Private William Gray was born in County Armagh and enlisted in the 27th Foot at Kildare in October 1807, aged 17 years. During the Peninsular War he served in Captain Lynch's Company and 'Received a wound at the storming of Badajoz and also at the Battle of Toulouse' (P.R.O. WO 97/462 refers). Gray was also employed in the operations in America, where he was present in the engagement at Platsburgh. He was discharged in December 1832.