William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
John (sometimes known as George) was born on June 16th1900 at Westgate, Newcastle. His parents were Ralph and Alice (nee Moffatt). The couple married at Glendale, Northumberland in 1897 and went on to have 5 children although sadly one died. Both parents were born out in rural Northumberland so it is likely they moved to squalid Newcastle for work.
In 1901 the family were living at 5 Back Prospect Place where Ralph was working as a barn rollerman? The other family members were wife, Alice and children Frances and John plus 2 boarders.
In 1906 Ralph had died at the early age of 32 years so the family situation altered. A further 2 children had arrived, Watson and Mary and were now living at the Cottage, back Mary Street, Westgate, Newcastle upon Tyne. Alice worked as a charwoman to make ends meet.
John enlisted into the army on July 6th 1918. He was 5’5” tall with a fresh complexion. His occupation was as a chauffeur. His faith was Church of England.
He served with several battalions within the D.L.I. being transferred to the 20th Battalion after arriving in Cologne.
Unfortunately, John was killed by a fellow soldier as a result of a shooting accident.
A Court of Inquiry was held the following day to report on the shooting incident. The inquiry determined that No. 102692 Pte. Gray was accidently killed by a bullet from a revolver which was fired by 73654 Pte. T. Henderson.
The accident occurred at 02.45pm November 13th 1919 in the barracks where some soldiers were assembled sitting around the fire. A bullet from a revolver shot by a fellow soldier entered his abdomen leaving penetrating wounds from which he later died.
A nearby sergeant had heard the shot and after discovering the prone man immediately sent for the medical officer. John was taken away by ambulance but died at a Casualty Clearing Station in Germany at 01.00am the following day.
The convicted man, Pte Henderson was being tried by Field General Court Martial although the opinion was that he was not to blame.
Later John’s personal items, in his possession at the time of his death, were returned to his mother. They included a razor, cigarette case, watch base, cigarette holder, knife, pipe lighter, lanyard, nail scissors, photos, charm and disc.
John Gray has yet to be identified on a local War Memorial.
