Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of six awarded to Captain R. A. Gray, Royal Field Artillery, formerly Indian Army and Imperial Yeomanry

Military Cross, G.V.R.; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, S.A. 1901, S.A. 1902 (23418 Tpr., Imp. Yeo.); 1914-15 Star (Lieut., I.A.R.O.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Capt.); Volunteer Force Decoration, G.V.R. (Lt., 38/East Coast, I.D.F.) good very fine (6)

M.C. London Gazette 18 October 1917 (R.F.A.). ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty (near St Eloi, on 1 September 1917). He was engaged in removing ammunition from a vacated gun position when the enemy opened fire on the position, and a gun-pit containing several hundred rounds of ammunition was set alight. He at once went to the pit, which became a sheet of flame, and with the help of another officer extinguished the fire. At one time he was overcome by smoke, but continued to work, entering the pit and carrying out the ammunition at great risk, both from the fire and the hostile shelling, which still continued. He showed the greatest courage and devotion to duty, and was responsible for saving a large quantity of ammunition.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 20 December 1918 (attached 16th Bde. Amm. Col. R.H.A.).

Gray enlisted in the Imperial Yeomanry at Edinburgh in February 1901, and was assigned to the 78th Company (Rough Riders), 12th Battalion. He served in South Africa from February 1901 until August 1902. He joined the Indian Army in October 1913 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Bangalore Rifle Volunteers and later served with the 31st D.C.O. Lancers, with whom he went to France in April 1915. He resigned his commission in the Indian Army in July 1916 on his transfer to the British Army and served subsequently with the 65th Battery, R.F.A., and the 16th Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Horse Artillery. He relinquished his commission in August 1919, on account if ill-health caused by wounds.