Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Albion (Alby) was born on the 31st August 1911 in Payneham to William Robert and Mary Anne Gray. He was one of eight children with siblings included Dorothy Irene, Audrey, Jean Fanny, William (Bill), Wordsworth Atkinson (Wordie), Herschell Wellington (Bob) and Ebenezer Waenford Milton.
Alby followed his father, becoming a second-generation market gardener in the suburb of Magill, in the eastern foothills of Adelaide. His 39-year-old father had enlisted to serve in WWI when Alby was just five years old. William was number 6813 and served in the Suez before safely returning home to his young family. However, life was a challenge for William, who also worked another man’s land on nearby Orphanage Road. The two had agreed to share the profits from crops of potatoes, peas, turnips, and lettuce, after deducting the cost of seed. William had also provided the labour involved. He was forced to take the matter to court in December ’32, but unfortunately, with the evidence presented, the Judge reluctantly dismissed the claim for £25 12/6 owed to William. A huge loss of income.
Less than two years later, William was again in conflict in a different partnership where he had purchased corn for production. Business partnerships in the market garden industry greatly relied on a handshake and trust, not just hard work. Alby worked with his father, combining gardening with the development of a fruit orchard and was also a passionate Lay Preacher in what was called ‘Nonconformist Churches’.
Alby was 24 when his much-loved mother, Mary Ann died in hospital in September ’35. She was buried in the West Terrace Cemetery. The family placed a tribute in the Advertiser September 1935, ‘GRAY.—On the 25th September, Mary Ann, the beloved wife of W. R. Gray, of Vine street, Magill, leaving 3 daughters, 5 sons. Late of Kersbrook, aged 64 years.’ And ‘GRAY On the 25th September at Adelaide (late of Vine street, Magill. and Kersbrook) Mary Ann, beloved mother of Dorothy, Audrey, Jean, William, Wordsworth, Albion, Herschell and Ebenezer. Asleep In Jesus.’
With the outbreak of WWII three of William’s sons followed in his footsteps by enlisting. The first to do so was the youngest son, Ebenezer, on the 3rd November ’39. He had just turned 24. Allocated the number SX1253, he served in the 2/10th Battalion as a Group II Specialist carpenter. Nine months later, 28-year-old Alby was the second son to enlist on the 4th July 1940, being given the number SX7823 and was allocated to the 2/48th Battalion. The following year his older brother, Wordsworth aged 32 who was a talc miner, enlisted in January ’42 as S51667. He served with the Australian General Transport Company on convoy duties between Alice Springs and Darwin and served in Darwin when it was bombed by the Japanese.
Alby’s early days were spent in the Motor Pavilion of what is now the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds. His ‘bed’ was straw filled hessian on wooden pallets. Whilst in the tightly packed pavilion, he contracted influenza before re-commencing training in the Adelaide Hills before he had brief pre-embarkation leave. The battalion finally boarded the Stratheden for the Middle East, in November, where Alby spent over a week in the ship’s hospital. He finally arrived on the 17th December then marched to a Staging Camp. During those early days, besides regular army duties was the need to quickly adapt to the locals.
Within months, the 2/48th Battalion was involved in intense conflicts where their reputation for being the most highly decorated but decimated battalion was earned. Alby, also known as ‘The Parson Driver’ in the Transport section, was to become one of the respected and famed Rats of Tobruk.
By October ’41 Alby was experiencing back and neck pain (lumbar fibrosis) which required extensive hospitalisation, but the condition again flared in February ’42, resulting in more hospitalisation for over a month. A deep skin infection and boils told of Alby’s general poor living conditions at the end of ’41. Back home, his brother, Herschelle and his wife, May welcomed a son on March 20th at Gumeracha Hospital. They poignantly named him Albion Atkinson. A fitting tribute.
In June ’41 Alby’s young brother, Ebenezer, also serving in the Middle East, sustained a gunshot wound to his right elbow. He was eventually discharged in July ‘42 as ‘Medically unfit for service although 10% unfit for employment in civil life.’
For Alby, ’42 a feature was his involvement in the Australian Infantry Trig Battalion before finally in March ’43 he left the Middle East, returning to Australia. However, during the voyage he contracted an upper respiratory tract infection which again required him to have time in the ship’s hospital. Fortunately, by the time Fremantle was reached, he was able to have well-earned shore leave.
Back in South Australia in April ’43 Alby was diagnosed with painful kidney stones, causing him to be hospitalised. He and Agnes Smith Thomson of Glenunga became engaged and planned to marry on Alby’s next leave. Following precious leave, he headed to Queensland for training to fight in tropical conditions against a very different enemy. He eventually left Cairns early in August, arriving at Milne Bay on the 8th.
