Medal Index Card
Son of Joseph Reay; husband of M. Reay, of 15, Pretoria Avenue, Morpeth, Northumberland. Native of Morpeth.
Morpeth Herald 04/05/1917 carries an obituary:
MORPETH MAN’S DEATH FROM WOUNDS
Mr Joseph Reay, auctioneer, Morpeth, has received official news that his eldest son, Pte. William Reay, N.F., died on the 24th April from wounds received in action in France.
The deceased was an old Grammar School boy, and after leaving school assisted his father in the auctioneering business. Before joining his regiment three years ago he was book-keeper and short-hand typist with Pentland and Co., Morpeth.
About a year ago he was wounded, and some months ago he was home on leave, looking fit and well. Three weeks ago he was severely wounded in the “great push”, in the arm, severing all the arteries. His father and young wife were notified of his serious condition, and the latter went to the hospital in France to see him. She arrived at the hospital on Sunday, 22nd April, and remained with her husband until his death, which took place two days later. His widow also attended the funeral.
The deceased was a member of the Morpeth Y.M.C.A., a regular attender of St George’s Presbyterian Church, and was greatly respected by a large circle of friends.
Mr Reay has four other sons in the army (all his family), two of whom are fighting in France.
William Reay is remembered in Morpeth on M17.01, M17.02, M17.06, M17.09, M17.12, M17.21 and M17.29