Captain Harold Seward Gray

Huron & Erie Mortgage & Loans Corporation, Capt. Gray’s Workplace
1914. Gardner, H.W., ed. London, ON, London Free Press.

Born in London, ON, in December 1895, Harold worked as a clerk-teller for the Huron & Erie Loan & Savings Co. The company granted him leave and even paid half salary upon enlisting with the 70^th Canadian Infantry Battalion on 1 December 1915. Having served for two years in the pre-war Militia, he was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain and was later attached to General Headquarters. He was even mentioned in despatches in July 1918 by Sir Douglas Haig, commander of the British Expeditionary Force. The evening of 16 August 1918, Harold and two other officers went to bathe in the sea, at Étaples (France). Noticing the choppy water, he suggested they turn back, but it was too late—caught in the heavy undercurrent, Capt. Gray drowned.

He is commemorated on page 418 of the First World War Book of Remembrance (Memorial Chamber, Peace Tower, Parliament Hill).

Grave: Étaples Military Cemetery, France.