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{{short description|Recipient of the Victoria Cross}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name= Robert Hampton Gray
|name= Robert Hampton Gray
|image= Robert Hampton Gray VC.jpg
|birth_date=November 2, 1917
|image_size=
|death_date= August 9, 1945 (aged 27)
|caption=
|image=Robert Hampton Gray VC.jpg
|nickname= Hammy
|caption=
|birth_date= {{birth date|1917|11|02}}
|nickname=Hammy
|death_date= {{death date and age|1945|08|09|1917|11|02}}
|birth_place= [[Trail, British Columbia]], [[Canada]]
|birth_place= [[Trail, British Columbia]], Canada
|death_place= Onagawa Wan, Honshū, [[Japan]]
|death_place= [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa]], [[Honshū]], Japanese Empire
|allegiance= [[Canada]]
|allegiance= Canada
|branch= [[Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve]]
|branch= [[Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve]]
|serviceyears= 1940 - 1945{{KIA}}
|serviceyears= 1940–45{{KIA}}
|rank= [[Lieutenant]]
|rank= [[Lieutenant]]
|unit= 1841 Squadron, HMS Formidable
|unit= 1841 Squadron, HMS Formidable
|commands=
|commands=
|battles=[[World War II]]
|battles= [[Second World War]]
*[[North African Campaign]]
* [[North African Campaign]]
*[[Operation Goodwood (naval)|Operation Goodwood]]
* [[Atlantic War]]
** [[Operation Goodwood (naval)|Operation Goodwood]]
*[[Battle of Okinawa]]
* [[Pacific War]]
** [[Volcano and Ryukyu Islands campaign]]
*[[Air raids on Japan]]
*** [[Battle of Okinawa]]
|awards= [[File:Victoria Cross (UK) ribbon.png|30px]] [[Victoria Cross]]<br>[[Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Cross]]<br>[[Mention in Despatches]] (twice)
** [[Air raids on Japan]] {{KIA}}
|awards= [[Victoria Cross]]<br/>[[Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Cross]]<br/>[[Mentioned in Despatches]] (2)
|relations=
|relations=
|laterwork=
|laterwork=
}}
}}
'''Robert Hampton''' "'''Hammy'''" '''Gray''', {{post-nominal|country=CAN|size=100%|sep=,|VC|DSC}} (November 2, 1917 – August 9, 1945) was a Canadian [[naval officer]], pilot, and recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]] during [[World War II]]. He and [[Eugene Esmonde]] are the only personnel of the [[Royal Navy]]'s [[Fleet Air Arm]] to be decorated the VC in the war. Gray is the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross.


==Early life==
'''Robert Hampton "Hammy" Gray''' [[Victoria Cross|VC]], [[Distinguished Service Cross (UK)|DSC]] (November 2, 1917 &ndash; August 9, 1945) was a [[Canada|Canadian]] naval officer, pilot, and recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]] (VC) during [[World War II]], one of only two members of the [[Royal Navy]]'s [[Fleet Air Arm]] to have been thus decorated in that war.
Gray was born in [[Trail, British Columbia]], Canada, but resided from an early age in [[Nelson, British Columbia|Nelson]], where his father was a jeweller.<ref>Turner, J. F. ''V.C.'s of the Royal Navy'' Harrap London 1957 p.190</ref> In 1940, following education at the [[University of Alberta]] and [[University of British Columbia]], where he completed his [[Bachelor of Arts]] and was a member of the [[Phi Delta Theta|Phi Delta Theta Fraternity]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phideltathetaarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/1995_vol118_no1-4.pdf |title=The Scroll Vol. 118 Page 47 |publisher=[[Phi Delta Theta|Phi Delta Theta Fraternity]] |accessdate=February 21, 2017}}</ref> he enlisted in the [[Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve|Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR)]] at {{HMCS|Tecumseh}} in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]]. Originally sent to England for training, Gray was sent back to Canada to train at [[RCAF Station Kingston]].

==Background==
Gray was born in [[Trail, British Columbia]], [[Canada]], but resided in [[Nelson, British Columbia|Nelson]] from an early age. In 1940, following education at the [[University of Alberta]] and [[University of British Columbia]], where he was a member of the [[Phi Delta Theta]] Fraternity, he enlisted in the [[Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve|Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR)]] at {{HMCS|Tecumseh}} in Calgary, Alberta. Originally sent to England for training, Gray was sent back to Canada to train at [[RCAF Station Kingston]] where he qualified as a pilot for the British [[Fleet Air Arm]] in September 1941.


