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Gibson, Thomas Graeme

Date of birth:
April 6th, 1908
Date of death:
January 3rd, 1986 (Toronto/Ontario, Canada)
Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier
Unit:
2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army
Awarded on:
January 6th, 1945

The Canada Gazette, 6 January, 1945.
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier
Unit:
2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army
Awarded on:
April 22nd, 1945
"Brigadier-General T. Graeme Gibson of the valiant Canadian Army, which in a most glorious campaign with great sacrifice of life gave back freedom to already so many Dutch towns and villages and which liberated the City of Deventer from the German tyranny on the 10th April 1945, is, in remembrance of this most auspicious day, offered the freedom of the City of Deventer."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier
Unit:
2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army
Awarded on:
April 28th, 1945
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Recommendation:
During the period 24 August to 22 September 1944, 1 Canadian Division was involved in constant offensive action with the enemy culminating finally in the capture of Rimini. Throughout these operations 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier Gibson took a prominent and successful part. A battalion of this brigade was the first unit in the division to cross through the heavily mined and wired defences of the Gothic Line, to capture a vital bridgehead through which the remainder of the division and its armour passed. Finally a unit of this brigade by a brilliantly executed night attack, burst through the enemy defences on the commanding and rugged Fortunato Ridge which turned the tide of the battle in our favour. Throughout these operations, Brigadier Gibson led his brigade in a skilful manner, inspiring confidence in all ranks of his command, often under enemy fire which he disregarded without thought for his own personal safety.

The Canada Gazette, 28 April, 1945.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier
Unit:
2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army
Awarded on:
June 15th, 1946
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Recommendation:
Brigadier Gibson commenced his army career in 1925 in the ranks of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and later was appointed as a Lieutenant in that unit. In 1931 he resigned his commission in the Non-Permanent Active Militia on appointment to the Permanent Force. He joined the Royal Canadian Regiment and on the outbreak of hostilities in 1939 held the rank of Captain. He proceeded overseas as Liaison Officer on the Headquarters staff of 2 Canadian Infantry Division in August 1940. After holding several important staff appointments he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed to command the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in January 1942. In April 1943 he was promoted to his present rank and successively commanded three infantry brigades. During the operations which led to the capture of Rimini during the Italian campaign, he led his brigade with great skill, was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Brigadier Gibson later served in the Northwest European theatre and on the cessation of hostilities commanded a composite brigade in the Canadian Army of Occupation. Brigadier Gibson has consistently displayed the utmost devotion to duty and he is considered deserving of high recognition.

The Canada Gazette, 15 June, 1946.

Sources

  • Photo 1: Matthew M. Gibson
  • - National Defence and the Canadian Forces
    - Blatherwick, J. & Halliday, H., Courage & Service – Second World War Awards to Canadians (CD-ROM), Service Publications, Ottawa, 2004