Gray

RESEARCHING

Made 2nd Lt 19 Oct 1940

In January 1944 he was one of the spectators at Exercise FIZZLE: "1. Exercise FIZZLE, a divisional assault landing exercise for tps of 185 Inf Bde with full naval fire support and artillery support, takes place in BURGHEAD area on 29 Jan 44.

2. The following spectators will attend:

Capt. J. Roynon-Jones *(KIA 11 June 44)

Lt. J. Gray

Lt. K. Taylor *(Wounded 19 July 44)

3. The Commanding Officer is also attending as a spectator." More on Fizzle here

In March 1944 he is mentioned in the War Diary. "Cadre for Junior M.C.Os run by Lieut. J. Gray begins".

In April 1944, as Capt J. Gray, he was named Entraining Officer for the Battalion's main troop train out of Selkirk in the orders for Exercise HANDS UP, the Battalion's move from Selkirk to its pre-invasion camp near Wickham, Hampshire.

Second in Command of A Company on D-Day is listed as Capt James Gray of Galashiels. He wrote, "Early on June 7 we prepared to attack the village of Gazelle. We moved on bicycles through Periers-Sur-le-Dan preparatory to the attack. At midday patrols reported Gazelle clear of the enemy and led by ‘C’ Company (Major H.S. Gillies) the Battalion moved through Gazelle to the woods north of Le Mesnil.

We stayed until the morning of the 9th when we were relieved by the S Lancs while the Royal Ulster Rifles (RUR) attacked Cambes Wood. At 18.00 the Battalion was ordered to pass through the RUR who had reached their objectives but were pinned down by heavy machine Gun, and Mortar Fire. The Battalion attacked after passing through the RUR and were met by machine gun fire and heavy mortar fire, but all Coys successfully reached their objectives. The Battalion suffered several casualties mainly from mortar fire." From the Border Telegraph - https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/17684958.heroes-remembered-75-years-d-day-landings/

He commanded B Coy in Operation Heather; detailed for task of clearing farm buildings. NB: matches BC Sept45 Major J. Gray, B Coy. p.60

G.O.C.'s Commendation Card May 1945; (BChron)

left Battalion. pp.107, 108, 111 2B Coy. (BChron)

Military Cross award mentioned in the Gazette - 24th January 1946.