Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 4th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Colonel

Unit:

Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, Headquarters, 1st Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 24th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Brigadier

Unit:

Deputy Adjutant & Quartermaster-General, Headquarters, I Canadian Corps, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

May 26th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Brigadier

Unit:

Deputy Adjutant & Quartermaster-General, Headquarters, I Canadian Corps, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Brigadier

Unit:

Deputy Adjutant & Quartermaster-General, Headquarters, I Canadian Corps, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

February 21st, 1946

"Just prior to the capitulation of the 25th German Army in Northwest Holland, 1st Canadian Corps assumed the difficult and pressing task of supplying food to the Dutch civilians, many of whom were suffering from advanced stages of starvation. Brigadier William Preston Gilbride, Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster General, 1st Canadian Corps, was instrumental in organizing the highly efficient machinery for the speedy distribution of food and other necessities. Untiringly, this officer devoted his energy and time to solving the many problems which threatened the smooth distribution of supplies to the Dutch populace.
By numerous discussions with Dutch officials, both military and civilian, Brigadier Gilbride was able to get a very clear perspective of what was required to relieve the suffering of the civilians, and he was thus able to employ, with the least possible delay, the resource under the command of the Corps, so that they produced the required results in the least possible time.
Brigadier Gilbride was also responsible for ensuring that tools, stores, clothing and equipment of Dutch origin which had been requisitioned by the Germans were returned to the Dutch. He firmly insisted that all German troops be subjected to a strict search to locate and remote any loot, prior to their departure from Holland.
Always cheerful, cooperative and courteous in his dealings with Dutch officials, and by his ceaseless endeavors to find new ways in which he could further the rehabilitation of Holland, Brigadier Gilbride was largely responsible for the success of 1st Canadian Corps in aiding the Netherlands, after five years of Nazi oppression, to rise again towards a great and free nationhood."

Royal decree no.2
Canadian Gazette of 22 dec.1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)