George Godfrey Gray

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment: 5th Battalion, Oxford and Buck Light Infantry

Parents: Councillor Dr George C & Mrs Gray

Brothers: Gerald Montague Gray & J R Gray

Address: 33 Wellington Square, Hastings

Other Info: Second Lieutenant George G Grey, 5^th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, recently killed in action in France was the eldest son of Councillor Dr George C Gray and Mrs Gray. He was born 25^th February 1895, and was educated at Hurst Court College and Tonbridge School, where he was Lance Corporal in the O.T.C. He joined the University and Public School Corps at the commencement of the War and was given a commission 22^nd December 1914. He went to France 2^nd October 1915 and was seriously wounded near Ypres 22^nd November 1915, being shot through the left hand and thigh.

Though still slightly lame and crippled in his hand, he returned to France 9^th February 1917 and was killed in the advance near Arras on 9^th April 1917. On 11^th instant, about 6:30pm, Dr Gray received a telegram from the War Office – “Deeply regret to inform you 2^nd Lieutenant G G Gray, Oxford  and Bucks Light Infantry, died of gunshot wounds, abdomen, April 11^th at 43 Casuaty Clearing Station, France. The Army Council express their sympathy.”

On the 11^th instant, the officer in command wrote “It is my sad duty to inform you your son was killed in action on the 9^th, gallantly leading his platoon in the attack on German trenches. It may be comfort to you to know he was killed instantaneously and did not suffer at all. Although I had only taken over command of the battalion a week before it was easy to see he was much liked by his brother officers, and his loss will be much felt by all who knew him. All the officers and men join with me in offering our sincere condolences on your great loss”.

A portrait and notice of the death in action of Dr Gray’s second son, 2^nd Lieutenant G M Gray, Royal West Kents, “whilst leading his men in a gallant attempt to capture a German position” on 7^th October 1916 appeared in our issue of 9^th November 1916. Dr Gray’s youngest and only surviving son, 2^nd Lieutenant J R Gray, The Rifle Brigade, left for France on the morning following the receipt of the sad news of his brother’s death.

According to CWGC, George is remembered at Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, Saulty, grave reference VIII.B.4.

Published: April 1917

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