| Gilbert | G E L | | Major | He was born in 1864, son of E L Gilbert, Civil Engineer, Public Works Department, India. He was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and entered the Dorsetshire Regiment, as Lieutenant, 9 May 1885; became Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps, 8 July 1886. He saw active service in the Hazara Expedition, 1888 (Medal with clasp); Isazai Expedition, 1892; operations in Chitral with the Relief Force, 1895 (Medal with clasp). He was promoted Captain, Indian Army, 9 May 1896, and served in Tirah, 1897-98, including the operations in the Bara Valley 7 to 12 December 1897 (two clasps); in China, 1900 (Medal); promoted Major, 9 May 1903. He saw active service again on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, in operations in the Mohmand country, commanding his regiment, the 34th Sikh Pioneers. He was mentioned in Despatches; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 14 August 1908]: "In recognition of (his) services in connection with the recent operations against the Zakka Khel and Mohmands: Gerald Edward Lloyd Gilbert, Major, Indian Army (to bear date 16 July 1908)". He was DAQMG, India, 8 June 1907 to 22 April 1908. He became Lieutenant Colonel 9 May 1911, and retired from the Service 6 September 1912. In the European War he commanded the 1st Entrenching Battalion. He was the author of a book called "The Evolution of Tactics". He married, in 1891, Emily Sophia, daughter of Samuel Fenton, JP, County Wicklow. They have a son and a daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Army |
