No.18650, Private, Arthur GILBEY
Aged 21
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Arthur Gilbey was born in Soham (Newmarket Q4-1894 3B:507)on son of William and Harriett GILBEY (née WELLS).
As with the other Gilbeys, the 'e' in the surname is not always used.
1901 census...Aged 6, he was at Berry Croft, The Piece, Soham with his father William GILBEY [45] traction engine driver; his mother Harriet [39]; sisters Florence [18], Alice [14] (both working on farm), Lizzie [3] and Mabel [9 months]. They were all born in Soham. 1911 census...Aged 16, a farm labourer, he was at Mereside, Soham with his parents and sisters Lizzie and Mabel. No pension card has been found. |
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Enlisted in Newmarket.
Dying in England of his wounds it is almost impossible to say where and when he was wounded. The battalion had not been engaged in any major operations thus far in 1916. His death was registered in Devon (Totnes Q2-1916 5B:213). Local press report, 5th May 1916:- PTE. A. GILBEY After being wounded about a month ago, Pte. Arthur Gilbey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm.Gilbey of the Piece, passed away on Sunday, at the American Women's War Hospital, Paignton, South Devon. Pte. Gilbey enlisted on March 8th 1915, in the 7th Suffolk Regt., and left for foreign service in October last. He was wounded on April 1st, and subsequently brought to England, where he has received the best treatment possible. In spite of this, however, he succumbed to his wounds on Sunday. His parents were able to pay him a visit about a fortnight ago, and although fully concious, they found him in a serious condition. The following letter of condolence from the Hospital Matron:- "I am very, very sorry to have to tell you that Arthur passed away at half past twelve today. A great fight has been made for his life by doctors and nurses, and nothing has been left undone that could have saved him. If he had not been so strong he would not have lived so long, as the typhoid fever that he had was of a very bad kind..."
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