==War service==
==War service==

===Africa and Norway===
===Africa and Norway===
Gray was first assigned to the African theatre, flying [[Hawker Hurricane]]s for shore-based squadrons, where he spent two years.
Gray initially joined [[757 Naval Air Squadron]] at [[Winchester]], England. He was then assigned to the African theatre, flying [[Hawker Hurricane]]s for shore-based squadrons, nos. [[795 Naval Air Squadron|795]], [[803 Naval Air Squadron|803]], and [[877 Naval Air Squadron|877]], where he spent two years at [[Nairobi]].<ref name=crowoc50>{{cite magazine |title=Robert Hampton Gray VC, DSC |magazine=The Crowsnest |publisher=Queen's Printer |date=October 1950 |volume=2 |number=12 |pages=16–17}}</ref>


He trained to fly the [[F4U|Corsair]] fighter and in 1944 he was assigned to [[No. 1841 Naval Air Squadron|1841 Squadron]], based on {{HMS|Formidable|R67|6}}. In August 1944, he took part in a series of unsuccessful raids against the German battleship ''[[German battleship Tirpitz|Tirpitz]]'', in [[Norway]]. On August 29, 1944, he was [[Mentioned in Despatches]] for his participation in an attack on three German destroyers, during which his plane's rudder was shot off. On January 16, 1945, he received a further Mention, "For undaunted courage, skill and determination in carrying out daring attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz."<ref>[http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/resource_pages/heroes/gray.html]</ref>
He trained to fly the [[Vought F4U Corsair]] fighter and in 1944 he was assigned to [[1841 Naval Air Squadron|1841 NAS]], based on {{HMS|Formidable|R67|6}}. From August 24–29, 1944, he took part in the unsuccessful [[Operation Goodwood (naval)|Operation Goodwood]] raids against the {{ship|German battleship|Tirpitz}}, in Norway. On August 29, 1944, he was [[Mentioned in Dispatches]] for his participation in an attack on three German [[destroyer]]s, during which his plane's rudder was shot off.<ref name=crowoc50/> On January 16, 1945, he received a further Mention, "For undaunted courage, skill and determination in carrying out daring attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/resource_pages/heroes/gray.html |title="A Brilliant Flying Spirit" |publisher=CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum |access-date=March 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415204124/http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/resource_pages/heroes/gray.html |archive-date=April 15, 2012 }}</ref>


===Japan===
===Japan===
In April 1945, HMS ''Formidable'' joined the [[British Pacific Fleet]] which was involved in the [[Battle of Okinawa|invasion of Okinawa]]. By July 1945, the carrier was involved in strikes on the Japanese mainland. On July 18, Gray led a [[strafing]] mission against airfields in the [[Tokyo]] area. On July 24, Gray led another flight to the inland sea which damaged one merchant ship, and damaged two seaplane bases and one airbase. Gray earned a [[Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Cross]] for aiding in sinking a Japanese destroyer in the area of Tokyo on July 28.<ref name=crowoc50/> The award was not announced until August 21, 1945, when the notice appeared in the ''[[London Gazette]]'' with the citation, "For determination and address in air attacks on targets in Japan".<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37232|page=4221|date=August 17, 1945}}</ref>
In April 1945, HMS Formidable joined the [[British Pacific Fleet]] which was involved in the [[Battle of Okinawa|invasion of Okinawa]].

By July 1945, the carrier was involved in strikes on the Japanese mainland. Gray earned a [[Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Cross]] for aiding in sinking a Japanese destroyer in the area of [[Tokyo]]. The award was not announced until August 21, 1945, when the notice appeared in the ''[[London Gazette]]'' with the citation, "For determination and address in air attacks on targets in Japan".<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37232|startpage=4221|date=1945-08-17|accessdate=2009-10-15}}</ref>


