Samuel Joseph Gray
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Samuel Joseph Gray (1849–1906), was a Colour sergeant in the 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade. He served 29 years with 18 years in India and Afghanistan. On his discharge in 1894 he became a Park Keeper and in 1899 a Yeomen of the Guard.[1][2][3]
Samuel Joseph Gray was born in Stokes Croft, Bristol, and baptised on 8 April 1849 at St Andrew's church, Montpelier, Bristol.[4] Aged just 15 he enlisted on 21 February 1865 in the 4th Battalion Rifle Brigade at Peshawar, where his father was stationed.[2][5]
Army career
In 1876 Samuel served on the body guard for the visit of the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, to India. In his service record he relates that "during his stay at Agra killed a large snake about to enter Prince Louis of Battenberg's tent and was thanked by the Prince of Wales and rewarded by Prince Louis for so doing."[6]
He served in the Jowaki Expedition of 1877–78, which was a British punitive expedition in India; he was in charge of the transport animals. He served in the Afghan campaign 1878 and 1879, "having charge of the Regimental Ammunition mules, proceeding with a detachment of the Rifle Brigade to the Bazzaar and Longman vallies. On the return of the Battalion from the front was in Regimental Orders to be specially promoted to full corporal for hard work and good services during the campaigns and was brought to the notice of Major General Maude. On the Second Afghan War breaking out and General Maude knowing I was well versed in the native language applied to Col L R H Newdigate to forward me at once to the front to take over the duties of Transport Sergt Major to the Kurrum Valley Field Force, which duties I carried out for 18 months and was highly commended by General Tytler for the way on which I sent out the convoys to the front, and was recommended by him to the General Officer commanding the division to be raised to a higher rate of pay." "On my return from Afghanistan was ordered to Rawul Pindee to take over and organise the transport there, this done I was ordered to Jhelum for the same purpose and to fit out 1000 animals for the Wazeree Expedition for the Rifle Bd and others."[6]
He was awarded the India General Service Medal with the Jowaki clasp, the Afghanistan medal, and the Long Service Good Conduct Medal. On returning to England he served on the London Recruiting staff from 1885, retiring 3 May 1894.[2]
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