GIBSON, George William (1891-1942)George William Gibson was born on 6 January 1891, the second son, and one of 8 children of Dr George Harry Gibson and Jessie White nee Galloway. George was enrolled at Geelong College in 1907. His entry address was Macquarie Street, Hobart. He returned to Tasmania to farm after leaving school.
At age 24 during World War I, George Gibson enlisted (No 3252) at Claremont in Tasmania on 9 April 1915 with 26 Battalion, (7th Reinforcement), as a Sergeant, and embarked on
HMT Ajana on 13 December 1915. Transferred to 12 Battalion in France, he was wounded at Flers, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg and wrist in early November 1916. He was evacuated to Woodcote Park Hospital, after furlough he returned to France, where he was promoted 2nd Lieutenant on 4 January 1919 and Lieutenant on 4 April. Soon after he took leave with pay from 21 May until 21 August 1919, under the Repatriation and Demobilisation Scheme, studying pedigree stock and forestry with Mr J Galloway, of Shearcombe Park, Wells, Somerset. George Gibson returned to Australia on
HMT Ascanius, embarking on 23 September 1919.
He died on 28 July 1942 aged 51 years in Campbell Town, Tasmania. His obituary described him as follows:
'Mr G W. Gibson, Epping Launceston. Tuesday. — The death occurred today at Campbell Town after a short illness of Mr. George W Gibson, well-known pastoralist and stud breeder of Glasslough, Epping. Mr Gibson, who was the second son of the late Dr G H Gibson, of Hobart, had lived at Epping for the past 16 years. He was very well known as a Polwarth stud breeder, and was a prominent sportsmen, being closely associated with the Midland Hunt Club for many years. He was also a member of the Midland Agricultural Association. He was interested in racing and was the owner of 'Charmore', a National winner. Mr Gibson was a member of the 12th Battalion, AIF, in the Great War, and held the rank of lieutenant.
He is survived bv Mrs Gibson, who was formerly Miss Galloway, of Scotland, and two daughters, Mary and Sheenah. Brothers are: Mr. Bruce Gibson, Cressy; Dr. Stewart Gibson, and Messrs. Neil and Gordon Gibson, Hobart. Private interment will take place at the Kirklands cemetery, Campbell Town, tomorrow.' His brother,
James Bruce Gibson (1889-1972), was also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p199 (citing Pegasus; National Archives); Launceston Advocate 29 July 1942.