shutting of the gates, a suggestion was made to burn Lundy. The villagers collected, and at first their attitude seemed slightly resentful as they thought it represented their national hero - Napoleon the first - but when its` identity was explained they soon joined in the fun and followed the impromptu band playing "Derrys` Walls".
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