Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Son of George and Elsie E Gilbert, husband of Marjorie Vera Gilbert, father to Peter. His Lancaster JB479 was part of a Bomber Command operation, and was shot down by German night fighter, subsequently crashing at Herzenbach near Schapbach. A web page currently (11/2015) dedicated to this operation is visible on the Aircrew Remembered website at http://aircrewremembered.com/porter-eric.html
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Sgt. Gilbert's death was reported in the Market Harborough Advertiser on the 29th December 1944:
'Market Harborough Air Gunner Killed'

'Sgt JW Gilbert (Air Gunner, Path Finder Forces), missing from air operations over Schweinfurt on February 25th 1944, is now officially reported to have lost his life. Sgt Gilbert was married, his wife and baby son living at 43, Scotland Road, Market Harborough. His mother Mrs E Gilbert, lives at The Old School House, Braybrooke.


Market Harborough Advertiser 25/01/1946:
'Braybrooke Airman Killed'

News has been received by Mrs JW Gilbert of 43 Scotland Road, Braybrooke, that her husband, Sgt Air Gunner JW Gilbert RAF Pathfinder Force, is now officially reported to have lost his life on Feb 24th 1944. He and his six comrades were buried at Schapbach, Germany. Sgt Gilbert besides his widow, leaves a baby son. His mother, Mrs E Gilbert, lives at Braybrooke.

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Submitted by B. Hakewill, 2018

A photograph of a plaque on the memorial stone located at the crash site of the Lancaster JB479, was sent in by Joerg Mezger in 2019