John William Dolling spent 3 hours lying in water in a trench in France. His experience was reported in the Luton News on 1st December 1914. (see attached file)

John was born in Ampthill in January 1893, 1 of 6 children to James & Mary Jane.

Harry Gray was the eldest son of Walter & Ellen. He was born in Luton in 1885.

Aged 18 years, he joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery, Royal Garrison Artillery on 3rd December 1901 as Gunner 9858. On his service record he is described as having a sallow complexion, hazel eyes & black hair & he has a tattoo of spots & cross on his right forearm. He also has 2 scars above his left buttock.

Details imported from Luton Absent Voters list and the National Roll of Honour (Section V)

The National Roll ( mostly submitted by families) describes his service as follows: He joined in June 1916 and in the same year was drafted to the Western Front where he was in action on the Ancre and at Passchendale where he was wounded and gassed. On recovery he took part in the fierce fighting at Bapaume and Cambrai. He was demobilised in October 1919 and holds the General Service and Victory Medals.