George Albert Edward GILBERT

Regimental number2831
Place of birthHail Weston, St Neots, Huntingdonshire, England
Place of birthHail Weston, Hunts., England
SchoolSt Neots School, Huntingdonshire, England
Age on arrival in Australia16
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGroom
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinMother, Mrs A B Hail, Weston Street, Neots, Hants, England
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date30 June 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name3rd Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/20/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire on 30 September 1915
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


'Conspicuous bravery in carrying messages under fire at Pozieres.'
Recommendation date: 23 August 1916

Bar to Military Medal


'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Mont de Merris near Strazeele, France on 14 April 1918.'
Recommendation date: 22 April 1918

FateKilled in Action 23 August 1918
Place of death or woundingChuignes
Age at death20
Age at death from cemetery records20
Place of burialHeath Cemetery (Plot VI, Row H, Grave No. 12), Harbonnieres, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
36
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: George GILBERT and Annie BARNETT (formerly GILBERT), Fleet Hall Farm, Crowland, Lincs., England
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at MONT de MERRIS near STRAZELLE, FRANCE on 14th April, 1918. As Linesman during an enemy attack, Private GILBERT showed an utter disregard of danger and bravery and coolness of the highest order. Private GILBERT was out continuously mending and repairing telephone lines under heavy shell and rifle fire. Again on 17th April, 1918, he worked mending lines for two hours in an exceedingly heavy barrage. He showed a wonderful spirit of endurance to other linesmen and by his fine example earned the confidence of all ranks.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 62
Date: 19 April 1917