Paul Reed Posted 5 July , 2005 Share Posted 5 July , 2005 How nice to see Gilbert Nagle's name remembered on the Forum today. I always visit his grave when I am at Arras on a tour; and often tell his story. From a English-Irish family, he was an original officer of the 7th Battalion and fought with them overseas from May 1915. He became adjutant to Lieutenant Colonel A.J.Sansom, a former Hasting headmaster. Nagle and Sansom were standing on the steps of their former German dugout on Infantry Hill, Monchy, watching flares light up the battlefield when a stray shell landed at their feet; their men brought them back to Arras for burial - they are buried side by side. Sansom had a letter in his pocket informing him that the War Office was sending him home to resume his headmastership. Below is a picture of Gilbert Nagle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 5 July , 2005 Author Share Posted 5 July , 2005 Below is Sansom: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 5 July , 2005 Author Share Posted 5 July , 2005 Could only find some old 1980s photos I have of their graves - see below: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will O'Brien Posted 5 July , 2005 Share Posted 5 July , 2005 Had a quick scan through the London Gazette to try to find Gilbert's award of the Military Cross...............Couldn't find it ..................He was mentioned a couple of times though.............Issue dated 9th May 1916 makes reference to a notice of his temporary Captaincy from 20th March 1916 & Issue dated 20th Ocotber 1916 has a notice of Gilbert becoming battalion Adjutant as of 10th August.................Anyone any idea how his MC was earned? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Poilu Posted 5 July , 2005 Share Posted 5 July , 2005 Paul, A couple more for the grave-a-day photo project for next year. Interesting to see the Infantry Hill connection as always for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 6 July , 2005 Author Share Posted 6 July , 2005 Thanks Guys - from memory his MC was for Ovillers 7th July 1916; but I do not have my copy of the 7th Battalion History to hand to check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 6 July , 2005 Author Share Posted 6 July , 2005 Just remembered the book on Royal Sussex Hons & Awards. His MC was London Gazette 15th April 1916: For conspicuous courage, when, though wounded, he continued his duties, inspiring all ranks of his command with confidence. He organised a skillful defence, and repelled two attacks. Must be for the Battle of the Hohenzollern Craters in early 1916. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will O'Brien Posted 6 July , 2005 Share Posted 6 July , 2005 Just remembered the book on Royal Sussex Hons & Awards. His MC was London Gazette 15th April 1916: For conspicuous courage, when, though wounded, he continued his duties, inspiring all ranks of his command with confidence. He organised a skillful defence, and repelled two attacks. Must be for the Battle of the Hohenzollern Craters in early 1916. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Excellent, thanks for clarifying that Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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