George Spray
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Jane Ann McMillan was born and bred in Retford and worked in the family news agent business. In 1883, she had a daughter who she named Agnes McMillan. In 1891 she married a Retford man, George Spray, the ceremony taking place at Wandsworth in London. Returning to take up their residency in Retford, they had three children, George born 1892, James born 1894 and born Eva 1896. A double tragedy struck the family over the next few years. First Jane died in 1897 aged 33 and in the following year, George Spray senior died age 30. The four young orphans now needed a home which was taken on by Jane’s widowed mother, Caroline McMillan who was living at 42 Carolgate, Retford and running the news agent shop assisted by James whilst in 1911 George was working as a moulder in the local foundry works. Agnes married in 1908 and Eva in 1920 and grandmother, Caroline McMillan died in 1912 age 78. It was unknown at that time that both boys were both going to perish in the coming war.
6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment was raised at Lincoln in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's First New Army and joined 33rd Brigade in 11th (Northern) Division. After initial training close to home, they moved to Belton Park, Grantham. On the 4th of April 1915 the Division assembled at Witley and Frensham for final training. They sailed for Gallipoli from Liverpool via Mudros at the end of June 1915. They landed near Lala Baba at Suvla Bay on the 7th of August. Pte Geo. Spray Retford Times 3 September 1915 Pte Wood has written to Retford stating that Pte Geo. Spray, another Retford Lad with the 6th Lincolns at the Dardanelles is missing. Pte Spray before enlisting in August 1914, lived with Mrs Hatton of the Imperial Crown, and Mrs McMillan and was an apprentice at Messrs R A Bradshaw and Son’s Carr Foundry to the moulding trade. The gallant lad’s brother, Pte James Spray, is serving with the 9th Sherwood Foresters, also at the Dardanelles.' James Spray was killed on the same day at Gallipoli serving with 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters and is also commemorated on the Helles Memorial. Colin Dannatt
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