Ernest William Gray

Story:
Ernest William Gray was born in Semley, Wiltshire, in 1891 and baptised there on 20th September, 1891. He was the son of William Gray and Mary Jane Gray (née Rogers). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Farm Labourer and living at the Old Workhouse, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted in Shaftesbury, Dorset, as a Private with the 6th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 19525). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was presumed killed in action on 12th April 1917 with his name appearing on the Arras Memorial, Arras, Pas de Calais, France (Bay 6). He is also remembered on the Semley War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, and on the Roll of Honour inside the church. His name was included on the Baptist Chapel plaque, now also in the church. His mother was awarded a dependent's pension though she died herself in 1921.

Ernest's brother Frederick James (b.1888) also served in the war, with the Royal Garrison Artillery.