John Grey

Forename(s):
John

Surname:
Grey

Initial(s):
J

Service Number:
291101

Rank:
Lance-Corporal

Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 1/7th Battalion Territorial Force

Died:
14/11/1916

Aged:
18

Buried:
Thiepval Memorial

Service History:
Given Grey's age, it is thought unlikely he will have joined up before late 1915, which, followed by at least 6-9 months basic training, suggests he may have been sent to France & Flanders about the middle of 1916.

However, in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929 (available via Ancestry.co.uk) there's reference to another regimental service # (3697), which may suggest previous or earlier service. The UK, WW1 Service Medal & Award Rolls, 1914-1920 (again, available via Ancestry.co.uk) also mention this preceded by '7/...'. Perhaps, Grey was only given his 291101 service # shortly before his death & on promotion to Lance-Corporal.

Grey appears to have been promoted Lance-Corporal in no time at all, which would have been a little unusual for someone seemingly only just past his 18th birthday.

From September 1916 Grey's battalion was involved in the Battles of the Somme. He was killed in action shortly before the 1916 Somme Offensive was closed down when 149th Infantry Brigade, of which the Northumberland Fusiliers 1/7th Battalion Territorial Force formed part, was in action to capture Snag, Hook & Gird Trenches to the east of Le Sars, which were needed as jumping-off points for a planned attack on the Butte de Warlencourt & the Bapaume & Transloy Ridges.

Operations conducted between 13-19 November were largely unsuccessful & costly to the battalion, which lost 4 officers & 132 other ranks killed in action during those few days.
(Source: 'The Fallen of Embleton 1914-1919'; Written & researched by Terry Howells, Mary Kibble, & Monica Cornall; pp. 24-27)

Background:
Born in September 1897, at Newton Barns near Embleton, Northumberland, the son of Thomas Grey (b. at Longhoughton; a Horseman & Shepherd on farms), by his wife, Jane Grey (née Dodds; b. in Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland), of Wooden Farm, Alnmouth, Northumberland.

Grey was one of seven children. His sibling were: Olive Mary (b. 1892; at Alnwick; a Farm Servant); Mark (b. 1893; at Elilaw, Northumberland; a Horseman); Annie (b. 1894; at Elilaw; a Farm Servant); Robert (b. 1895; at Elilaw; a Shepherd); Thomas (b. 1900; at Newton Barns; in 1911, still at school); & Jannie (b. 1902; otherwise same as for Thomas).

Educated, first at Newton School, then Embleton School from May 1907 until May 1910 when he left as the family moved to Ellingham, Chathill, Northumberland.

Pre-war occupation: Farm Labourer.
(Source: 'The Fallen of Embleton 1914-1919'; Written & researched by Terry Howells, Mary Kibble, & Monica Cornall; pp. 24-27)

One of two sons lost - see, also, Private Robert Grey (Regimental service #18010; King's Own Scottish Borderers, 2nd Battalion; KIA 12 August 1915).

Local Memorial:
Embleton, Church of England School 1914-1918 Memorial Plaque