Name
James Gray
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
13/11/1917
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
266676
Hertfordshire Regiment
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
MENIN ROAD SOUTH MILITARY CEMETERY
Plot III, Row G, Grave 21.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour, Christ Church Memorial, Watford, North Watford Methodist Church Memorial, Watford, Hertfordshire Regimental Memorial, All Saints Church, Hertford
Pre War
Son of James and Millicent Jane (nee GULSTON) GRAY of Watford.
His parents married 26 January 1889 at St Mary’s, Watford. James died 7 February 1939 in Watford aged 72, and was buried 13 February in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Millicent died 1948 in Watford aged 77, and was buried 17 February, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
James was born 25 February 1894 in Watford, and baptised 30 March 1894 at St Mary’s, Watford. He attended Callowland Boys’ School, Watford; then Alexandra School, Watford, from 21 October 1901 to 13 March 1908. He resided in Watford.
On the 1901 Census, aged 7 he lived in Watford, with his parents and three siblings. On the 1911 Census, a printer’s apprentice aged 17, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and six siblings.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Hertford, and was formerly Private 5100 Bedfordshire Regiment.
He was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and died of wounds received in action.
Additional Information
His headstone inscription reads: “FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH". There is a brief article about and a Death announcement for James in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 24 November 1917; plus an In Memoriam in the issue dated 16 November 1918. Has a entry in the National Roll of the Great War. Unfortunately, James’ Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
