Albert Andrew Gilbert

Albert Andrew Gilbert

Albert Andrew Gilbert was born in Boston on June 11, 1893, to William J. and Annie A. (Sheehan) Gilbert.  In 1900 and 1910 his family lived at 1176 Dorchester Avenue.   The family was living at 134 Hamilton Street by 1914, and they were at that address when Albert enlisted in the National Guard on May 26, 1917. At 24 years of age, he was employed as a pressfeeder at a printing company.

Albert shares a hero square at the intersection of Bowdoin and Hamilton Streets with William J. Dunphy, who also died in World War I. The Boston Globe reported in January, 1921, “William J. Dunphy and Albert Gilbert were pals in civilian life.  They enlisted together in the old 9th Infantry and were both killed in France–Dunphy on May 31 and Gilbert  July 12 [actually 23], in the Chateau Thierry fight.  They were both great athletes and were the battery of the Holy Name team of St. Peter’s.”

Although the Second Battle of the Marne, the major  engagement at Chateau Thierry, took place in July, German forces had reached the Marne on May 31st, taking Chateau Thierry and Dormans.  In July allied forces re-captured the area, and the German defeat marked the start of the allied advance that ended the war.

Albert’s record shows that he served in Company F,  9th Regt Infantry, Mass NG (Co F, 101st Infantry) until his death.  He went to France in September, 1917.  He was a Private, then became a Corporal on December 12, 1917.  He particpated in and died during the Aisne-Marne Offensive at Trugny Woods, which began July 18 and last until August 6, 1918.

Sources:

Boston Directories on Ancestry.com

http://www.greatwar.co.uk/timeline/ww1-events-1918.htm

The Gold Star Record of Massachusetts. Edited by Eben Putnam.  Vol. 2 (Boston, 1929), 501.

Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915 on FamilySearch.org

Military, Compiled Service Records. World War I. Carded Records. Records of the Military Division of the Adjutant General’s Office, Massachusetts National Guard.

“New England Veterans in the Home Sector.” Boston Globe, January 13, 1921

US Census 1900 and 1910 on Ancestry.com