GILBERT Reginald William 2/Lt

SKR/DAT/IP/20660

GILBERT Reginald William 2/Lt

2000-2024

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: GILBERT;

Forename(s): Reginald William;

Initials: RW;

Rank: 2/Lt;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 53 Coy;

How killed: DOW;

Where: France;

When killed: 21-Jul-1916;

Awarded: MC;

Gallantry Notes: MC: For conspicuous gallantry in action. In spite of severe casualties, he brought his guns into action in a difficult position. He has set a fine example of energy and disregard of danger.;

Other Data: Red Cross Enquiry List (Supplement ) Sept 1916 - msg 19/7/1916

GILBERT, Second Lieutenant, REGINALD WILLIAM, MC, 53rd Coy. Machine Gun Corps (Inf) formerly 3rd Bn. Gloucestershire Regiment. 21st July 1916. Son of Mr. W. J. Gilbert, of 21, Home Park Avenue, Peverell, Plymouth. Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C. (Thiepval Memorial - Somme, France).

Born 29/9/94. Son of Beatrice Gilbert and William James Gilbert, Export Accounts Officer, H.M. Dockyard, Malta (on Admiralty duty), in 1919 they gave their address as 5c Strada Melane, Margerita, Malta and later (1921) of 58 St Chads Ave, North End, Portsmouth. Formerly a assistant schoolmaster at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Clifton, Bristol. His commission application is dated 3/1/15. He listed his address as 7 Trelawney Rd, Cotham, Bristol until 17/1/15 when he moved to Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, Clifton, Bristol. Height 5; 9", weight 150lbs. To France (Southampton - Le Havre) 8/2/16. Officially listed as died of wounds 21/7/16 with 53 Machine Gun Company, soon after being awarded the MC. Originally buried in Bernafay Wood (Sheet 57c sq S.28. 1/40,000 Map). In a letter Major John R. Dunlop of 53 Coy MGC wrote that Gilbert the was hit in the chest on 21/7/16 but that the wound was not not serious and he was removed to the Dressing Station where he was described as 'fit and cheery'. He left estate valued £111 11s 3d. (Officers Papers - PRO)

MC: LG 20/10/1916 Citation:-
For conspicuous gallantry in action. In spite of severe casualties, he brought his guns into action in a difficult position. He has set a fine example of energy and disregard of danger.

The Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital has received the following letter from the father of the late 2nd-Lieut. R. W. Gilbert, a former master at the school:- "I am writing to inform you that we have heard one was [sic]," but of the reward for his bravery. Major Dunlop writes me that he is hoping to go to Longueval and locate exactly what happened. He then says, - "I am proud to inform you that your son has been awarded the Military Cross, I enclose a letter of congratulation written by the General before the last news came through, and also enclose the ribbon of the Cross. If ever a medal was deserved this one was." We are very proud of Reg’s distinction for gallantry and devotion in the field, and it is an equal honour to be shared by yourself and staff. We know that the boys will be as proud as you will be." The General’s note referred to in Major Dunlop's letter simply states:- "My dear Gilbert. My best congratulations on your getting the Military Cross." (Western Daily Press - Saturday 14 October 1916 p3)

