Biography of James Douglas Gibson

James Douglas Gibson matriculated at the University in 1907.

He was born 1889 in Swatow (Shàntóu), China, son of Glasgow graduate and missionary John Campbell Gibson and his wife Agnes Gillespie Barclay Gibson. Gibson resided at an address in Bearsden, during his three years of Engineering study at the University, leaving without graduating at the end of session 1909-1910. Gibson was also a member of the Officers Training Corps (OTC).

During WWI, Gibson served in the Royal Engineers, 401st (Highland) Field Coy, which, in 1915, saw action in the Battles of Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, and Festubert. In 1916, the 401st were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood and The Battle of the Ancre. In 1917, they again saw action in the Arras Offensive, The Battle of Pilkem Ridge, The Battle of Menin Road Ridge and the Cambrai Operations.

Gibson was killed in action on 25 March 1918, aged 27, in Pas de Calais, most likely during am Allied fighting withdrawal from Cambrai to Bapaume. He was buried at the Warlencourt British Cemetery in France and is memorialised at the Glasgow Necropolis.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• 51st Highland Division
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• The Long, Long Trail The British Army of 1914-1918, The Field Companies RE
• The Long, Long Trail, The British Army of 1914-1918, The 51st (Highland) Division in 1914-1918
• The Long, Long Trail, The British Army of 1914-1918, The 7th Division in 1914-1918
• The Wartime Memories Project - The Great War, 401st (2nd Highland) Field Company, The Royal Engineers

Archival Materials

• R6/29 Abandoned Student File – James Douglas Gibson
• R8/5/28/3 Matriculation Slips 1907-1908 Men E-G
• R8/5/29/3 Matriculation Slips 1908-1909 Men E-G
• R8/5/30/3 Matriculation Slips 1909-1910 Men E-G

Summary

James Douglas Gibson
Born 1889.
Died 25 March 1918.
GU Degree: Science and Engineering, 1907-1909;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: military
WWI: View WWI Roll of Honour Entry
English snippet: Engineering student at the University of Glasgow 1907-1910
Record last updated: 29th May 2014

Country Associations

China, Shantou
Place of Birth

France, Pas de Calais
Place of Death

University Connections

University Roles

• Student

Images

Necropolis memorial to Lt James Douglas Gibson