====VC action====
====VC action====
On August 9, 1945, at [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa Bay]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]], [[Japan]], Lieutenant Gray (flying an [[Vought F4U Corsair]]) led an attack on a group of [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] naval vessels, sinking the [[Etorofu class escort ship|''Etorofu''-class]] [[escort ship]] [[Japanese escort ship Amakusa|''Amakusa'']] before his plane crashed into the bay.<ref>http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/gal/vcg-gcv/bio/gray-rh-eng.asp</ref> The citation for his VC, gazetted on November 13, 1945, describes what happened:
On August 9, 1945, at [[Onagawa, Miyagi|Onagawa Bay]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]], Japan, Lieutenant Gray (flying a Vought F4U Corsair) led an attack on a group of [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] naval vessels, sinking the {{sclass|Etorofu|escort ship|1}} {{ship|Japanese escort ship|Amakusa||2}} before his plane crashed into the bay.<ref name=soward>{{cite web | last = Soward| first = Stuart E. | title = A brilliant flying spirit: Lt. Hampton Gray, VC, DSC, RCNVR | url=http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/archives/articles/local-heroes/lieutenant-hampton-gray | accessdate = July 21, 2016 |publisher=CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/gal/vcg-gcv/bio/gray-rh-eng.asp |title=DHH-Victoria Cross Bios-Robert Hampton Gray |date=April 14, 2009 |publisher=Department of National Defence |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905215946/http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/gal/vcg-gcv/bio/gray-rh-eng.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> The citation for his VC, gazetted on November 13, 1945, described as being:


{{blockquote|for great valour in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan, on 9 August 1945. In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37346|supp=y|page=5529|date=1945-11-13}}</ref>}}
{{quote|ADMIRALTY ''Whitehall, 13th November 1945.''


Gray was one of the last Canadians to die during World War II,<ref name=soward/> and was the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. His VC is owned by the Gray family.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Valour in the Navy: Part 14 of 18 |magazine=Legion Magazine |last=Bishop |first=Arthur |date=March 1, 2006 }}</ref>
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS for valour to: —


==Awards and decorations==
the late Temporary Lieutenant Robert Hampton GRAY, R.C.N.V.R.,
Gray's personal awards and decorations include the following:


{{center|
for great valour in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan, on 9 August 1945. In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=37346|supp=yes|startpage=5529|date=1945-11-13|accessdate=2009-10-15}}</ref>}}
[[File:UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar.svg|110px]][[File:UK_Distinguished_Service_Cross_BAR.svg|110px]]
<br>
[[File:Ribbon - 1939-45 Star.png|x30px]][[File:Ribbon - Atlantic Star.png|x30px]][[File:Ribbon - Africa Star.png|x30px]]
<br>
[[File:Pacific Star BAR.svg|x30px]][[File:Defence Medal BAR.svg|x30px]][[File:Canadian Volunteer Service Medal BAR 2.svg|110px]][[File:War Medal 39-45 w MID BAR.svg|110px]]
}}


{| class="wikitable"
Gray was one of the last Canadians to die during World War II, and was the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. His VC is owned by the Gray family.
|- style="background:Navy;color:White" align="center"
|'''Ribbon'''||'''Description'''||'''Notes'''
|-
|[[File:UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar.svg|80px]] || [[Victoria Cross]] ||
*Citation for Victoria Cross (VC)<ref>(London Gazette, no.37346, 13 November 1945) "…for great valour in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan on 9th August, 1945. In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership."</ref>
|-
|[[File:UK_Distinguished_Service_Cross_BAR.svg|80px]] || [[Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Service Cross]] (DSC) ||
*Citation for Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)<ref>London Gazette August 21, 1945, "For determination and address in air attacks on targets in Japan".</ref>
|-
|[[File:Ribbon - 1939-45 Star.png|x25px]] || [[1939–1945 Star]] ||
*WWII 1939–1945
|-
|[[File:Ribbon - Atlantic Star.png|x25px]] || [[Atlantic Star]] ||
*WWII 1939–1945
|-
|[[File:Ribbon - Africa Star.png|x25px]] || [[Africa Star]] ||
*WWII 1939–1945
|-
|[[File:Pacific Star BAR.svg|x25px]] || [[Pacific Star]] ||
*WWII 1939–1945
|-
|[[File:Defence Medal BAR.svg|x25px]] || [[Defence Medal (United Kingdom)]] ||
*WWII 1939–1945
|-
|[[File:Canadian Volunteer Service Medal BAR 2.svg|80px]] || [[Canadian Volunteer Service Medal]] ||
*WWII 1939–1945 with '''Overseas Service bar'''
|-
|[[File:War Medal 39-45 w MID BAR.svg|80px]] || [[War Medal 1939–1945]] with [[Mentioned in dispatches]] ||
*WWII 1939-1945<ref>On August 29, 1944, he was Mentioned in Dispatches "for his participation in an attack on three German destroyers, during which his plane's rudder was shot off."</ref>
|-
|}


