Thomas Bray
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of Robert and Mary Bray. At the time of the 1901 Census, Robert (30) and Mary (31) with their three children, Thomas (7, abt 1894), Gertrude (4) and Francis (1), were boarders at 3 Cowen Street with Charlotte Cope, a widow of 82, who was the head of household. Robert, a general or builders' labourer, had been lodging with Charlotte at 82 Canal Street, at the time of the 1891 census. In 1911 Robert and Mary were living at 23 Albion Street. They had been married for 18 years and had had 11 children of whom 7 were living at the time of the census: Thomas (16), Gertrude (14, medical packer), Frank (11), Mabel (9), Ethel (5), Lily (3) and James (1)
He was in Egypt from 26 April 1915. He is buried in Ramleh War Cemetery (grave ref W.5). Qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 12 December 1917: BRAY killed in action Corporal T Bray, Hussars, on November 28th 1917 age 23, eldest son of Robert and Mary Bray, father, mother, brother, sisters. Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 15 December 1917: BRAY killed in action November 28th, Corporal Tom Bray, Yeomanry, 23 Albion Street. Included on Castle Gate Congregational Church ROH printed January 1917: L.Corpl T Bray, S.N.Hussars (Nottinghamshire Archives ref DD2325/10) In memoriam published 28th November 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “BRAY. – In loving memory of Cpl. T. Bray, killed on November 28th, 1917, Hussars, aged 23 years, dearly beloved son of Robert and Mary Bray, 23 Albion-street. I think I see his smiling face, as he bade his last goodbye, and left his home for ever, in a distant land to die; I think of him in silence, and his name I often call, but there's nothing left to answer, but his photo on the wall. – From his loving mother, father, brothers, and sisters (Frank with the colours). ”BRAY. – In loving memory of Cpl. T. Bray, Hussars, killed in action November 28th, 1917. Though death divides fond memory clings; ever in our thoughts. – Minnie.” Above in memoriam are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