On the 17th November ’43 Alby was severely injured during fighting in the Finschhaven area of New Guinea. He sustained a gunshot wound to his back and resultant paraplegia, placing him on the seriously ill list. Back home, the December issue of the Chronicle reported the names of Alby and others in his battalion who were also affected. They included Corporal Woodall, SX7212 from Exeter, who was killed, with Private Albion St.L. Gray SX7823 from Magill, Private David K Stark SX6891 from Lower North Adelaide and Private Allen Harris SX7330 from Moonta also being injured.
John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan described the surrounding area as being dearly bought and dearly held. Bordering the road and lining many of the crests were tangled messes of almost impenetrable bamboo, ideal for concealing an enemy. In the fighting along the six thousand yards dividing Jivevaneng and Sattelberg, and in the final storming of the stronghold itself, the battalion’s casualties were, though we could not know it then, to number more than one hundred.’ Alby was one of these.
Glenn then described the unpredictability of the conflict when Alby was wounded. ‘Back on White Rock Ridge some Headquarters Company men were just enjoying a brew of tea when the enemy landed several shells right near them. A reinforcement lad who had just arrived was understandably a little nervous; he stuck to his hole. Jacky McMahon, noticing this, jumped in beside the youngster, and had just finished telling him that the Japs could not hit a country privy when a shell landed between them. Both were wounded. Two others wounded about this time were Jimmy Darwent and Alby Gray, Gray later dying of his wounds.’ He was just 32 years old.
Alby’s condition fluctuated over the following month, as he was brought back to Australia, via Queensland and the Brisbane Military Hospital. However, his prognosis on the 6th January ’44 was assessed as being seriously ill. Just days later, on the 9th Alby died of his wounds. He was buried in The Anzac section of Lutwyche War Cemetery in Grave 35 Section 75, Portion 7. In January ’44 the Advertiser recorded ‘Previously Reported Placed On Seriously ill List. Now Reported Died Of Wounds SX7823 Pte. A. St. L Gray. Inf. Magill.’
The Advertiser in January also carried a summary of Alby’s service and that of his brothers and cousins. ‘Mr. W. Robert Gray, of Sturt road, Brighton, has been advised that his son, Dvr. Albion St. L. Gray, died of wounds received in action in New Guinea on November 17. Dvr. Gray served in Syria and North Africa with the 9th Division. He was known to many of his battalion as "The Parson Driver." Two brothers, Eb. and Word, and a nephew, are serving In the Army, and another nephew in the Air Force. Dvr. Gray was a local preacher well known in the Magill and Athelstone districts. He was to have been married on his next leave.’
Alby’s family and friends continued to remember him in the following years.
Advertiser Wednesday January 1944, GRAY. Driver Albion- St. Leon (A.I.F. ret.). —In loving memory of my darling fiancé, who fell asleep Jan 9 as a result of wounds received in New Guinea, Nov 17, 1943. Cherished forever.—Agnes S. Thomson. Glenunga GRAY.—In loving memory of dear Alby. So sadly missed.—Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. David Thomson and family. GRAY. Dvr. A. St. L. (A.I.F. ret) On Jan 9 in Queensland, died of wounds received in New Guinea, beloved brother of Bill (Lyrup, River Murray). Word (A.M.F. Alice Springs). Bob (Gumeracha) Ebe (Chain of Ponds). (A.I.F. ret.) GRAY. Dvr. A. St. L. (A.I.F. ret) On Jan 9, in Queensland, died of wounds received in New Guinea, beloved brother of Dorothy (Mrs. Weaver, Magill), Audrey (Mrs. Trengove, Kensington), Jean (Mrs. Neale Highbury)- Sadly missed. GRAY. —A token of remembrance to our dear Albion, died of wounds received In New Guinea, the loved brother of Mrs. Percy Neale, Highbury East, loving uncle of Ron, 'deceased' . Ern Mavis and Margaret. Aged 32 years. GRAY. —A tribute of love and remembrance to Driver Albion Gray, died in Queensland, Dec. 9 of wounds received in New Guinea.—Deeply mourned by Mr. and Mrs. Horace Bird. Magill. GRAY.—A tribute of love and remembrance of Driver Albion Gray, died of wounds received in New Guinea. Thoughts drift back to bygone days, Life moves on, but memory stays—Inserted by Mrs. Maude Stephen, Lobethal. GRAY.—In loving memory of Albion, who died of wounds January 9. If I were only as true and noble as he, little more could I wish.—lnserted by his lonely brother, Bob. GRAY.—In loving memory of Albion, who died of wounds, January 9. Precious memories we shall cherish forever of one so sadly missed.—lnserted by Bob, May, and family.
Advertiser Wednesday 10 January 1945, GRAY.—in remembrance of Pte Albion Gray, who died of wounds.—Sadly missed by his sorrowing friends. Mr. Mrs. Bird. Magill. GRAY. A St. L. SX7823 -In loving memory of Alb., who lived and gave his life for others. Death he feared not. ‘For I was but passing to higher service. 2nd Corinthians 5-17-Inserted by Bob and May.
