Heworth St. Mary
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
John Gray was born at Felling in 1899, the eldest of 3 sons born to Robert Gray born 1873 and his wife Ann, known as Annie both of whom were born at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham in 1873 and 1881 respectively. Married in 1899 at Gateshead they settled at West Road, Felling, Robert was employed as a shipyard labourer, however, by 1911 he was a general labourer at the chemical works. John (11), Robert (8) and Tom (4) were scholars. Living with them in 2 rooms at Stoney gate Lane, Felling Shore was Robert’s widowed brother 41-year-old Tom Gray, a fireman at sea.
When war broke out in 1914 John Gray was 15 years old too young to enlist. Unfortunately his service record no longer exists, one of the 70% destroyed during the blitz of WW2. All that is known is that he enlisted, presumably when he turned 18 in 1917 assigned as Private 96765 to the Northumberland Fusiliers Depot.
Private 96765 John Gray died, Saturday July 19th 1919 in circumstances unknown and was interred with military honours at Heworth St. Mary Churchyard, Gateshead, County Durham.
In God’s safe keeping Rest In Peace.
John Gray is remembered at Windy Nook on W95.02
