Benjamin Frank Gray

Story:
Benjamin Frank Gray (known as Frank) was born at Twyford, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 6 Jul 1895 the son of Harry Gray and Lavinia Annie Gray (nee Wareham).  He lived much of his early life in Watery Lane, Iwerne Minster, Shaftesbury, Dorset.   He enlisted and joined the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Private (Service No. 46820).  He later transferred to the Royal Field Artillery as a Gunner (Service No. 272133) but reverted back to the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Private (Service No. 205366).  He served in France and Flanders and at the end of hostilities was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star.  He remained in the Army and was serving in Iraq with the rank of Sergeant when he was awarded the General Service Medal and Clasp on 28 Nov 1923.   He married Martha Elsie Ethel Maynard in Portsmouth, Hampshire, in 1924.  He was still serving at the outbreak of World War 2 and was allotted Service No. 7251708.  He took part in the Normandy, France, landings on 7 Jun 1944.  He was awarded a further two clasps to his General Service Medal.  He retired to Iwerne Minster, Shaftesbury, Dorset, and died there in 1978 and was buried in St. Mary's Churchyard on 17 May 1978.  His brothers, Harry George Gray, Ernest Arthur Gray and Richard Gray, all served in WW1 and all their names are shown on a Roll of Honour published privately in Iwerne Minster.