Captain James Gatland Gilberd

2 Apr 1910 - 21 Sep 2001

Jim Gilberd was one of the 'old school'. Having joined the New Zealand Military Forces on 15 July 1932, he completed recruit training at General Headquarters Training Depot, and was posted to the Field Cadre, RNZA, Fort Dorset, on 2 October 1933 as a Gunner.

That he was of above average ability soon became apparent from the rate of his promotion - to Lance Bombardier in 1935, Bombardier in 1937, and Sergeant in 1938. Normally promotion to Sergeant took at least nine years under the regulations then prevailing.

Jim's long suit was equitation, ie horse-mastership, a subject in which he was highly skilled both as a horseman and as an instructor. Indeed, as a junior NCO he was employed in instructing recruits in Trentham up to and including the last course held in 1937.

In January 1938, the writer commenced recruit training in Trentham where we were informed that 'the artillery was now mechanised' so we would not undergo formal training in equitation. But the guns on which we trained were still designed for horse draught - and we saw no gun tractors.

Those of us posted to the Field Cadre, Fort Dorset, in June the same year were confronted by a paddock-ful of horses plus guns and limbers identical to those we had left in Trentham - equipped for horse draught. The senior NCO to whom we reported asked us, "Have you done an equitation course?" When we said "No" he then said, "Well, you're going to do one now." And the instructor was to be Bombardier Jim Gilberd.

We enjoyed every minute of the course which lasted about three weeks. The horses were wonderful animals, well trained and in excellent condition, a state we were taught how to maintain. We were sorry to see the last of them when mechanisation finally began to progress late in 1938.

With the outbreak of World War 2 in September 1939 members of the Field Cadre began to be seconded for service in 2NZEF units, and on 1 February 1940 Jim began service with 7 Anti-tank Regiment NZA. On 1 February 1940 he was promoted WO1 (RSM) and embarked with the Second Echelon on 2 May 1940, arriving in the United Kingdom on 16 June 1940.

As no anti-tank guns were available the Regiment trained as infantry until August when 2-pr guns were issued. The Regiment sailed for the Middle East in mid-December 1940, arriving at Port Tewfik on 16 February 1941.

Of the fighting which followed Jim was one of the very few members of the RNZA to have his exploits recorded in the "2nd New Zealand Divisional Artillery", a book which records the history of the New Zealand Gunners' actions during World War 2. In Operation CRUSADER in Libya late in November 1941 he commanded a platoon hurriedly assembled from 'odds and sods' and led it in a successful foray against enemy troops threatening their position.

On 12 July 1943 Jim returned to New Zealand with other ex-2NZEF Gunner NCOs who were posted to the Artillery Training Regiment, Trentham, as instructors. On 3 November 1943 he was appointed RSM of the Regiment. After the end of World War 2, on 12 September 1945, he was posted to Army Schools, Trentham. Then followed a period at Burnham Camp from 1 March to 15 July 1946 after which on 1 may 1947 he was commissioned Lieutenant and Quartermaster.

There followed a period as Adjutant 10 Coast Regiment at Fort Dorset, until 1 September 1947 when he became Camp Commandant, Army HQ.

On 1 October 1948 the School of Artillery was formed in Waiouru, and Jim became its first Chief Instructor. Promoted Temporary Captain and Quartermaster on 15 December 1948, he remained at the School until appointed Adjutant 2 Field Regiment RNZA, Napier, on 11 July 1949 when he reverted to the rank of Lt and QM.

On 2 July 1951 he was transferred to 10 Coast Regiment, Wellington, and promoted again to Temporary Captain and Quartermaster while performing the duties of District Officer, Adjutant and Quartermaster! On 31 January 1952 he relinquished the appointment of DO and was appointed Camp Commandant , Base Camp, on 25 June the same year.

During the ceremonies connected with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2, Jim was a member of Her Majesty's mounted escort, being overseas from 2 March 53 to 10 August 53. Obviously Officers in New Zealand still remembered his skills in horse-mastership. While overseas he was promoted Ca[tain and Quartermaster on 1 May 1953.

On return to New Zealand Jim resumed the duties of DO and QM of 10 Coast Regiment, Wellington, on 24 May 1953, an appointment he held until his retirement from the New Zealand Army in 1957 - at age 47.

Here it is appropriate to point out that when Jim joined the regular force recruits were told that provided they passed their exams and kept out of trouble they would keep their jobs until they turned 55. New Zealand Regulations of the time actually said so. The after returnng from active service in World War 2, and having planned their futures to continue until they turned 55, Army informed them they would have to retire at 45. To have younger soldiers in the Army is, of course, good thinking, but to penalise older soldiers to the extent described with no compensation, eg in superannuation, was dishonest, to put the matter politely. After 25 years of efficient and faithful service, Jim - and others like him - deserved better. Authority, apparently realising their mistake, later relented to a petty extent. Hence Jim's retirement at 47.

After retirement from the Army Jim was employed by the Ministry of Works, Wellington, until 1961, after which he moved back to Napier where he was appointed Civil Defence and Purchasing Officer, Napier City Council, until 1970. He then served for five yeaars on the Hawkes Bay Regional Council as part-time Civil Defence Officer until at 75 he finally retired from active duty.

However, he still continued to take an active interest in everyday affairs, especially the Napier RSA of which he was a Life Member as well as an active committee member for many years. FDor 23 years Jim was Parade Marshal at Napier Anzac Day parades.

Jim's good lady, Dorothy (Dot), whom he married on 1 November 1938, passed away on 28 November 1994. He is survived by their three daughters, Lois, Glenys, and Jill. The writer wishes here to acknowledge the assistance given by Glenys in compiling this obituary.

WL Ruffell, 2001

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