Harry Gray

Story:
Harry Gray was born on 19 Feb 1898 in Cann, Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church on 28 Mar 1898. He was the son of John Thomas Gray, a carter, and Linda Louisa Gray (nee Jenkins). His siblings included Sidney Charles, (b.1890), who also died in the war and Frank (b. 1895) who served in the Royal Navy until his final discharge in 1945. At the time of the 1911 Census Harry was single and at school living in Enmore Green, Shaftesbury, the family later moving to St. Johns Hill, Shaftesbury. He enlisted as a Private in the Dorsetshire Regiment (Service No. 18971) but later transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment (New Service No. 30809). He served in France and Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He died of wounds on 16th August 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, West Flanders, Belgium (grave id. XVII.AA.12A). He is remembered on the Park Walk, Shaftesbury, the Enmore Green and St. James’ war memorials in Shaftesbury. His name also appears on the Motcombe War Memorial, the Roll of Honour inside St. James’ Church and on the Holy Trinity Memorial, now in St. Peter's Church, Shaftesbury.