Son of William Fry Gilbert, photographer, and Amy Gilbert, of 164 Stapleton Road. Younger brother of Madeleine D, Jone M, and Amy M. Also older brother of Cyril F. Gilbert emigrated to Australia in 1909, his parents were living in New South Wales when Leslie Gilbert was killed in action.

 

Gilbert was born on 27/01/1897, and attended the School from 1907-1909. He served as a Sergeant in the Army, with the Australian Infantry, Australian Imperial Force, 14th Bn.. Gilbert sadly lost his life on 20/01/1916, as a result of the War.

 

Gilbert is buried in Nunhead (All Saints) Cemetery, London, Britain, grave reference 16. 33431. V.

 

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Lone Pine Ridge (BGS Chronicle April 1916)

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Gilbert was reported as "wounded but believed to be doing well" in the BGS Chronicle December 1915. It reports that he was severly wounded in the battle for Lone Pine Ridge, and was removed to a London hospital. 

"… at the school from 1907 to 1909, when he left at an early age because his family migrated to Australia. He was very bright and promising, and would have done very well from a School stand-point, if he had been able to stay on. Had he been a little older he would have obtained a commission in the Australian Force: but as it was he joined the ranks, and rapidly rose to be Sergeant in the 14th Battalion. At the battle on Lone Pine in the Dardanelles, where the Australian Division so much distinguished itself, he was severly wounded. He was able to stand the journey to London, and was looking forward to convalescence, when a sudden relapse intervened, and he died on January 20th of this year. Those who remember him liked him well, and he gave to the Empire a life of much promise." - April 1916