Trumpeter J D Gray KIA 28th July 1917

[CarrickRollofHonour]

Hello everyone,

I touch nervous at my first post on the forum.

I am currently researching for a book about men and women from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland who served during the 2 world war. I am in the process of trying to profile (as much as possible) every one who served from our town. I now have over 1200 and am still going.

I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on a chap I came across some time ago: (his details are below) - this is all I have and at the minute the only connection to carrickfergus is the information from the picture. I would love to see what you good folks can come up with.

many thanks

John

p.s my blog is here if anyone wants to look - http://carrickfergusrollofhonour.blogspot.co.uk/

NAME; Gray, J.D

RANK; Trumpeter

SERV. NO; 8279

UNIT/SERVICE; 13^th Siege Battery (formerly Antrim Artillery Band)

REGIMENT; Royal Garrison Artillery

BORN;

LIVED;

ENLISTED;

FATE; Killed in Action – 28^th July 1917 aged 32

CEMETERY; Dickebusch New Military Cemetery Extension – II. E. 13

CHURCH;

MEMORIAL;

REMARKS; Son of Charles and Margaret Gray of Montrose, husband of Ethel Gray of 47 Bents Road, Montrose.

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

James Dalgetty

First drafted to France on 15 April 1915

SDGW

Theres a 1901 census return showing him to be 15 years of age living with his parents at Eskvale Cottage, Montrose and working as an apprentice brass finisher.

1891 census shows the family residing at 14, Melville Lane, Montrose, his father being a baker's van man.

Regards,

Graeme

[kevinrowlinson]

Without doing a lot of research I cannot immediately see any direct connection except that which is in the photo. As a post war regular, having enlisted May 1901, he was probably posted to 15 Coy (Company) Londonderry (although normally written as Carrickfergus in records) where he joined the band. He may possibly have stayed there until the outbreak of war before being posted to a siege depot before going out as a reinforcement gunner.

Kevin

[CarrickRollofHonour]

Thank you very much folks, I really appreciate the asssitance.

[Sandie Hayes]

I can tell you that he married Ethel Grant Spence in October 1906 in Liverpool (West Derby). She lived at 98 High Street, Montrose.

This might suggest he was stationed in Liverpool in 1906.