9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
24/06/1895
Died:
01/07/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
21
Summary
Frederick James Gibson was the son of William and Martha Gibson. Frederick was born on 24th June 1895 in the Enniskillen. The 1901 census records five year old Fred Gibson living with family.at Srahenny Ballycassidy, Fermanagh. Fred’s father William was a coachman. By 1911 the family had moved again to Caledon, Tyrone. Fred was now a 15 year old shop assistant. Private Frederick James Gibson was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action at the Somme on 1st July 1916.
Further Information
Frederick James Gibson was the son of William and Martha Gibson. Fred Gibson and Martha Gibson (maiden name Gibson) were married about 1890, probably in County Monaghan, where they both hailed from, and where their first child was born.
Frederick James Gibson was born on 24th June 1895 in the Enniskillen area in County Fermanagh. He was one of six children.
By 1911 the family had moved again. Fred was still living with the family, now at Derrykintone, Caledon, Tyrone. Fred was now a 15 year old shop assistant. His father was still a coachman.
The 1901 census records 5 year old Fred James Gibson living with family.at Srahenny, Ballycassidy in County Fermanagh. Fred’s father William was a coachman.
Family: William Gibson, Martha Gibson, Annie Gibson 20 Gibson (born about 1891, County Monaghan), John Gibson 18 (born about 1893, County Monaghan), William Gibson 17 (born about 1894, County Louth), Frederick James Gibson (born 24th June 1895, Enniskillen), Henry Abner Gibson (born 16th February 1898, Enniskillen), Richard Gibson (born 15th July 1902, Enniskillen).
Family: William Gibson (born about 1862), Martha Gibson (born about 1865), Annie Gibson (born about 1891), John Gibson (born about 1893), William Gibson (born about 1894), Fred T Gibson (born about 1896), Henry A Gibson (born about 1898), Richard Gibson (born about 1903)
Frederick Gibson enlisted in Caledon.
Private Frederick Gibson arrived in France with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 5th October 1915.
Private Frederick James Gibson was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action at the Somme on 1st July 1916.
The book ‘The Irish On The Somme’ by Michael MacDonagh mentions Private Gibson in chapter 3, paragraph 46. It is recorded on the day he died: ‘Private Fred Gibson, Caledon, pushed forward alone with his machine-gun, and fought until all his ammunition was used.’ It is not known if Fred Gibson died in this incident.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 24 August 1916:
Private Fred Gibson of Caledon, pushed forward alone with his machine gun and fought until his ammunition was done. It is feared he was killed subsequently.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 26th August 1916:
Private Fred Gibson, Caledon pushed forward alone with his machine gun and fought until his ammunition was done. It is feared he was killed subsequently.
Frederick James Gibson Last Will and Testament (granted 28th August 1917 in Armagh) reveals he left behind effects totalling £111 15s. 5d. His estate was left to his father William.
From the Belfast Telegraph dated 1st July 1932: Memorial Notices
GIBSON: In loving memory of Private Frederick James Gibson (20152) 9th Batt. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed on July 1, 1916, the dearly beloved son of William and Martha Gibson. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Father and Mother, Sister and Brothers. William and Martha Gibson, Main Street, Caledon, Co. Tyrone.
Private Frederick James Gibson has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial at the Somme in France.
Private Frederick James Gibson is commemorated locally on Dungannon War Memorial.
The CWGC record Private Frederick James Gibson as the son of William and Martha Gibson of Main Street, Caledon, County Tyrone.
Private Frederick James Gibson is NOT listed in the Fermanagh War Memorial Book of Honour
