Rifleman John Nixon Gibson, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, Service Nos 2217 (NIH), 40907 (RIR).

Born Bailieborough, County Cavan. Enlisted Cavan. Son of John and Lizzie Gibson, of Lisball, Bailieborough, County Cavan.

Killed in action on 7 March 1917, aged 20, during heavy bombardment in the days following the capture of the enemy front and support lines east of Bouchvesnes, near the Somme. The Battalion diary states:

6.3.17. Shelling still severe but consolidation continued.

7.3.17. 5 OR killed, 19 OR wounded.

8.3.17. 11pm. Battalion relieved in the front line by 2 Rifle Brigade. Move to (..?..) in Bouchvesnes and Lock Barracks. ... 5 OR killed 18 OR wounded.

As he has no known grave, Rifleman Gibson is commemorated at Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15A or 15B.

Image kindly provided by Richard Evans. See his website Nelson, Glamorgan and the Great War http://www.nelson-ww1-memorial.org.uk.