GILBERT, ARTHUR ROBERT, Major, was
born 26 January 1863, youngest son of the Reverend Clement Gilbert, of
Strumpshaw Hall, Norfolk. He was educated at Cheltenham and Sandhurst, and
entered the Royal Sussex Regiment 9 September 1882, serving in the Hazara
Expedition in 1888 (Medal with clasp); became Captain 9 September 1892; served
in the Tirah Campaign, 1897-98, and was present at the operations in the Bazar
Valley 25 to 30 December 1897 (Medal with two clasps). He served in the South
African War, 1899-1902, and took part in the operations in the Orange Free
State, February to May 1900, including actions at Houtnek (Thoba Mountain),
Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; in the Transvaal in May and June,
1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and
12 June); in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including actions
at Wittebergen (1 to 29 July) and Ladybrand (2 to 5 September); again in
Orange River Colony and Cape Colony, January 1901 to February 1902; also again
in the Transvaal, February to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches
[London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902]; received the Brevet of
Major 29 November 1900; the Queen's Medal with four clasps; the King's Medal
with two clasps. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service
Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "Arthur Robert Gilbert, Major, The
Royal Sussex Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations
in South Africa". He was promoted to Major 17 September 1902; to Lieutenant
Colonel 12 August 1907, and to Colonel 30 August 1911. Colonel Gilbert served
in the European War, as Temporary Brigadier General, from 5 August 1914. He
commanded the Liverpool Brigade, Territorial Forces. He was created a CBE in
1919. He became Senior Officer Commanding Troops, Jamaica. In 1903 Colonel
Gilbert married Muriel, only daughter of H Cook, of White House, Hanworth,
Norfolk, and they had one son.
