403776 Private Albert Edward Gray, (1917-28/10/1943). "in an attempt to bring fire"

Mono Island, north of Bougainville, was the first opposed landing by New Zealand troops since the less than successful one at Gallipoli.  It was occupied by Japanese troops in their invasion of the Solomon Island area which was stopped by American forces on Guadalcanal.  Forty New Zealanders and 12 Americans died in the clearing of the island.  Albert Edward Gray was one of them.

The Official History of his Battalion, the 29th, tells the story.

"Paradoxically enough on that first day the reserve company probably saw more of the war than any of the forward groups. D company, landing in the rear of B company, established its headquarters on Cutler's Creek and set about its task of unloading. These men were destined to suffer many interruptions, but the company worked excellently throughout the day and evening. It was eight

This diagram indicates company areas of the 29th Battalion on the morning of the landing on Mono.

o'clock at night before they left the beach and made their way in the darkness towards their allotted perimeter position.

"The landing of first wave personnel had been effected in very-smooth fashion, and shore fire had caused little damage in the initial move to land. Unfortunately an enemy weapon pit had escaped detection; not until sniper bullets had caused casualties was its position located in the scrub some twenty yards back from the beach. In an attempt to bring fire upon this post Private Gray, of D company, received the wound that was to prove fatal. A section of carriers, guided by Privates E. V. Owen and E. C. Banks, of the I section, reached the scene and grenades were thrown into the pit. Silence followed, and the section continued to search through the village. Perhaps 40 minutes later, further fire came from the enemy position, and this time no mistake was made. An American bulldozer turned the process of death and burial into a simple one-piece job. For this coolness and leadership in the reduction of this post Private Owen was awarded the Military Medal; the only decoration won by a battalion member in this section, and one well earned by a man of 46 who had a son serving in the RNZAF."

In Memoriam

GRAY. — In/loving memory of Private A. E. Gray (Eddie), of Oamaru, died of wounds, Mono Island, October 23, 1943; dearly loved only son of Mr and Mrs D. W. Gray, Morven, and loved brother of Isabel, Mabel, and Mavis. Ever remembered.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/10/1944.

Mataura Cemetery.