A very interesting and impressive ceremony, unique of its character, being the first that has taken place in Malta, attended the presentation on Thursday week of the Military Cross, awarded to Second Lieutenant Reginald William Gilbert, Machine Gun Corps, to his father, Mr. W. T. J. Gilbert, Expense Accounts Office, H.M. Dockyard. Our readers an no doubt aware, as remarked in a previous notice, that in England posthumous honours are being awarded to the next-of-kin, and such ceremonies, which are held publicly, and generally performed by the King, are of frequent occurrence. The surroundings of the Palace Square, kept by military police, and the terraces of the adjoining buildings, were crowded with spectators. The weather was threatening and showery but the conditions brightened during the progress of the ceremony. At 10.30a.m., the troops, which had marched to the Square with bands playing, were formed up in three sides of a square under the command of Colonel Loveband, W. Y. Regt. Shortly afterwards, His Excellency the Governor and Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Lord Methuen, G.G.B., G.C.V.O., C.M.G., together with his Staff, emerged from the Palace, and took up position on the Square, being received with the “General salute,” the band playing “God save the King”. His Excellency the Governor having inspected the troops returned to the front of the parade where were assembled Rear Admiral G. A.
Ballard, C.B. Admiral Superintendent H.M. Dockyard and Mrs. Ballard, Flag Lieutenant Paterson, Major General the Honourable. W. C. Hunter Blair C.B., C.M.G., His Honour W. C. F. Robertson, Lieut. Governor and Chief Secretary to Government, Surgeon General Sir Thomas Yarr. K.C.M.G., C.B., The Honourable Edgar Bonavia C.M.G, Assist. Secretary to the Government and Mrs. Bonavia, Colonel Strachan, Colonel Keyes, Colonel Sciortino, O. Lance Esq, Expense Accounts Officer, H. M. Dockyard, Rev. Peverley Dodd S.C.F. (Wes) etc. Mr. and Mrs. W. T. J. Gilbert and Master Bert Gilbert were also present. His Excdlet cy thereupon read out the statement of service rendered by the late Second Lieutenant Gilbert, detailing the action which had won for him the coveted honour, described in the “London Gazette” of October 20th 1916, as follows: - “Temporary Second Lieutenant Reginald William Gilbert, Machine Gun Corps. For conspicuous gallantry in action. In spite of severe casualties he brought his guns into action in a difficult position. He has set a fine example of energy and disregard of danger.” His Excellency continuing, lengthily reviewed the career of the deceased young officer, paying a handsome tribute to his heroism and devotion to duty. His Excellency thereupon handed the Military Cross, enclosed in a case, to Mr. Gilbert, father of the deceased officer, with whom, and Mrs. Gilbert he warmly shook hands. The “General Salute” was repeated, the band playing God save the King, after which His Excellency re-entered the Palace, the troops being marched off bringing the ceremony to a close.
From a notice relative to the death of Second Lieutenant Gilbert, which appeared in the Bristol press, we extract the following: - “A native of Plymouth, he received his education at the Technical Schools there and distinguished himself by winning a scholarship. He was appointed Assistant master of the Queen Elizabeth’s
Hospital School at Bristol. He joined the University of Bristol O.T.C., being gazetted to the 10th Gloucesters, and left for France in February last. At the time of his death he was attached to a Machine Gun Corps. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the field, and has since been reported killed as the result of wounds received on July 21st. The Headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s hospital received the following letter from the father of the late Sec.-Lieut. R W. Gilbert, in which he says “Major Dunlop writes me that he is hoping to go to Longueval and locate exactly what happened.” He then says, "I am proud to inform you that your son has been awarded the Military Cross. I enclose a letter of congratulation written by the General before the last came through, and also enclose the ribbon of the Cross. If ever a medal was deserved this one was. We are very proud of Reg’s distinction for gallantry and devotion in the field, and it is an equal honour to be shared by yourself and staff. We know that the boys will be as proud as you will be." The following is a copy of a letter sent to the “Plymouth Corporation Grammar School Magazine” by an old C.G.S. Boy. “At the very outset it may be said, that to those who knew him he was “Jock.” How he came to be called “Jock” I cannot say. But this I know, that it was a nickname of affection." “Jock” entertd the Corporation Grammar School in 1907, and after getting Matriculation in 1912 obtained a post as Assistant Master in a Secondary School at Bristol. Here he rapidly became as popular with his pupils as with those who had been privileged to know him at School. He continued working in his own plodding and tenacious way for Int. B.Sc., and then came August 1914. “Jock” at once recognised his country’s need, and without hesitation, quietly, unostentatiously, joined an O.T.C. at Bristol, was gazetted a Second Lieutenant in the early part of 1915, was soon singled out for a machine gun course, rapidly became proficient, and then there came the time when he “went across." The next news of “Jock” was that he was wounded and reported missing. Unfortunately, the worst fears were realized, and the intimation that he was killed came shortly after. His death was the culmination of a most unselfish career. To know him was to like him - he was a friend in the very highest and truest meaning of the word. One remembers well his sportsmanlike qualities. In cricket a fearless wicket keeper, and a batter with great hits to leg. In football as half-back absolutely tireless, never beaten, playing his man all the time.
“Jock's example is a noble one, an example which should be enshrined in the hearts of every Grammar School boy, and it is to be hoped that some sort of memorial will be erected to perpetuate the memory and honour the name of one of the bravest fellows whoever passed through the Grammar School.” We renew our expressed condolence with the bereaved parents, as well as to his affianced, to whom the deceased was shortly to be married. (Daily Malta Chronicle and Garrison Gazette - Monday 05 November 1917 p4)

Educated at the University of London (UK, University of London Student Records, 1836-1945 - Ancestry)

GILBERT Reginald William of 34 Broad Park-road Peverell Plymouth second-lieutenant Machine Gun corps died 21 July 1916 either in France or Belgium Administration Exeter 3 January to Richard John Gilbert manager of blind institution the attorney of William James Gilbert. Effects £ 111 11s. 3d. (National Probate Calendar - Index of Wills and Administrations);

Other Notes: GILBERT, Second Lieutenant, REGINALD WILLIAM, MC, 53rd Coy. Machine Gun Corps (Inf) formerly 3rd Bn. Gloucestershire Regiment. 21st July 1916. Son of Mr. W. J. Gilbert, of 21, Home Park Avenue, Peverell, Plymouth. Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C. Thiepval Memorial - Somme, France.
MC: LG 20/10/1916;

Related National Archives files: WO339/.38354;

END OF RECORD.

English

1 digital record

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.