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
[[File:Hampton Gray bust.jpg|thumb|Hampton Gray bust at Valiants Memorial, Ottawa]]
[[File:Hampton Gray bust.jpg|thumb|Hampton Gray bust at Valiants Memorial, Ottawa]]
As Gray's remains were never found, he was listed as missing in action and presumed dead. He is commemorated, with other Canadians who died or were buried at sea during the First and Second World Wars, at the Halifax Memorial in [[Point Pleasant Park]], [[Halifax Urban Area|Halifax, Nova Scotia]]. The War Memorial Gym at University of British Columbia, [[Royal Canadian Legion]] hall in Nelson, numerous other sites in Nelson, and the wardroom of HMCS Tecumseh (his RCNVR home unit) also bear plaques in his honour.
As Gray's remains were never found, he was listed as missing in action and presumed dead. He is commemorated, with other Canadians who died or were buried at sea during the First and Second World Wars, at the Halifax Memorial in [[Point Pleasant Park]], [[Halifax Urban Area|Halifax, Nova Scotia]]. The War Memorial Gym at University of British Columbia, [[Royal Canadian Legion]] hall in Nelson, numerous other sites in Nelson, and the wardroom of HMCS ''Tecumseh'' (his RCNVR home unit) also bear plaques in his honour.


A memorial service honouring Gray's act of bravery was held in 2006 and a memorial erected at Onagawa Bay, just metres away from where his plane crashed.<ref>http://www.richthistle.com/aviation-articles-othermenu-133/49-robert-hampton-hammy-gray-vc-dsc-ww2-corsair</ref> This is the only memorial dedicated to a foreign soldier on Japanese soil. Following the devastation of the March 11, 2011 earthquake, the monument was moved from its original location in Sakiyama Park to one beside the hospital in Onagawa Town. A rededication ceremony was held 24 August 2012. <ref>http://www.nelsonstar.com/news/167598795.html</ref>
A memorial for Gray was erected at Onagawa Bay in 1989 in Sakiyama Park.<ref name=nelsonstar>{{cite news |url=http://www.nelsonstar.com/news/167598795.html |title=New Hampton Gray monument unveiled in Japan |newspaper=Nelson Star |date=August 28, 2012 |accessdate=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603223405/http://www.nelsonstar.com/news/167598795.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This is the only memorial dedicated to a foreign soldier on Japanese soil.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} Following the devastation of the March 11, 2011 earthquake (during which the granite monument itself was knocked over),<ref>{{cite AV media| url-status = live| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/8fq7SoesFqk| archive-date = 2021-12-11| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fq7SoesFqk&ab_channel=JohnCraig| title = Hampton Gray Onagawa | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the monument (with new plaque) was moved from its original location in Sakiyama Park to one beside the hospital (Onagawacho Community Medicine Center) in Onagawa Town. A rededication ceremony was held August 24, 2012.<ref name=nelsonstar/> Gray is one of fourteen figures commemorated at the [[Valiants Memorial]] in Ottawa.


To celebrate the Centennial of the Canadian Navy, during the 2010 air show season, [[Vintage Wings of Canada]] flew at events across Canada in a Corsair bearing the markings of the plane Gray was likely flying that fateful day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vintagewings.ca/grayghosts/ |title=Gray Ghosts |accessdate=August 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216193541/http://www.vintagewings.ca/grayghosts/ |archive-date=December 16, 2010 }}</ref>
Gray is one of fourteen figures commemorated at the [[Valiants Memorial]] in Ottawa.


His life is recorded in ''A Formidable Hero: Lt. R.H. Gray, VC, DSC, RCNVR'' by Stuart E. Soward, published by Trafford Neptune.
A cousin of Gray, filmmaker Ian Herring, in 2005 made a fictionalized film about him, ''[[The Last Battle of Hampton Gray]]''.

