Corporal William Henry Gibbins

Born on 20 February 1890 in London, England - husband of Emma Jane Gibbins, Gananoque, Ontario - son of George and Mary Gibbins - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: present address in Gananoque, Ontario, trade as farmer, married, no current or previous military service, Church of England, height of 5 feet 3.25 inches, chest of 36 inches fully expanded, dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair.

Joined the 156th Battalion, CEF, in Brockville, Ontario, on 21 December 1915 (number 639413) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 24 May 1917 - killed in action on 30 October 1917 - name inscribed on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (panel 10-18-26-28), Belgium.

(Updated with a photo of Cpl Gibbins and his son, George, taken before Gibbins left Canada for overseas.  My many thanks to Geraldine Chase and Bill Beswetherick of the "Gananoque Remembers" project for sending me this image and for allowing me to use in Cpl Gibbins's entry.)

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org)