Verdy Archer Gray

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Verdy died on 9th of April 1917 at the age of 21. 

Verdy's name is sometimes recorded as Verdi.

Verdy was born at Fincham, Norfolk, a son of Obadiah (OBedier) and Ada Mabel Gray. He was baptised at Acle on 20 February 1898. In 1901 his family lived at 'Two Caravans in Bran Lane', Sprowston, Norwich, and his parents were proprietors of fairground 'swinging-boat' rides. By 1911 they were living at Ashby, near Great Yarmouth, and later Verdy's parents lived at Harbour Road, Lowestoft, and, subsequently, at Heath Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.

Verdy enlisted in the Army at Norwich and he arrived in France on 22 June 1915 to join the 7th Battalion. 

On 9 April 1917 the 7th Battalion were involved in a divisional attack and they, as part of 35 Brigade, had the capture of the Feuchy-Wancourt Line as a key objective. At 10.05 a.m. they were to be in position ready for the attack, but they could not move into their intended position as this had not yet been captured by the preceding battalions. During this time the battalion was subject to machine-gun and rifle fire and began taking casualties. At 12.08 p.m. their attack began and they were able to silence both machine-guns and snipers. The attack was a success and soon they captured 90 prisoners at Tilloy Quarry. The battalion then encountered a camouflaged trench running north from the Cambrai Road and took this position along with 15 prisoners and three machine-guns. Next the battalion was able to take their second objective and captured a number of prisoners including artillery officers. In total the battalion captured 150 prisoners, 11 77mm Field Guns and 6 machine-guns. The attack was judged to be a great success.

The battalion's casualties were:
Officers: two killed, three wounded
Other ranks: 21 killed, 135 wounded

Verdi was killed in action on 9 April.