Royal Field Artillery badge
Derek Johnstone has provided the following information:
David Reay was born in 1897 at Ouston in County Durham. His mother was Elizabeth Reay, who was born at North Ditchburn County Durham. His mother married Charles Perry, a carter for the Cooperative Society in 1897.
In 1901 David Reay was four years old and living with his family which included his mother Elizabeth, step father Charles Perry; brother George Edward Reay, aged five; stepsister Mary Ellen Perry, aged one, and stepbrother John S. Perry who was a few months old. At this time the family were resident at 10, Eden Street, Fullwell, County Durham.
By 1911, David was 14 years old and employed as a draper’s errand boy still living with his family at 10, Eden Street.
David lived at Catholic Row, Bedlington around the time he enlisted at Blyth, Northumberland. His military records show he was 19 years and 8 months when the Short Service Attestation form was signed. He was injured by gas on 5th May 1918 and wounded on the 26th August 1918. He was injured in France and died in England. His mother was next of kin and living at 50, Laburnum Road, Sunderland.
David Reay is remembered in Bedlington on B15.02, B15.06 and B15.02
