Morpeth Herald 28/01/1916 carries an obituary:
A NATIVE OF MORPETH
In “The Times Supplement to the London Gazette” for January 14th, 1916, appears the name of J.W. Gray as one who had gained the “D.C.M. for services in the field”, whilst a few days previous word had been received that he had been wounded.
Up to the 13th inst., assurances were received that he was recovering, and in a cheerful letter from himself on the 11th he said he was doing well and hoped to be removed to the base, and thence to England in a few days.
News from the War Office being received on the 13th that he died of his wounds in the 1st Canadian Hospital, Etaples, on the 12th inst., further confirmation came to hand on Tuesday of this week.
Sergeant J.W. Gray was a native of Morpeth, but had lived at Whitley Bay for several years, being employed as clerk in the goods department of the N.E.R. at the Forth and Newcastle Quayside prior to the outbreak of war.
He was a member of the Territorials, and an earnest member of the St John Ambulance Association, conducting classes for years.
He was a member of the R.A.M.C. attached to the 5th N.F., with the rank of sergeant, going away nearly a year ago into active service.
From that date, he had had a very strenuous time, and by his heroic work was recommended for the D.C.M.
For years Sergeant Gray had been actively associated with the Friendly Society movement, acting local secretary to the National Independent Order of Oddfellows for Newcastle.
As a citizen, he was of a quiet and unassuming nature, but was held in very great esteem by his employers, his colleagues, and all who were privileged to know him. And his indomitable courage on the field of battle gained for him many glowing tributes of affection and gratitude from those who had the best chances of seeing him.
It may truly be said that he gave his life ungrudgingly in this great world struggle, and Whitley Bay loses an heroic citizen.
He leaves a widow and two children to mourn his loss.
John Wilson Gray is remembered at Whitley Bay on W84.01 as J.W. Grey, N.F., in the North Eastern Railways and at Gateshead on G39.030