To celebrate the Centennial of the Canadian Navy, during the 2010 air show season, [[Vintage Wings of Canada]] flew at events across Canada in a [[F4U Corsair|Corsair]] bearing the markings of the plane Gray was likely flying that fateful day.<ref>http://www.vintagewings.ca/grayghosts/</ref>


===Grays Peak, British Columbia===
===Grays Peak, British Columbia===
On 12 March 1946, the [[Geographic Board of Canada]] named a mountain in [[Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park]], BC, after Gray and his brother, John Balfour Gray, who was also killed in World War II.<ref name="BCGNIS">Province of British Columbia, BC Geographic Names Database (BCGNIS), [http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/2651.html Grays Peak]. Retrieved 2010.07.24</ref> Rising to a height of 2,753m, [[Grays Peak (British Columbia)|Grays Peak]] is well known in Canada as the mountain pictured on the label of [[Kokanee beer]].<ref name="bivouac.com">Bivouac.com, Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia, [http://www.bivouac.com/MtnPg.asp?MtnId=2727 Grays Peak]. Retrieved 2010.07.24</ref>
On March 12, 1946, the [[Geographic Board of Canada]] named a mountain in [[Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park]], [[British Columbia]], after Gray and his brother, [[Flight Sergeant|Flt Sgt]] John Balfour Gray, [[RCAF]], who was also killed in World War II.<ref name="BCGNIS">Province of British Columbia, BC Geographic Names Database (BCGNIS), [http://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/2651.html Grays Peak]. Retrieved 2010.07.24</ref> Rising to a height of {{cvt|2753|m}}, [[Grays Peak (British Columbia)|Grays Peak]] is well known in Canada as the mountain pictured on the label of [[Kokanee Beer]].<ref name="bivouac.com">Bivouac.com, Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia, [http://www.bivouac.com/MtnPg.asp?MtnId=2727 Grays Peak]. Retrieved 2010.07.24</ref>


===Hampton Gray Memorial Elementary===
===Hampton Gray Memorial Elementary===
The [[elementary school]] at [[CFB Shearwater]] is named after Gray.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=4227 |title=Former Hampton Gray Memorial School, Building 14 |publisher=Canada's Historic Places |date=January 15, 2004 |accessdate=2015-05-08}}</ref>
The [[elementary school]] at [[CFB Shearwater]] is named after Gray.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=4227 |title=Former Hampton Gray Memorial School, Building 14 |publisher=Canada's Historic Places |date=January 15, 2004 |accessdate=May 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518181511/http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=4227 |archivedate=May 18, 2015 }}</ref>


===Kingston Norman Rogers Airport===
Gray completed his training at No. 31 Service Flying Training School in [[Kingston, Ontario]]. There is a Harvard aircraft, same type of trainer he flew at Kingston, mounted on a pedestal with a memorial dedicated to him. Additionally, the road leading to the airport terminal has been named Hampton Gray Gate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/34/The-Last-Canadian-VC--Robert-Hampton-Gray.aspx|title=The Last Canadian VC - Robert Hampton Gray > Vintage Wings of Canada|access-date=April 15, 2020|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218024616/http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/34/The-Last-Canadian-VC--Robert-Hampton-Gray.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Royal Canadian Sea Cadets ===
The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Nelson, BC is named 81 Hampton Gray, VC Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps.


===Air Cadets- Birth of 789===
=== Royal Canadian Air Cadets ===
In 2012, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets created a new squadron in his honour called [[Www.789squadron.com|789 Lt. R. Hampton Gray VC Squadron]] which is located in Mississauga, Ontario.


=== ''Harry DeWolf''-class offshore patrol vessel ===
In 2012 the Royal Canadian Air Cadets created a squadron in his honour called 789 Lt Hampton Gray VC Squadron. It is located in Mississauga Ontario and is visited regularly by Gray's grand daughter.

The sixth {{sclass|Harry DeWolf|offshore patrol vessel|1}} for the Royal Canadian Navy will be named for Gray.

