THE relative of a Winsford First World War soldier has taken up the Royal British Legion’s challenge of unearthing as much information about local heroes as possible.
Karin O'Neill of Peacock Avenue got in touch about her grandfather, Arthur Gibson, who left Rilshaw Cottage in Winsford for the front lines with the Welsh Regiment to serve in the Great War.
The young Private was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for saving the life of an officer in battle.
A Guardian report of his death, aged 59, in 1943 reads that he was ‘one who brought honour to Winsford’.
It adds: “Mr Gibson, after other efforts had failed, displayed conspicuous gallantry in making his way through a bullet swept section of No Man's Land to a British Officer, wounded and crying out for water and he was able to bring him back to safety.”
“What it doesn't say,” adds Karin “was that Arthur Gibson was gassed in the trenches and as a consequence suffered many years with acute bronchitis. He was not able to work consistently due to his ill health. This was the cause of his early death.”
If you have details of Winsford First World War soldiers, get in touch at matthew.taylor@guardiangrp.co.uk
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