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GIBBON, J S - Sergeant

Sergeant
JOHN SPENCE (J S) GIBBON

  • Canadian Fallen Soldier - Sergeant JOHN SPENCE GIBBON
  • Sergeant
    JOHN SPENCE (J S) GIBBON

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    JOHN SPENCE (J S) GIBBON
    18 July 1923
    Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
    G153501
    2 January 1942 in Saint John, New Brunswick, CA
    Commercial Clerk
    Sergeant
    1st Canadian Special Service Battalion
    1st Battalion (Ontario Regiment), CEF
    28 November 1943
    KIA (Santa Maria, Italy)
    20 years
    NAPLES WAR CEMETERY
    III. E. 16.

  • Sergeant JOHN SPENCE GIBBON's Story

  • Born
    18 July 1923 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
    Occupation
    Worked as a Commercial Clerk prior to enlisting.
    Enlisted
    2 January 1942 in Saint John, New Brunswick | Age: 18 years
    Buried
    28 November 1943 - NAPLES WAR CEMETERY | Age: 20 years
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Interesting Facts

  • Son of James Arnold Gibbon and Eva Marian Gibbon (nee Terry) of Fredericton, NB. His father, Arnold, was a decorated veteran of WWI. John and his younger sisters Nancy and Jane were the grandchildren of Edgar John Terry and James Spence Gibbon, two prominent businessmen in Saint John at that time. He was 18 years old when he travelled to Saint John to enlist with the 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion.

    Sergeant Gibbon was killed in an accidental bazooka explosion near Santa Maria, Italy due to a faulty round being prematurely discharged in the barrel of the launcher on November 28, 1943. The explosion occurred during an offensive operation to reclaim the surrounding area after the allies successfully crossed the Sangro River early that morning. Six other men were injured at the scene, but Gibbon was killed instantly. Mezzagrogna and Santa Maria were successfully captured by British troops the very next day.

    In the accident report, a fellow soldier in his unit (Major R.W. Becket) said that Gibbon was "an excellent soldier both in conduct and capabilities."

Images

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Fallen Soldiers from Saint John New Brunswick, Canada

Fallen Comrades of the 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion


Fallen Soldiers buried in NAPLES WAR CEMETERY