===Brechin, Angus, Scotland===

The Gray family headstone in Brechin Cemetery was completely restored in 2021 after it had fallen into a state of disrepair. (The main headstone had been removed from its [[plinth]] and positioned on the adjacent grass). The work was carried out and funded by locals. On the 76th anniversary of his death and VC action a short service was conducted at the family grave. The headstone carries the inscriptions for Robert and his brother Flight Sergeant John (Jack) Balfour Gray, RCAF. He was killed on February 27, 1942 serving with 144 Squadron RAF. He is buried in Doncaster (Rosehill) Cemetery.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

A new housing development in Brechin will feature a street named after Robert Hampton Gray, Hampton Gray Way.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite web | last = Soward| first = Stuart E. | title = A brilliant flying spirit: Lt. Hampton Gray, VC, DSC, RCNVR | url=http://www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org/archives/articles/local-heroes/lieutenant-hampton-gray | accessdate = 2007-03-19}}
* {{cite web | last = Veterans Affairs Canada | title = Lt. Robert Hampton Gray | url=http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhh-dhp/gal/vcg-gcv/bio/gray-rh-eng.asp | accessdate = 2015-02-22}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2558303|title=Casualty details—Gray, Robert Hampton|publisher=[[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]]|accessdate=2009-10-15}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{cite web|url=http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2558303|title=Casualty details—Gray, Robert Hampton|publisher=[[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]]|accessdate=October 15, 2009}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0475319|title=The Last Battle of Hampton Gray}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0475319|title=The Last Battle of Hampton Gray}}
* {{Wayback |date=20051217100305 |url=http://www.phideltatheta.org/famousphis/military/CMOH/gray.html |title=Biography and photographies of Robert Hampton Gray }}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.phideltatheta.org/famousphis/military/CMOH/gray.html |title=Biography and photographies of Robert Hampton Gray |accessdate=December 25, 2005 |url-status=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051217100305/http://www.phideltatheta.org/famousphis/military/CMOH/gray.html |archivedate=December 17, 2005 }}
* [http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/34/language/en-CA/The-Last-Canadian-VC--Robert-Hampton-Gray.aspx Vintage Wings of Canada article on Gray] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909011321/http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/34/language/en-CA/The-Last-Canadian-VC--Robert-Hampton-Gray.aspx |date=September 9, 2012 }}
* [http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/2006/03/valour-in-the-navy/ Legion Magazine Article on Robert Hampton Gray]
* [http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/34/language/en-CA/The-Last-Canadian-VC--Robert-Hampton-Gray.aspx Vintage Wings of Canada article on Gray]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Gray, Robert Hampton
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Recipient of the Victoria Cross
| DATE OF BIRTH = November 2, 1917
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Trail, [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]
| DATE OF DEATH = August 9, 1945
| PLACE OF DEATH = Onagawa Wan, Honshū, [[Japan]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gray, Robert Hampton}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gray, Robert Hampton}}
[[Category:1917 births]]
[[Category:1917 births]]
[[Category:1945 deaths]]
[[Category:1945 deaths]]
[[Category:Aviators killed by being shot down]]
[[Category:Royal Canadian Navy officers]]
[[Category:Royal Canadian Navy officers]]
[[Category:Canadian World War II recipients of the Victoria Cross]]
[[Category:Canadian World War II recipients of the Victoria Cross]]
Line 109: Line 149:
[[Category:Fleet Air Arm aviators]]
[[Category:Fleet Air Arm aviators]]
[[Category:People from Trail, British Columbia]]
[[Category:People from Trail, British Columbia]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)]]
[[Category:Canadian recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)]]
[[Category:University of British Columbia alumni]]
[[Category:University of British Columbia alumni]]
[[Category:Aviators killed by being shot down]]
[[Category:Fleet Air Arm personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Missing in action of World War II]]
[[Category:Canadian military personnel from British Columbia]]
[[Category:Royal Canadian Navy personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:Phi Delta Theta members]]

Latest revision as of 20:26, 1 January 2025

Robert Hampton Gray
Nickname(s)Hammy
Born(1917-11-02)November 2, 1917
Trail, British Columbia, Canada
DiedAugust 9, 1945(1945-08-09) (aged 27)
Onagawa, Honshū, Japanese Empire
AllegianceCanada
Service / branchRoyal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve
Years of service1940–45 †
RankLieutenant
Unit1841 Squadron, HMS Formidable
Battles / warsSecond World War
AwardsVictoria Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
Mentioned in Despatches (2)

