Eldest son of Mr & Mrs John Gibson, of 38, Mayfair Avenue, Ilford. Born in Glasgow, and, on his parents coming Ilford, was educated at Forest Gate Commercial College. Joined the 14th Battalion Country of London Regiment (London Scottish) some years before 1914. He was mobilised on the outbreak of war, and, after trainin9 in Hertfordshire, went to France with the first contingent of the London Scottish in September, 1914, taking part in the historic action at Messines — the first in which Territorials were engaged -on Halloween. Through that action he came unscathed, but on 11th November, 1914, during a very critical period of the defence of the Ypres front, he was killed by a machine gun bullet, and lies buried in Zillebeke churchyard. He was the first Territorial from Ilford to make the supreme sacrifice, and his death brought the war sharply home to all. A valued member of the Ilford Presbyterian Football club, Treasurer of the Tennis Club, and possessing a most kindly and sympathetic nature, he was the centre of a large circle of acquaintances, old and young, who cherish his memory.
Reproduced from Ilford Scottish Association book of Remembrance (a book of Remembrance for soldiers who fought in the First World War produced by Ilford Scottish Association c.1920)