| Rank | L/Sgt., Lance Corporal |
| Service # | 400810 |
| Unit # | 21st |
| Resident | New Scotland |
Regimental number: 400810 Rank: L/Cpl. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3763 – 28, Item: 432376, PDF:- B3763-SO28. Date of Birth 15/04/1893 in England. (It was noted that he was born at Lochgelly, Scotland) N of K: Henry Gray of Seymours, Beckington, Sommerset, England. It was noted that he was the son of Margaret Palmer (formerly ‘Gray’ of Toronto, ON and William Gray. After immigrating to Canada he was a single laborer living at New Scotland, Kent Co., ON. Attestation: 24/01/1915 at Chatham, ON. to 33rd Bn.
Age: 21 yrs. 9 mos., Height: 5’9 ½”, Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown, Weight: 170#. Medical Exam: 24/01/15 at Chatham, ON. “Fit”.
CDP 25/01/15.
Sailed from Montreal, PQ. aboard the S.S. Hesperian departed 17/08/15. Date of Service: 5/01/15.
William arrived in England with the 33rd Bn. transferred to (the Bn. By August of 1915 he was in England training at East Sandling. 22/11/15 William was absent two days F.P (Field Punishment No.2 and lost three days Pay 5/01/15. Drafted to the 21st Bn. for overseas posting.
In January of 15/01/1916 with his training completed he joined the 21st Battalion in France with reinforcements in Field. He had been promoted to the rank of Corporal 7/09/16. He was wounded GSW bullet Right forearm 18/19/ 07/16 7/08/16 with 21st Bn. taken by No. 4 Cdn. Field Amb. In July of that year. 25/11/16 In December of 1916 promoted to Cpl. after completing a gas course , he was promoted again to the rank of Lance Sergeant. Not noted if he was promoted before his death. JRH.
During the advance on Vimy Ridge in April 1917 was killed one week before his 26th birthday. William was buried near where he fell, in a mass grave in Crater CB1; this was later renamed Zivy Crater Cemetery. William has no known grave on memorial plaque at cemetery Pas de Calais, Fr. Because this was a mass grave, with exact burial spots unknown, the men buried there are named on a wall surrounding the cemetery. 21st Battalion website.
KIA 9/04/17. Buried at Map Ref. A10-61-7 –Grave serial No. CB-1
GRAY Initials: W Nationality: Canadian Rank: Lance Sergeant Regiment/Service: Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment) Unit Text: 21st Bn.DOD, Date of Death: 09/04/1917
Service No: 400810 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 3. Col. 1. Cemetery: ZIVY CRATER, THELUS. William has no known grave but is on the memorial plaque at cemetery Pas de Calais, Fr. Map Ref. A10.61.7 = Grave serial No. CB-1
Mrs Sophia Gray, Park Lane Cottage, Reymount Cove, Beckington, Somerset, England. ‘Will’ to Mrs. Sophie Gray. Received the Memorial; Cross, plaque 17/12/21 and Scroll 16/08/22.
Because this was a mass grave, with exact burial spots unknown, the men buried there are named on a wall surrounding the cemetery. 21st Battallion website. According to the CVWM William C1 (Quebec Regt. ) 14th Bat is now in the Nine Elms Military Cemetery (France) Pas de Calais Inscribed “Until the Day Breaks and the Shaddow flee.” (Mother)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | Chatham Daily Planet (25-01-1915), RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 3763 – 28, LAC, CVWM |
| Supplemental Information | DOAS, Date of Death: 09/04/1917 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 3. Col. 1. Cemetery: ZIVY CRATER, THELUS |
| Height | 5'9 1/2" |
| Weight | 170 lbs. lbs |
| Eye Colour | Grey |
| Age | 21 yrs. 9 Mths. |
| Complexion | Dark |
| Hair | Brown |
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