Grays Peak

Grays Peak was named in memory of RCAF Flight Sergeant John Balfour Gray and RCNVR Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, who died during the Second World War. The following is an excerpt from: http://www.54thbattalioncef.ca/WARPAGES/geographic.htm Geographic Memorials - Grays Peak Named to remember brothers RCAF Flight Sergeant John Balfour Gray, and RCNVR Lieutenant Pilot Robert Hampton Gray, VC. The brothers were born in Trail and grew up in Nelson; John was the first Nelson man to die during WWII, and Robert was the last Nelson man to die during hostilities. Parents: John Balfour Gray, Sr., and Wilhemina Gray, Nelson. RCAF Flight Sergeant John ("Jack") Balfour Gray, R58225, recipient of the Aircrew Europe Star; serving as Air Gunner with 144 RAF Squadron when he was killed during a mine-laying operation, 27 February 1942, age 21. Buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Doncaster, UK, grave G. 63; and his older brother…..RCVNR Lieutenant Robert Hampton ("Hammy") Gray, VC, DSC, killed in action 9 August 1945, age 27 - the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and 5 days before the war ended - by crashing his flaming Corsair bomber into a Japanese destroyer at the cost of his own life. Earlier in 1945 he had been awarded the DSC, and was posthumously awarded Canada's 13th Victoria Cross. With no grave but the sea, his name is inscribed on the Halifax Memorial, panel 13.