WRAY, John

Conflict Commemorated:WWI

Last Name:WRAY

First Name:John

Age At Death:25

Birthplace:Barnetby le Wold, Lincolnshire

Residence:Brigg

Rank:Corporal

Service Number:1904

Regiment/ Service:Lincolnshire Regiment

Unit:5th Bn.

Date of Death:06/09/1916

Cause of Death:Killed in action

Place of Burial/ Commemoration:YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL West-Vlaanderen

Country:Belgium

Panel/ Bay/ Grave:21

UK Memorials:Brigg St. John Roll of Honour.

Next of Kin:Son of Mary Jane Shepherd (formerly Wray), of 22, Engine St., Brigg, Lincs.

Biographical Notes:John was the only son of Mary Jane and George Wray, he was born in Barnetby le Wold in 1890. His father was a blacksmith in Kirmington, Lincolnshire but died when John was only 5 years old. In 1901 his mother was supporting the family by working as a charwoman. By 1911 his mother had remarried and John was living with his step family in Brigg employed as a packer in a jam factory. John was attested to the 1/5 Lincolnshire Regiment and arrived in France on 1 March 1915 as part of 138 Brigade/ 46 Division and moved immeadiately to the Ypres Salient. On 1st September 1915 the battalion found itself in the trenches south east of Ypres adjoining Hill 60. Conditions were terrible with heavy rain leading to flooded trenches and collapsing walls. The men were mostly engaged just trying to repair the deteriorating trenches and enemy action was described as 'quiet' although a heavy bombardment was endured on the 5th. The 6th was also quiet and only one other rank was killed. Unfortunately that man was John. Death is cited as 6 June in Soldiers Died in Great War, but it is unequivically 6 September as his death is noted by name in the War Diary on that date. Medals: British, Victory, 15 Star.

Researcher:Sir John Nelthorpe School History Team;PJ & JM Sweetman

Notes:John is remembered on Men of Brigg; Brigg St John Triptych; British Legion Brigg Branch Roll of Honour and Lincolnshire Regiment Roll of Honour.

Sources Used:L.S.-11-9-15-Brigg-Confirmation of death,rank given as Private, 1891,1901,1911 census, Free BMD ( Birth) Medal record Card, SDGW, UK Army Register of Soldiers Effects 1901-1929, History of the Lincolnshire Regiment and War diary