Harry Gray

Story:
Harry Gray was born in Twyford, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 25 Oct 1899 the son of William Gray and Jane Gray (nee Hardiman).  He lived all his life, apart from Military Service, in the Compton Abbas area.  He enlisted on 25 Oct 1917 but was not mobilized until 22 May 1918 and joined the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry as a Private (Service No. 3872).  He spent most this period with the 2nd Battalion (No5. Platoon, 'B' Company) based at Fort George, Guernsey, Channel Islands.  He was discharged on 14 Dec 1919 but did not appear to have warranted any medals.  The 1921 Census shows him living at 14 Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, working as a Cowman. He married Beatrice Louisa Parker at Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 7 Nov 1928.  By the time of the 1939 Register he had moved to 3 East Compton, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, described as a General Farm Labourer as well as being a volunteer ARP Warden.  His death was recorded in Southampton, Hampshire, on 9 Nov 1998 aged 99 years.  His brother, Frank Gray, also served and survived the conflict.