Robert Hampton "Hammy" Gray, VC, DSC (November 2, 1917 – August 9, 1945) was a Canadian naval officer, pilot, and recipient of the Victoria Cross during World War II. He and Eugene Esmonde are the only personnel of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm to be decorated the VC in the war. Gray is the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Early life

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Gray was born in Trail, British Columbia, Canada, but resided from an early age in Nelson, where his father was a jeweller.[1] In 1940, following education at the University of Alberta and University of British Columbia, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity,[2] he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) at HMCS Tecumseh in Calgary, Alberta. Originally sent to England for training, Gray was sent back to Canada to train at RCAF Station Kingston.

War service

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Africa and Norway

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Gray initially joined 757 Naval Air Squadron at Winchester, England. He was then assigned to the African theatre, flying Hawker Hurricanes for shore-based squadrons, nos. 795, 803, and 877, where he spent two years at Nairobi.[3]

He trained to fly the Vought F4U Corsair fighter and in 1944 he was assigned to 1841 NAS, based on HMS Formidable. From August 24–29, 1944, he took part in the unsuccessful Operation Goodwood raids against the German battleship Tirpitz, in Norway. On August 29, 1944, he was Mentioned in Dispatches for his participation in an attack on three German destroyers, during which his plane's rudder was shot off.[3] On January 16, 1945, he received a further Mention, "For undaunted courage, skill and determination in carrying out daring attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz."[4]

Japan

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In April 1945, HMS Formidable joined the British Pacific Fleet which was involved in the invasion of Okinawa. By July 1945, the carrier was involved in strikes on the Japanese mainland. On July 18, Gray led a strafing mission against airfields in the Tokyo area. On July 24, Gray led another flight to the inland sea which damaged one merchant ship, and damaged two seaplane bases and one airbase. Gray earned a Distinguished Service Cross for aiding in sinking a Japanese destroyer in the area of Tokyo on July 28.[3] The award was not announced until August 21, 1945, when the notice appeared in the London Gazette with the citation, "For determination and address in air attacks on targets in Japan".[5]

VC action

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On August 9, 1945, at Onagawa Bay, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, Lieutenant Gray (flying a Vought F4U Corsair) led an attack on a group of Japanese naval vessels, sinking the Etorofu-class escort ship Amakusa before his plane crashed into the bay.[6][7] The citation for his VC, gazetted on November 13, 1945, described as being:

for great valour in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan, on 9 August 1945. In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership.[8]

Gray was one of the last Canadians to die during World War II,[6] and was the last Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. His VC is owned by the Gray family.[9]

Awards and decorations

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Gray's personal awards and decorations include the following:



Ribbon Description Notes
Victoria Cross
  • Citation for Victoria Cross (VC)[10]
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
  • Citation for Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)[11]
1939–1945 Star
  • WWII 1939–1945
Atlantic Star
  • WWII 1939–1945
Africa Star
  • WWII 1939–1945
Pacific Star
  • WWII 1939–1945
Defence Medal (United Kingdom)
  • WWII 1939–1945
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
  • WWII 1939–1945 with Overseas Service bar
War Medal 1939–1945 with Mentioned in dispatches

Legacy

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Hampton Gray bust at Valiants Memorial, Ottawa

As Gray's remains were never found, he was listed as missing in action and presumed dead. He is commemorated, with other Canadians who died or were buried at sea during the First and Second World Wars, at the Halifax Memorial in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The War Memorial Gym at University of British Columbia, Royal Canadian Legion hall in Nelson, numerous other sites in Nelson, and the wardroom of HMCS Tecumseh (his RCNVR home unit) also bear plaques in his honour.

A memorial for Gray was erected at Onagawa Bay in 1989 in Sakiyama Park.[13] This is the only memorial dedicated to a foreign soldier on Japanese soil.[citation needed] Following the devastation of the March 11, 2011 earthquake (during which the granite monument itself was knocked over),[14] the monument (with new plaque) was moved from its original location in Sakiyama Park to one beside the hospital (Onagawacho Community Medicine Center) in Onagawa Town. A rededication ceremony was held August 24, 2012.[13] Gray is one of fourteen figures commemorated at the Valiants Memorial in Ottawa.

