WILLIAM HENRY BRAY
1895 – 1984
William was born in June 1895 to parents Harry and Elizabeth, who were living at New Park Cottage, Widecombe. Harry was employed as a thatcher.
Together with his half-brother, Harold Reynolds, William attended Widecombe School. By 1911 William had left school, and was working as a general labourer and rabbit trapper.
On 8th November 1915, at the age of 20, William enlisted in the Royal Navy initially for the period “hostilities only”, but in August 1918 he signed on for 12 years. (The practice was that the 12 years would count from his original enlistment date). In October 1915, immediately after enlisting, William married Mary Jane (Minnie) Palmer and through marriage became related to Richard Palmer and Walter Morley.
In May 1917, following periods of training at HMS Vivid in Devonport, William was posted to HMS Ramillies. She sailed for her maiden voyage in Autumn 1917 having been commissioned on 1st September1917. Ramillies spent the remainder of the War, with the Grand Fleet patrolling the North Sea but did not see any action against the German Navy. William served upon Ramillies until 1921.
William Henry Bray remained in the Royal Navy until 1927 when he had completed his 12 years for “King and Country”.
In 1921 William and wife Minnie had a son William.
William Henry Bray died at Honiton in 1984.
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