George Albert Edward Gilbert was born in Hail Weston, Cambridgeshire in 1897. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool, New South Wales, 2 July 1915. He was posted to the 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion, and served in the Egyptian theatre of war, prior to serving in the French theatre of war from March 1916.
Gilbert distinguished himself fighting with the Battalion on the Somme, in particular as a runner at Pozieres in August 1916. The Battalion War Diary gives the Commanding Officer describing ‘the communications back to Brigade were bad as in many cases I had to send runners the whole distance which took two hours which was by far too long. My telephonic communications was by courtesy of another Brigade and was again unsatisfactory owing to the great number of messages passing over one line.’
The award of the Military Medal (M.M.) was published in the London Gazette 16 November 1916. The original recommendation states:
‘At Pozieres, France, 17 August 1916, Private Gilbert carried messages under very heavy fire, more especially on the night 17/18 August when the telephone line was out and the communication trench blocked in many places through shell fire, he took messages through over the top without hesitation although warned by others that it was extremely unlikely that he would get through.’
Gilbert was wounded in action, 9 November 1917. After a period of recuperation he re-joined the Battalion at the end of December 1917, and distinguished himself as a Linesman at Mont de Merris, near Strazeele, Northern France, 14 April 1918.
Awarded the M.M. Second Award Bar published in the London Gazette 6 August 1918. The original recommendation states:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Mont de Merris near Strazeele, France on 14 April 1918. As Linesman during an enemy attack, Private Gilbert showed an utter disregard of danger and bravery and coolness of the highest order.’
Gilbert was killed in action during an attack on the rear of the village of Proyart, 23 August 1918. The attack was successful, but the Battalion suffered casualties of 2 officers and 38 other ranks killed, 7 officers and 181 other ranks wounded.
Private Gilbert is buried in Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, Somme.
Support Our Charitable Foundation
Your donation helps us deliver projects like For Evermore, which educate and inspire future generations to remember those who gave their lives in the two World Wars. With your support, we can keep their stories alive and ensure they are never forgotten.
As well as making a donation today, you might also consider leaving a gift in your will to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation. Legacy gifts, large or small, help us preserve this vital heritage for generations to come.
Thank you for helping us honour their memory so we can tell Every Story. For evermore.
