Richard Francis Gray

Richard Francis Gray was the eldest son of William and Kate Gray, born in 1892. In the following years there were 4 more children born to the couple which were all boys and all born in Worksop, Frederick, Joseph, George and Edward. In 1901 the family were living at 66 Eastgate 4 Court, Worksop where William was working as a carter for a timber merchant. 10 years later, the parents and the five boys were still living under the same roof, but now at 28 Marecroft. The three eldest were now of working age and were all employed working underground as colliery labourers. Their mother, Kate died at the age of 53 in 1916.

Soldiers Record - When he was 22 years old in 1914, Richard was one of the first to join the colours. He was attested and medically passed as fit at Worksop on the 7th Sept for the Sherwood Foresters for a period of 4 years He embarked Southampton 25th Feb 1915to France and on the 25 Sept 1915 was shot and wounded in the back and lungs and died 2 days later of his wounds received. His personal effects and medals were received by his father in 1919. He is commemorated on the Lussenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Pte.R F Gray Worksop Guardian 22 October 1915 Still another hero has died for the Motherland, news having being received by Mrs Gray of 28 Marecroft, that her gallant son, Pte.R F Gray of the 1st 8th Notts and Derby Regt. has fallen in terrific fighting in Belgium,. Aged 23, Gray was born in the house which his parents still reside and was educated at the Abbey School, and previous to enlisting, he was employed at Manton Colliery, where he was much thought of by his mates. Against his mother’s wish and saying he would rather volunteer than be fetched, he enlisted on 7th September 1914. After receiving his training he left with his regiment for Belgium on February 26th, a brother going with him. Being wounded and recovering, Dick, after eight months of warfare, was badly injured by shrapnel and was admitted to the 10th Casualty Clearing Station, as the following letter to his mother shows:- “ 10th Casualty Clearing Station, BEF, Sept 26th 1915, Dear Madam, your son was admitted to this hospital today suffering from shrapnel wounds. He is fairly comfortable and is anxious that you do not worry about him. He will be moved today to a Stationary Hospital at the Base, from which you will hear from him, Faithfully yours, D Tait Patterson, Chaplain.” On the 7th October, Mrs Gray received the sad tidings of her son’s death. The letter which was dated Sept. 28th, read as follows:- “ Madam, it is my painful duty to inform you that a report this day has been received, from the War Office, notifying the death of your son, which occurred on a place not known on the 28th September, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss.” A wooden cross marks the place where he was laid to rest and his brother, writing to the mother, tells her, shoukd he live until he has ‘finished his bit’, he will take his parent to the spot where Dick is buried. Pte Gray was a brother-in-law to Pte Broom who has also been killed and took part in the battle of Hill 60, was at La Bassee and Hooge. His death is much felt by his parents and the sympathy by all is extended to them in their severe trial.

CWG additional information:- Son of William and Kate Gray, of 31, Clinton St., Worksop Commemorated on the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt