This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth This man is another of the more obscure players of his era. His first name eluded the RFU’s researcher(s) for the centenary book in 1971 and the compliers of other reference books. Gilbert, R played for England Internationals: 3 : 1908 W- I+ S- R Gilbert was born on N/k Played as a Forward for: Devonport Albion, Royal Navy Profession: Petty Officer, Royal Navy War service: Presumably Royal Navy, if he remained in the service. Remarks: He was the first non-commissioned regular serviceman to be capped by England. He died on N/k
Some background ...... !! Devonport Albion RFC Albion was formed in 1876 from apprentices at Devonport Dockyard and originally played at Devonport Park. After moving to Bladderly in 1887 they then moved to Home Park in 1893. In 1895 Albion moved to the Rectory (the current home of Devonport Services R.F.C.). Plymouth Albion celebrated its 125th Anniversary season during 2000-2001, having been started in 1876 by a group of apprentices from the Royal Naval Dockyard in Devonport. Albion first played at Devonport Park and the players and officials carried the goal posts and flags to the park. There were no facilities so the players had to return home for a bath after the match! By 1887 the Club had moved to Bladderly, where spectators paid three old pence to watch the game and players one penny to play. During the 1894 season Plymouth Albion played at Home Park, now the home of Plymouth Argyle, and then moved to Rectory Fields. After the First World War, the Navy purchased the Rectory for use by Devonport Services and Plymouth Albion moved to Beacon Park. In a 1927 classic book on Rugger, Plymouth Albion is described as one of the leading clubs in the United Kingdom.
Gilbert R ( Devonport Albion) 1908 v. Scotland 1908 v. Ireland 1908 v. Wales http://books.google.com/books?id=df...resnum=3&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=&f=false He is on all of these pictures .... but which one is he ?? Home Nations - Bristol, 18 January 1908 England (8) 18 - 28 (15) Wales (FT) 1908 - Bristol City AFC Ground at Ashton Gate is the stage for the most unusual England-Wales match of the entire series. The players are shrouded in fog to the frustration of a crowd of 25,000. Wales win the so-called "phantom-match" 28-18. FB - AE Wood W - D Lambert C - JGG Birkett (c) C - WN Lapage W - A Hudson FH - J Peters SH - RH Williamson Fwd - R Gilbert Fwd - F Boylan Fwd - CEL Hammond Fwd - GD Roberts Fwd - LAN Slocock Fwd - R Dibble N8 - WA Mills F - H Havelock http://www.englandrugbyphotostore.com/pictures_282387/1908-v-wales.html Home Nations - Richmond, 8 February 1908 England (3) 13 - 3 (0) Ireland (FT) FB - AE Wood W - WN Lapage C - JGG Birkett C - HH Vassall W - A Hudson FH - GV Portus SH - RH Williamson Fwd - R Gilbert Fwd - F Boylan Fwd - CEL Hammond (c) L - TS Kelly Fwd - LAN Slocock Fwd - R Dibble F - FJV Hopley F - H Havelock http://www.englandrugbyphotostore.com/pictures_282385/1908-v-ireland.html Home Nations - Inverleith, 21 March 1908 Scotland (7) 16 - 10 (10) England (FT) FB - GHD Lyon W - D Lambert C - JGG Birkett C - WN Lapage W - A Hudson FH - J Davey SH - RH Williamson Fwd - R Gilbert Fwd - F Boylan Fwd - T Woods L - TS Kelly Fwd - LAN Slocock (c) Fwd - R Dibble Fwd - W Oldham Fwd - F Burges-Watson http://www.englandrugbyphotostore.com/pictures_282386/1908-v-scotland.html
