2ND LIEUTENANT MARTIN KENION GRAY 6TH BATTALION KINGS OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY.

2ND LIEUTENANT MARTIN KENION GRAY 6TH BATTALION KINGS OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY. KILLED IN ACTION 28TH AUGUST 1916.


On 28th August 1916 the 6th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry were in the front line near to Delville Wood in the Somme Sector. At 4.45pm, relative peace was shattered by an intense German artillery bombardment which hit the forward British trenches. All 5 officers from 'Y' company were in the officers dugout when it took a direct, hit burying its occupants. Despite the efforts of rescuers the officers were killed, including 2nd Lieutenant Martin Kenion Gray. 

Martin was only 19 years of age and had been at the front for a just few weeks. His short military career had begun the previous year when as a student at Leeds University he had joined the Officer Training Corps. Forsaking his studies he applied for a commission and was appointed to the Yorkshire Light Infantry.

Born into a relatively affluent middle-class family in Horsforth Martin was the son of a wealthy worsted manufacturer and grandson of Sir William Duncan. Whilst still a pupil at Giggleswick School his father died and his mother moved a house called Hollingley on The Grove.

Today, 2nt Lieutenant Martin Gray is buried at Delville Wood Military Cemetery and remembered on the war memorials in Horsforth and Ilkley

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