Thomas Gray (VC)

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Thomas Gray
May 17, 1914 – May 12, 1940
Place of birth	Urchfont England
Place of death	Maastricht Netherlands
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Royal Air Force
Years of service	1929-1940
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	12 Squadron
Awards	VC

Thomas Gray VC (May 17, 1914 - May 12, 1940) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 25 years old, and a sergeant in 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 May 1940, over the Albert Canal, Belgium, one bridge in particular was being used by the invading army, with protection from fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft and machine-guns. The RAF was ordered to demolish this vital bridge, and five Fairey Battle bombers were despatched with Sergeant Gray as the navigator in the plane leading the bombing attack. They met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire, but the mission was accomplished, much of the success being due to the coolness and resource of the pilot (Donald Edward Garland) of the leading aircraft and the navigation of Sergeant Gray. Unfortunately the leading aircraft and three others did not return.

Gray is buried at the Haverlee War Cemetery near Leuven in Belgium.^[1]