Benjamin Wray

Gunner 127421. 156th Siege Battery. Royal Garrison Artillery.

Born: 1882 in Golcar.

Son of Rachel and stepson of Reuben Whitwam of 5 Upper Grand Stand Scapegoat Hill.

Brother of James Edward and stepbrother of Joseph John and Arthur Whitwam.

Married Sarah Alice Dyson in 1912.

Address: 8 Royd Street, Slaithwaite.

Occupation: Weaver at Ben Halls, Milnsbridge.

Enlisted: November 1916.

Embarked for France in May 1917.

Died of wounds: 27th December 1917. Aged 35.

Buried at Mendingem Military Cemetery, Belgium. Plot 6. Row BB. Grave 47.

Benjamin was a member of Scapegoat Hill band room. He was seriously wounded and gassed five days prior to his death. He was taken to No. 46 Casualty Clearing Station where he died. Sarah was awarded the £10-2-6d of his effects, from the army for herself and their children.

The cemetery is near the village of Proven where the Casualty Clearing Station and field ambulances were posted. Mendingem, Bandaghem and Dozingem were popular names given by the troops to Casualty Clearing Stations in this area during WW1. Mendinghem Cemetery contains 2,383 Commonwealth graves.

His name appears on the Roll of Honour at Scapegoat Hill Baptist Church with his brother James, also killed.