Advertiser Wednesday 9 January 1946, GRAY—In loving memory of SX7823 Pte. A. H. L. Gray, died of wounds on Jan 9, 1944. A little white cross, far from here, marks the resting place of him so dear. Loved in life, honored in death, a beautiful memory is all we have left.—Inserted by his loving brother Bill, Hilda and family. GRAY.—In cherished memory of my beloved fiancé, Albion St. Leon. "The Parson Driver," SX7823, 2/48th Batt., 9th Div., Middle East and New Guinea, who died when on journey home, Jan. 9, 1944, as a result of wounds received in action in New Guinea, Nov. 17, 1943. Buried Lutwyche Military Cemetery, Queensland. Since our fellowship here below In Jesus was so sweet; What heights of rapture shall we know When round His throne we meet. —Cherished for ever. Agnes Smith Thomson. GRAY, A. S., SX7823.—In memory of Alb., who laid down his cross for crown on January 9, 1944. Where is death's sting, Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, If thou abide with Me. —Inserted by Bob, May and family GRAY, SX7823 2/48th Batt., A.I.F., ret.—In sacred memory of our dear brother and uncle Alb, who died Jan. 9th 1944, of wounds received New Guinea, Nov. 17, 1943. He wore no shining medals, he could not sign his name V. C., but he died a true hero, to keep Australia free.—Ever remembered by Jean, Perce and family. GRAY.—In loving memory of our dear brother, Albion, SX7823, Driver A.S. Gray, died of wounds, N.G, Jan. 9, 1944. Peacefully sleeping.—Sadly missed by his loving sister Audrey, Norman and family.
Advertiser Thursday 9 January 1947, GRAY,. Dvr. —In loving memory of my Uncle Alb. 2 /48th Batt. died of wounds from New Guinea. 1944. So dearly loved and sadly missed, but forever in my thoughts.—Ruth. GRAY.— In cherished memory of my beloved fiancé. Albion St. Leon, "The Parson Driver." SX7823. 2/48th Batt., Middle East and New Guinea, who died when on journey home. January 9. 1944. as a result of wounds received in action in New Guinea. November 17. 1943. Buried Lutwyche Military Cemetery. Queensland. Always remembered. — Agnes Smith Thompson.`
Advertiser Friday 9 January 1948, GRAY. A. S. SX7823. 2/48th. Batn.. A.I.F.. ret.—Cherished memories of a dearly loved brother and Uncle Alb., fell asleep. January 9. 1944, of wounds received New Guinea. November 17, 1943.—Sadly missed by Jean, Perc and family. GRAY. Driver Albion, St. L. 2/48th Btn.—ln loving memory of my Uncle Alb., died New Guinea, 1944.—Ever remembered by Ruth and Trengove family. GRAY.—In loving memory of my dear brother Albion St. Leon, 2/48th. A.I.F. (Parson Driver), died of wounds received at Satelberg, N.G., January 9. 1343.—Always remembered by his loving sister Dorothy and family (Mrs. Weaver).
Advertiser Saturday 8 January 1949, GRAY. —Sacred are the memories of my dear brother Albion, died of wounds, January 9 1944. Time passes, but memories stay. —Remembered by sister Dorothy (Mrs. Weaver) and family. GRAY, Albion, 2/48th. —Died of wounds received N.G. January 9. 1944 Hearts that loved you will never forget. —Always remembered by Jean. Perce and family.

In a further horrific accident, Alby’s 65-year-old father, who had retired from being a fruit grower, was fatally injured when he was knocked over by a motor cycle on North terrace, city, near the railway station. He sustained major head injuries and died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital two days later on July 1st ’52. Whilst an inquest was held, it was found that the motor bike rider’s speed was neither reckless or grossly excessive, nor had he neglected to keep a proper look-out. Evidence showed the roadway in the locality of the accident was poorly lit.
The family was again mourning their untimely loss.
Chronicle June 1952, GRAY.—On June 1, at hospital, William Robert, dearly loved husband of Lillian E. Gray, Brighton, and loving father of Dorothy ( Mrs. Weaver, Kent Town), Audrey (Mrs. Trengove, Kensington). Jean (Mrs. Neale, Highbury), W. D. Gray (Lyrup), W. A. Gray (Gumeracha), A. L. Gray (deceased, 2nd A.I.F.), H. W. Gray (Gumeracha), E. W. Gray (Salisbury). Aged 75 years. GRAY. — On June 1 (result accident), William Robert, late of Payneham, Kersbrook, Magill, 27th Batt., beloved husband of Lillian and late Marrian, loved father of Dorothy Weaver (Kent Town), grandpa of Beryl, Murray, Audrey, great-grandpa of Lynett, Dianna, Bronwyn, Penelope, Leonie.
Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133, 2/48th Battalion.