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John Joseph Gibson

Private

38th Battalion

Medals Earned

  • British War Medal
  • 1914-15 Star
  • Military Medal
  • Victory Medal

Tree Information

  • Species: Populus Alba Pyramidalis
  • Planted By: Miss M. Walters
  • Plaque: 769

Additional Info

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Biography

John Joseph Gibson was born in Ballarat and was a Blacksmith by trade when he enlisted in the 7th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement on 29 June 1915 at the age of 18. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A16 Star Of Victoria on 10 September 1915. In March 1916 he was transferred to the 58th Battalion with whom he moved to France in June. He was wounded in action on July 19th at Fleurbaix (Fromelles), sustaining a severe gunshot wound to his chest/side. He was evacuated to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital in France, then transferred to the 1st Northern General Hospital in England. He returned to his unit in France in October 1917.

As the war was entering its final months, his gallantry earned for him a Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during attack by 58th Battalion on PERONNE on 2nd September 1918. He worked all day under intense shell and machine gun fire. During this time he was employed carrying wounded from the R.A.P., and when the first rush of wounded had been dealt with and the R.A.P. cleared, he went forward through PERONNE which was being heavily shelled and carried wounded from there to the R.A.P. His courage, cheerfulness and devotion to duty under shell fire have been constantly of the highest order and a splendid example to all around him.' He returned home on the Trasos Montes, disembarking at Melbourne on May 22nd 1919.
Tree No: 769

Location in Ballarat Avenue of Honour