Name
Reginald E Gilbert
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
19/04/1917
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Rifleman
330342
Hampshire Regiment
1st/8th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GAZA WAR CEMETERY
XXI. E 3.
Israel and Palestine (including Gaza)
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hitchin War Memorial, St Mary's Church Roll of Honour, Hitchin
Pre War
He was the nephew of Mrs Keen of York Road, Hitchin with whom he had made his home on the death of his parents.
He was born in Crow in Hampshire but had been a resident of Hitchin. He served an apprenticeship with Mr Herbert Moore, outfitter of High St. Hitchin and then went to the Isle of Wight.
He was in the Hampshire Territorials which was mobilised for 'Home' service at the outbreak of war at Newport on the Isle of Wight.
Wartime Service
He was given the Regimental Number 330342 and posted to the l/8th Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, known as the Isle of Wight Rifles ‘Princess Beatrice's’ in the Territorial Force. At the time of his death this Battalion was part of the 163rd Brigade in the 54th Division.
He served with the Battalion throughout the Dardanelles campaign and was wounded. Later he went to Palestine attacking the Turks there. He was killed in action in Palestine after having been reported as missing.
His death occurred during the Second Battle of Gaza which was as disastrous as the first. The British attacked at 7.30am five miles south east of Gaza at Ali Muntar. Poor British organisation led to failure with the loss of many men's lives.
He was buried in Plot 21, Row E, Grave 3 in the Gaza War Cemetery in Israel.
Additional Information
On the Hitchin War Memorial, he is shown as ‘E. Gilbert’, but it is reasonably certain to be the same person.
Acknowledgments
David C Baines, Jonty Wild
