Robert Edward Gray
From Our Contribution
 Ancestry.com | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 25 Aug 1903 |
| Place of Birth | New Machar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Death | 30 Jun 1986, aged 82 |
| Place of Death | Forrestfield, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 38 years, 7 months |
| Description |
5'8"(1.75m) tall ; 138lbs 62.596 kg ; fair complexion ; blue eyes ; brown hair ; scar on right elbow |
| Occupation | Bus driver |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Address | John street, Armadale, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs. Nancy Gray |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W67670 & 83817 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Mar 1942 |
| Rank | Private & Leading Aircraftman |
| Unit/Formation | 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion & RAAF Base Darwin |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
| Medals |
Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 |
Pre War
Robert emigrated to Australia in 1926. He arrived in Fremantle aboard the SS Berrima on 11 Feb 1926 from London. Others on the ship included a group of young boys part of the Child Emigration Society's program.
During 1929 Robert married Agnes (Nancy) Sharpe Sneddon (1903 - 1970) in Perth. Nancy died in Forrestfield on 4 Nov 1970 aged 67. They had two children, daugher Dorothy and a son.
Electoral Roll entries: 1931 - 1934 at 5 Seventh avenue, Bassendean, bus driver;
War Service
On 6 Jun 1940 Robert sought to enlist in the 2nd AIF. There is nothing on file to indicate what came of his application. At Armadale on 22 Mar 1942, Robert enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps and was allocated to 'D' Company of the 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion. Promoted Sergeant (Mortars) on 1 Jul 1942, he reverted to Private at his own request on 28 Aug 1942, and on 1 Oct 1943 he was discharged at his own request to join the RAAF the following day.
On 2 Nov 1943 Robert joined the RAAF at No. 4 RAAF Recruiting Centre, mustered as a Driver, Motor Vehicle TG III. He was then sent to No. 4 Recruit Depot RAAF until 11 Nov 1943 when he was posted to No. 17 Repair & Salvage Unit RAAF. From 17 November until 3 December 1943 Robewrt received treatment in the Three Springs Hospital. On 10 Apr 1944 Robert was transferred to No. 14 Squadron RAAF, and son after on 10 May 1944 Robert was promoted Leading Aircraftman. On 18 Aug 1944 Robert transferred to No. 4 Personnel Depot RAAF, and then on 11 Sep 1944 he joined No. 2 Reserve Personnel Pool RAAF. The following day he joined RAAF Base Darwin until 3 Dec 1945 when he was posted to No. 5 Personnel Depot RAAF. Finally on 7 Jan 1946 Robert was sent to the units Discharge Section to prepare for discharge which occurred on 1 Mar 1946
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 at 44 Mercury street, Carlisle, bus driver; 1963 - 1980 at 19 Waterfall road, Wattle Grove, service attendant.