Frederick Percival Gray

Story:
Frederick Percival Gray was born in 1896 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and was baptised at St. James's Church, Shaftesbury, on 17th May 1896. He was the son of Robert Gray, a stone quarryman, and Alice Louisa Gray (née Brickell). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as an Errand Boy and living at Poor Yard, 60 St. James Street, Shaftesbury. He enlisted in Shaftesbury having only recently achieved his 18th birthday as a Private and joined the 5th (Service) Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 10970). He was posted to the Balkans area on 11 Jul 1915 and served at Gallipoli and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1915 Star. He was presumed killed in action at Gallipoli on 21st August 1915 a mere month or so after his arrival in the area. His name appears on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey (Panel 136 to 139). He is also remembered on the War Memorials at Motcombe and Enmore Green, Shaftesbury. Frederick's father, Robert, also served in the War with, initially, the Somerset Light Infantry and later with the Worcestershire Regiment from 6th September 1918 to 24th January 1919. Frederick's mother was awarded a dependent's pension of 2s.6d. (12p) per week.