Ernest John Gray

Story:
Ernest John Gray was born in Semley, Wiltshire, on 14 Jun 1887 the son of James Taylor Gray, a Market Gardener, and Sarah Jane Gray (nee Scammell).  He lived his early life with his family in Gutch Common, Semley, until he moved to live with his mother's brother in Portsmouth, Hampshire, following the death of his father in 1894.  He later went to live with his mother, working as a Grocer's Assistant, at 97 Shearer Road, Portsmouth.   He married Edith Mary Hooper at the Buckland Wesleyan Chapel, Buckland, Portsmouth, on 12 Sep 1912.  He enlisted with the Royal Naval Air Service on 2 Jul 1917 (Service No. F32585) and was based in the Scilly Isles.  He was transferred to the Royal Air Force when it was formed on 1 Apr 1918 as a Private Class 1 until he was re-classified as an Aircraftsman Class 1 (Service No. 232585).   He was discharged on 8 Mar 1919.   Records show he was awarded the British War Medal only.  The 1921 Census shows him living at 67 St. Mary's Road, Buckland, Portsmouth, described as a Grocer (own account). He died on 28 Mar 1931 in Portsmouth as the very early age of 43 years.   His brother, Howard James Gray, also served in the conflict.