Sunday 21 June 2009

Corporal John Edson Gray, MM

Born on 22 October 1896 in Dundas, Ontario - son of Mrs. Bella Gray, Chesterville, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address in Chesterville, Ontario, trade as labourer, single, no current military service, previously served with the 59th Regiment (ten months), Church of England, height of 5 feet 11 inches, chest of 43 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair.

Joined the 154th Battalion, CEF, in Cornwall, Ontario, on 18 March 1916 (number 633803) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 24 May 1917 - wounded on 1 October 1918 - invalided to England on 3 October 1918.

Awarded the Military Medal - no official citation - unit recommendation dated 30 March 1918: "When enemy raided our front Mar. 27/18 this N.C.O. was in charge of battle post at Commotion Sap. He handled his section most effectively and set an example to his men by running forward with bombs and rifle grenades, which he fired alone."

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