“A Stylish Batsman”

This week I was contacted by Mark Rogers, who is researching men on Worcester’s King’s School war memorial.

Lieutenant Thomas Norman Gray is listed on this memorial. Gray was killed with his batman, Gunner Richardson, by enemy shelling at Testour, as they were having breakfast on 4th May 1943.

Mark kindly provided the following information:

“Thomas was the son of John and Ada Gray of Purley, Surrey. He came first in the scholarship exam to Kings in 1929. A member of the cricket team,  he is described as “showing great promise, both with the ball and bat.” And later “A stylish batsman, but lacks enterprise”.

There is a photo of Lt Gray (the only one wearing a brevet cap) in amongst the officers of 87th at Chagford. This photo exists in the collection of the late Freddie Friend. I do have a copy on a memory card which I will post when relocated. If anyone else has this photo and could expedite this process, please get in touch.

The King’s School, Worcester, Second World War Memorial.

Photo courtesy of Mark Rogers.