Walter Davis GIBSON

09 October 1914

SKIPTON – A MILITARY WEDDING

Last Saturday a pretty wedding took place at the Parish Church, the contracting parties being Mr. Walter Davies Gibson, of the (6th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment) and Miss Louisa May Moore, daughter of Mr. Thos. Moore, and Mrs. Moore, of Brook Street. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a beautiful blue eileen gown, and wore a veil of orange blossom, and carried a shower bouquet. The ' best man' was Mr. H. Myers, and the bridesmaids were Miss E. Birtwell and Miss P. Hannam and Ethel Stratton, niece of the bride. The duties of the groomsman were carried out by Master Gerald Moore. After the ceremony a breakfast was partaken of at the Temperance Hall.

19 October 1917

PRIVATE WILLIAM GEORGE RAMPLING

Another local Territorial who was killed during last weeks advance in Flanders was Private William George Rampling, Duke of Wellington’s West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rampling, 40, Russell Street, Skipton. Private Walter Gibson, who lives in Cross Street, Broughton Road, Skipton, is at present at home on leave and has called to tell Mr. and Mrs. Rampling that their son was killed on the 9th inst., and that he was within a few yards of him when he fell, and afterwards assisted at his burial.

Deceased, who was twenty-two years of age, was mobilised with the local Territorials at the outbreak of war, and proceeded to France in April 1915. He was formerly a foreman doffer at Belle View Mills, and played football with Niffany Rovers. His wife and child are at present residing at Accrington. Another brother, Private Ernest Rampling, is serving in France with the Northumberland Fusiliers.

17 May 1918

GIBSON – Sergeant Walter Gibson, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, killed in action April 20th, aged 25 years.

A loving husband, a faithful friend,
One of the best that God could lend;
O God, how mysterious are Thy ways
To take my dear husband in the best of his days.

Dearly loved, deeply mourned, by his loving Wife, and all at 28 Brook Street, Skipton.

17 May 1918

THE ROLL OF HONOUR – Sergeant Walter Gibson

We regret the death of Sergeant Walter Gibson, West Riding Regiment, husband of Mrs. Gibson, 28 Brook Street, Skipton, who was killed in action on April 30th. Twenty-eight years of age, he was mobilised with the local Territorials at the outbreak of war, and had previously been wounded. His time expired in September last, and after a short leave at home he returned to the Front. Formerly in the employ of Mr. G. E. Carr, provision merchant, Skipton, he was one of four brothers serving – one in Mesopotamia, another in Salonika, and a third at present in hospital suffering from wounds.

In a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Gibson, written on behalf of the N.C.O.s and men, a comrade, Corporal J. Chapman, says:– “It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that your husband was killed in action by the bursting of a shell. It will be some consolation to you to know that he suffered no pain. We have lost a good soldier and a pal. He was always willing to do his duty cheerfully, under all circumstances. I have a souvenir of Walter’s, a German revolver, which I will forward if you care to have it.”

Mrs. Gibson has also received a letter of sympathy from an officer, who says:– “It may be some consolation to you in your grief to know that he died without suffering any pain whatever. He was killed by a shell on the 30th April in company with two of his comrades. I have known your husband for some time now, and I think I can safely say that there was no man in the company better respected and liked than him. His men would follow him anywhere, and the last time he was in the line he was particularly fearless, and it was due to him more than anyone else that the company did so well and captured so many of the enemy. He was recommend for a decoration, which I have every reason to hope will be granted.”

28 June 1918

POSTHUMOUS HONOUR FOR SERGEANT GIBSON, SKIPTON

Mrs. Gibson, of 28 Brook Street, Skipton, whose husband, Sergeant Walter Gibson, was killed on April 30th, has received a letter intimating that the coveted honour of the D.C.M. has been bestowed on deceased. Twenty-eight years of age, Sergeant Gibson was mobilised with the local Territorials at the outbreak of war. His time expired in September last, but he returned to the Front after a short leave at home. He was formerly in the employ of Mr. G. E. Carr, provision merchant, Skipton, and was one of four brothers serving.

In a letter to Mrs. Gibson, C.S.M. McDermott of the ‘Duke’s’ expresses the hope that she will long be spared to treasure the honour won by her husband, and adds:– “He was one of the best N.C.O.s in our Company, and I can assure you that his place will be very hard to fill. We are deeply touched to think that he is not with us to receive the decoration. However, we feel highly proud to know that you will be in possession of such an honourable memento of your husband having died for his King and Country.”

02 May 1919

GIBSON – In proud and loving memory of my dear husband, Walter, killed in action at Kemmel, Belgium, April 30th, 1918, aged 25 years.

Somewhere abroad there is a grave,
Where lies my dear husband amidst the brave;
Father, O God, I lift my prayer,
And leave him sleeping in Thy care.
Now his comrades have come home,
But he is sleeping across the foam;
His work is done, he’s laid his armour down,
Fought the good fight and gained the eternal crown.
Oh, blest are they that live and die like those
Loved with such love and with such sorrow mourned.

His loving wife, May, 28 Brook Street, Skipton.

GIBSON – In affectionate remembrance of my dear brother-in-law, Walter, killed in action April 30th, 1918.

“One of the best.”

From Gerald.

GIBSON – In sad and loving remembrance of our dear son-in-law, Walter, who made the supreme sacrifice April 30th, 1918.

In our home you are fondly remembered,
Sweet Memories cling round your dear name;
True hearts that in life loved you dearly,
Will love you in death just the same.
His cheerful smile, his loving face,
Are pleasant to recall;
He had a kindly word for each,
And died beloved by all.

Ever renumbered by his loving Father and Mother-in-law, 28 Brook Street, Skipton.

30 May 1919

MYERS: GIBSON – In loving memory of Private Frank Myers, who died from wounds received in action in France, May 30th, 1918, aged 19 years; also his brother, Sergeant Walter Gibson, D.C.M., killed in action in France April 30th, 1918, aged 25 years.

Ever remembered by Aunt and Cousins, and brother Cecil at 12 Duckett Street, Skipton.

MYERS – In ever loving memory of my dear Friend, Private Frank Myers, of the 6th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who died from wounds received in France May 30th, 1918, aged 19 years.

Time may heal a broken heart,
Time may make a wound less sore;
But time can never heal the longing
For a loved one gone before.

From Doris and Friends, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

MYERS – In affectionate remembrance of my dear brother-in-law, Private Frank Myers, died of wounds May 30th, 1918.

Ever remembered by May and all at 28 Brook Street, Skipton.

28 May 1920

GIBSON – In ever loving memory of Sergeant Walter Gibson, D.C.M., Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, who was killed in action in France, April 30th, 1918.

He sleeps beside his comrades
In a grave beyond the foam;
But his name is written in letters of love
In the hearts he left at home.

From Mother and Harold.

03 June 1921

MYERS and GIBSON – In loving memory of Pte. F. Myers, who died of wounds May 30th, 1918; also of Sergt. W. Gibson, D.C.M., killed in action, April 30th, 1918.

Ever remembered.

Harold and Nellie, Hellifield.