Edward Gilbert

Corporal Edward Gilbert. Authors image

9518 Corporal

‘A’ Company,1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, 8th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division

Age: 29

Date of Death: 7.3.15

Buried: Locre Churchyard II.C.8

Family history: Son of Edward and Mary Gilbert, 48 Forth Street, Grangemouth. He had four brothers and a sister. Edward’s wife Ann, they had married on 15 April 1908, died on 21 June 1912 leaving Edward to care for their daughter Mary. Following Edward’s death his daughter was placed in the guardianship of his mother Mary who resided at 48 Forth Street, Grangemouth. His daughter received a pension of 5/- (25p) per week.

He was a reservist who rejoined his Regiment on 5 August 1914 and landed in France on 13 August 1914 with his Regiment.

The action leading to his death

The Battalion was in the line at Vierstraat. The War Diary records that it was quiet with inter company reliefs being carried out. They record two casualties. Edward died of a gun shot wound to the abdomen sustained on 6 March 1915 and died in Locre on 7 March.

Trench Map showing the trench lines at Vierstraat

Personal possessions returned to his family included a New Testament bible, three letters, cigarette case, tobacco box and a pipe.

Medals Awarded

1914 Star and Clasp, Victory Medal, British Medal

Corporal Edward Gilbert. Medal Index Card