Andrews, Horace Gibson (1890-1917)

Listed in 1891 Census as aged 1 living at 103 Park Street, Woburn, Beds. The youngest of 8 children, father Gibson Andrews (ironmonger) and mother Emma.

1901 Census aged 11 living at the same address and gained a younger brother.

1911 Census aged 21 boarding at 18 James Street Rochester, recorded as being an Assistant Master – very possibly at St Peter’s School as his name is recorded on their Roll of Honour.

 

horace-gibson-grave

Military Career

Captain 8th Bn. York and Lancaster Regiment

Killed in action on 7th June 1917 on the first day of the Battle of Messines Ridge. The battle commenced with blowing up of over 20 mines under the German lines, the craters of which are still visible today.

Buried in Bedford House Cemetery Ypres http://www.everymanremembered.org/profiles/soldier/483768/

He left effects of £424 14s. 6d. to two of his brothers.

Another two of his brothers were also killed on the Somme in 1916

Extract from the Regimental war diary (pages 436-437)

We shared in the great victory for the 2nd Army. Zero hours 3.10am. The 9th Y&L took their objective in fine style, and at 6.50am we left their new line to attack the final objective (ZILLEBEKE). This we took with a strongpoint about 50yds in advance of the right flank, also the KNOLL, an eminence in NO MANS LAND in front of our own centre. Our Officer casualties were CAPT ANDREWS (killed), 2n/lt HART(believed killed) 2nd/lt LUCAS (believed killed) and 2/lts ASTON,IMISON<VANSENDEN, LT POPPLEWELL, CAPT BELL and 2/lt BILLINGTON wounded. Estimated O.R. casualties 300. No counter-attacks after the position had once been consolidated. We held all our own gains, tho there was aterrific bombardment between 9 & 110.30pm. Our guns broke up an attempted counter-attack. Later we were relieved from the line by the 9th York & Lancaster Regiment, and the remnants of our unit took up quarters in MT.SORRELL depots we spent in rest.

 

Ancestry.com sources

1891 Census Class: RG12; Piece: 1262; Folio: 128; Page: 17; GSU roll: 6096372

1901 Census Class: RG13; Piece: 1506; Folio: 93; Page: 14

1911 Census Class: RG14; Piece: 3893; Schedule Number: 163

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995

Global, Find A Grave Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current

Research:

Sean Ryan, 2016

4 responses to “Andrews, Horace Gibson (1890-1917)

  1. Minor correction re his father Gibson Andrews…..had seven children with Emma (Paxton) ..one daughter and then six sons.
    Previously married to Elizabeth (Gibbs)…four daughters and Elizabeth died leaving him a widower.
    Also …only one brother killed at the Somme …younger one Raymond.
    Just a few minor points, but enjoyed your work!

  2. His younger brother Raymond Gibson Andrews (London Scottish) was killed on Day 1 of the Somme and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
    His brother Jack Gibson Andrews Staff Quartermaster Sergeant served in France with Bedfordshire Yeomanry.
    His brother George Cyril Gibson Andrews Sergeant London Regiment was severely wounded also in France.
    His brother Tom Harold Gibson Andrews Corporal Winnipeg Rifles served in Canada at the end of the war.

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