To celebrate the Centennial of the Canadian Navy, during the 2010 air show season, Vintage Wings of Canada flew at events across Canada in a Corsair bearing the markings of the plane Gray was likely flying that fateful day.[15]

His life is recorded in A Formidable Hero: Lt. R.H. Gray, VC, DSC, RCNVR by Stuart E. Soward, published by Trafford Neptune.

Grays Peak, British Columbia

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On March 12, 1946, the Geographic Board of Canada named a mountain in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, British Columbia, after Gray and his brother, Flt Sgt John Balfour Gray, RCAF, who was also killed in World War II.[16] Rising to a height of 2,753 m (9,032 ft), Grays Peak is well known in Canada as the mountain pictured on the label of Kokanee Beer.[17]

Hampton Gray Memorial Elementary

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The elementary school at CFB Shearwater is named after Gray.[18]

Kingston Norman Rogers Airport

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Gray completed his training at No. 31 Service Flying Training School in Kingston, Ontario. There is a Harvard aircraft, same type of trainer he flew at Kingston, mounted on a pedestal with a memorial dedicated to him. Additionally, the road leading to the airport terminal has been named Hampton Gray Gate.[19]

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

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The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Nelson, BC is named 81 Hampton Gray, VC Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets

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In 2012, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets created a new squadron in his honour called 789 Lt. R. Hampton Gray VC Squadron which is located in Mississauga, Ontario.

Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel

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The sixth Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy will be named for Gray.

Brechin, Angus, Scotland

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The Gray family headstone in Brechin Cemetery was completely restored in 2021 after it had fallen into a state of disrepair. (The main headstone had been removed from its plinth and positioned on the adjacent grass). The work was carried out and funded by locals. On the 76th anniversary of his death and VC action a short service was conducted at the family grave. The headstone carries the inscriptions for Robert and his brother Flight Sergeant John (Jack) Balfour Gray, RCAF. He was killed on February 27, 1942 serving with 144 Squadron RAF. He is buried in Doncaster (Rosehill) Cemetery.[citation needed]

A new housing development in Brechin will feature a street named after Robert Hampton Gray, Hampton Gray Way.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ Turner, J. F. V.C.'s of the Royal Navy Harrap London 1957 p.190
  2. ^ "The Scroll Vol. 118 Page 47" (PDF). Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Robert Hampton Gray VC, DSC". The Crowsnest. Vol. 2, no. 12. Queen's Printer. October 1950. pp. 16–17.
  4. ^ ""A Brilliant Flying Spirit"". CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum. Archived from the original on April 15, 2012. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
  5. ^ "No. 37232". The London Gazette. August 17, 1945. p. 4221.
  6. ^ a b Soward, Stuart E. "A brilliant flying spirit: Lt. Hampton Gray, VC, DSC, RCNVR". CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  7. ^ "DHH-Victoria Cross Bios-Robert Hampton Gray". Department of National Defence. April 14, 2009. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  8. ^ "No. 37346". The London Gazette (Supplement). November 13, 1945. p. 5529.
  9. ^ Bishop, Arthur (March 1, 2006). "Valour in the Navy: Part 14 of 18". Legion Magazine.
  10. ^ (London Gazette, no.37346, 13 November 1945) "…for great valour in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan on 9th August, 1945. In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership."
  11. ^ London Gazette August 21, 1945, "For determination and address in air attacks on targets in Japan".
  12. ^ On August 29, 1944, he was Mentioned in Dispatches "for his participation in an attack on three German destroyers, during which his plane's rudder was shot off."
  13. ^ a b "New Hampton Gray monument unveiled in Japan". Nelson Star. August 28, 2012. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  14. ^ Hampton Gray Onagawa. YouTube. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021.
  15. ^ "Gray Ghosts". Archived from the original on December 16, 2010. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  16. ^ Province of British Columbia, BC Geographic Names Database (BCGNIS), Grays Peak. Retrieved 2010.07.24
  17. ^ Bivouac.com, Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia, Grays Peak. Retrieved 2010.07.24
  18. ^ "Former Hampton Gray Memorial School, Building 14". Canada's Historic Places. January 15, 2004. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  19. ^ "The Last Canadian VC - Robert Hampton Gray > Vintage Wings of Canada". Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
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