441108 - Unaccounted Airwoman & Airmen - 8-11-1944

[paulmcmillan]

I am am sure all these died in the crash

The 7th casualty was either

GRAY ARTHUR WILSON A W 34 08/11/1944 Gunner New Zealand Artillery

OMARI TUPA 0 08/11/1944 Private African Pioneer Corps (East Africa)

Only 8 deaths in RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY on the date of the rail crash

[paulmcmillan]

Yes Gray - New Zealand - Very Sad story

" GRAY.—Died on active service, as result of accident, November 8, 1944, 534478 Gunner Arthur Wilson Gray, husband of the late Betty Gray, beloved youngest son of Mr and Mrs George Gray, Warrington, and father of Brian—aged 34 years.

OBITUARY

GUNNER ARTHUR W. GRAY

Gunner Arthur Wilson Gray, who died on November 8 as the of an accident while on active service, was educated at John McGlashan College, where he was a member of the first fifteen at Rugby and the first eleven at cricket, and was a prefect. He later studied accountancy at the Otago University, graduating B. Com. in 1935. Here also he took an active part in sporting and debating activities and was a member of the executive of the Students' Association. Gunner Gray

received his early business training with Messrs W. E. C. Reid and Co. and was subsequently secretary to the firm of Andrew Lees Ltd. He was highly respected by the business community, whom he was beginning to serve on trade organisations when he entered the Army. Gunner Gray was prominent as one of the younger members of First Church, being an office-bearer and a Sunday School teacher. In the latter capacity he proved a great friend to the younger folk, whom he escorted on many tramping excursions, helping them to develop a love for healthy outdoor recreation. Gunner Gray's death occurred under particularly tragic circumstances as he was returning home on compassionate leave in order to arrange private affairs following the accidental death of his wife in July. A son, aged three and a-half years, sun.vives him.


WOMAN’S DEATH

TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES * An inquest was held yesterday morning Into the death of Mrs Betty Swan Gray, married, aged 25 years, who died on July 24 while having her teeth extracted. Dr E F. D’Ath, pathologist at the Public Hospital, said that it was a most unusual case, and the consequences could not possibly have been foreseen. In his opinion the deceased had died from inhibition of the heart due to unusual susceptibility of the nervous control of the heart muscle. This condition was sometimes known as status lymphaticus. The small swab which had been found in the throat haa not in any way caused, asphyxia: Robert Stuart Smart, dental surgeon, said that from the commencement of the extractions the deceased’s breathing had been shallow. The usual 11 grains of rembutal, with nitrous oxide, had been administered previously. The extractions had been done very carefully, as they were difficult, and just as the last tooth was about to be removed the deceased’s breathing stopped. Several attempts at resuscitation failed, and at length the St. John Ambulance was summoned and oxygen was administered, with no avail. So far as he was aware the deceased had made no complaints about her general health. . A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., who was sitting as coroner. The husband of the deceased, Mr Arthur Wilson Gray, Is at present serving in Italy. The coroner expressed his sympathy with the husband and relatives, saying that he was quite convinced that all possible care- and attention had been taken .

[Jagan]

Just one more interesting point - Grey's Grave is right behind the RAF airmen's row.. It also made the New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1944/11/09/a...palestine.html