I was delighted to hear from Kenneth Gray – whose grandfather James Henry Gray was an engineer on the R34 flight to America.
“My grandfather was Cpl James Henry Gray, engineer on the R34 trans-atlantic flight. I have some paper work and details of his service. My Grandfather lived until I was in my mid-20s and we had many conversations about his voyage on the R34. He served in R.N.A.S. Armoured Cars in Gallipoli then transferred to the Airship Division until after the R34 flight. He was recalled in the WW2 to the R.A.F. I have attached some photos. The sailor hat was given to him on arrival in New York, Silver Propelling Pencil was gifted to the crew from US Navy Officers. My grandfather James Henry Gray was born in Aberdeenshire in 1885 and was a chauffeur at the outbreak of WW1. He was called up (?) to the R.N.A.S on 1/1/1915, where he served in Gallipoli as PO Mechanic/Driver on Armoured Cars. (Career timeline below).
1/1/1915-31/3/1918 – R.N.A.S I.M. 4
1916: He was in Airship Division, served at Howden, Scrubbs, Bedford, Inchinnan and East Fortune.
1/4/1918-30/4/1920 – R.A.F CPL.
Between WW1/WW2 – Chauffeur.
5/6/1939 – 9/4/1943: WW2 R.A.F served at Abbotsinch, Cpl. Fitter AE, Leconfield T.Sarg, Cranwell. T.Sarg, Lossiemouth, T.F.Sarg, Elsham Wolds, T.F.Sarg. 9/4/1943: Discharged.
1943: Employed as Civilian Fireman at RAF Leuchars for BOAC. After WW2 worked in a local garage. He attended 50th Anniversary Garden Party for RAF at Holyrood House, Edinburgh. Also 50th Anniversary at Heathrow Airport for R34.”
Thanks to Kenneth for sharing this information.