Robert Hampton Gray VC

Stylized representation of the markings of Robert Hampton Gray’s Corsair, flown from the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable on the day of his last... more

by Mark Donoghue

Title

Robert Hampton Gray VC

Artist

Mark Donoghue

Medium

Digital Art - Digital

Description

Stylized representation of the markings of Robert Hampton Gray’s Corsair, flown from the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable on the day of his last attack. A mission for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross for valour.

Citation

“Whitehall, 13th November, 1945. the late Temporary Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, R.C.N.V.R., 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.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, OTTAWA Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, D,S,C,, R.C.N.V.R. Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, D.S.C., R.C.N.V.R., of Nelson, B.C., flew off the Aircraft Carrier, H.M.S. Formidable on August 9, 1945, to lead an attack on Japanese shipping in Onagawa Wan (Bay) in the Island of Honshu, Mainland of Japan. At Onagawa Bay the fliers found below them a number of Japanese ships and dived into attack. Furious fire was opened on the aircraft from Army batteries on the ground and from five warships in the Bay. Lieutenant Gray selected for his target a Japanese destroyer. He swept in, oblivious of the concentrated fire and made straight for his target. His aircraft was hit, and hit again, but he kept on. As he came close to the destroyer his plane caught fire but he pressed on to within fifty feet of the Japanese ship and let go his bombs. He scored at least one direct hit, probably more. The destroyer sank almost immediately. Lieutenant Gray did not return. He had given his life at the very end of his fearless run in to bomb.”
Gray, already a decorated pilot for numerous attacks on shipping, became one of the last Canadians to lose his life in the Second World War. And the last to be awarded the VC.

Uploaded

April 30th, 2020