Mexborough and Swinton Times, February 24, 1917

Private J.W. Gray
(York & Lancs)

Private J.W.Gray (York and Lancs), 21 Rotherham Rd, West Melton, has been killed in action in France.

He was a single man, aged 33, and had served in the army 10 years. He had previously been wounded, in April 1915. He came to France with the Indian expeditionary force, and was attached to a trench mortar battery.

He came home on leave shortly before Christmas last.

His brother, Private Tom Gray (R.A.M.C.) is also in France.

His father Mr T Gray, of Firth Rd, Rotherham, has received the following note from the Battery Sergeant Major:

“It is with great regret that I notify you of the death of your son. He was killed by a fragment of shell. He will be missed by all his comrades in the battery; a good soldier, and always ready to crack a joke. He was one of the best.”