Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

Royal Regiment of Artillery

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

90th Battery, 23rd Field Ambulance Field Regiment R.A., 43rd Gurkha Lorried Infantry Brigade, British Army

Awarded on:

August 25th, 1945

Citation:
"Ref Map Sheet ITALY No.88 IINW. On the morning 15 Apr the 2/10 G.R. was ordered to continue to the adv across the SILARO River at 1784Io. The Bn adv without difficulty as far as the actual river itself but attempts to coninue the adv beyond the river across the open ground were met by hy fire and considerable cas. The situation of the fwd Coys rapidly deteriorated.
They were pinned down, subjected to considerable sniping, direct spandau fire, and much shelling. The CO new and inexperienced, found the situation more than he himself could cope with. It was here that Maj. D.K.M. GILBERT, RA, OC 90 Bty 23 A Fd Regt, virtually took over cmd of the Bn.
Moving fwd from the Bn TAC HQ with a wireless set, he moved up to restore the situation. In spite of hy shelling, close range spandau fire and sniping, and considerable cas that were being suffered all around him, Maj GILBERT worked his way fwd with a complete disregard for personal danger and virtually assumed responsability for the comd of the Bn.
Every situation that arose throughout that day was dealt with by him. It was due to this offrs coolness, acceptance of responsability and contempt for danger that a difficult situation was restored and the foundation laid for a successful night attack.
The planning for this attack, apart from the arty programme was arranged by Maj GILBERT under the direction of the Bde Comd and it was due to his judgment and coolness under hy fire and difficult conditions that the bridge-head over the SILARO River was formed, paving the way for the successful break-through to MEDICINA.
Throughout the op, this officer displayed an utter disregard for personal danger, coolness, sound judgment and a ready acceptance under fire to assume hy responsability.
His conduct was an inspiration to all offrs of the Bn, and is talked of to this day.
It was largely due to this officers gallant conduct that a difficult situation was restored, the SILARO crossed, and a successful outcome to the operations was ensured.
His conduct was in the highest traditions of the service."