Gilson G 2nd Lt 5th London Regiment Attd 2/4th London Regiment
SECOND LIEUTENANT GEORGE GILSON, 2/4th London Regiment, son of Joseph Gilson of Southend-on-Sea, as born in 1880 and educated at Christ’s Hospital, where he was a keen Rugby footballer. He was connected for twenty years with the Stock Exchange and became a member in 1904, being a partner in the firm of Isaacs and Bray. An amateur actor, he was for many years associated with the Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society.
He was twice medically rejected before being passed fit for general service in December 1916. He enlisted in the 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment and trained with them at Felixstowe. Having been made a N.C.O., he was recommended for a commission and sent to the O.T.C. at Oxford. He was gazetted to the London Rifle Brigade in January 1918 and left for France on 2 August, being transferred to the 2/4th London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).
A month later he was killed at the head of his men, on his first day in action, near Beaucheresnes on the Bapaume-Peronne road.
“Everyone,” wrote his Colonel to his widow, “speaks most highly of the gallant way in which he behaved during the attack. His platoon fought splendidly and gained their objective in a brilliant fashion.”
Source : The Stock Exchange War Memorial 1914-1918