Gilbert Swift Greenwood was the son of John and Ada Hannah Greenwood of Ventnor Terrace, Manor Drive, Halifax.
Gilbert was educated at Holy Trinity School and Leeds College and was employed in the office of woolstapler, Matthew Riley. Connected with Heath Congregational Church, he was the first scholar to be registered at the Sunday School and served as its superintendent.
During the War, he was a Lance Corporal with the 10th Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). News of his death on 2nd January 1918 at the age of 31, was reported in the Halifax Courier, dated January 19th, 1918. Gilbert's officer, Lt. Lowther Barker wrote to his father, John, informing him of the circumstances:
"...At the time he was hit he was in charge of the guard at company headquarters. A shell fell close to him and he was struck by a large piece of shrapnel in the knee and thigh. He was attended to immediately by our stretcher bearers and carried to a dressing station, but the shock was too much for him, and he was not there long before he died. I am very sorry indeed to lose him. He was a brave soldier and much respected by all the men in his section."
Gilbert was buried at Giavera British Cemetery, Arcade, Italy, grave reference Plot 1, Row B, Grave 8. (CWGC)
Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery
Registered Charity No 1097153
Lance Corporal Gilbert Swift Greenwood
Source of biographical information including the image of Lance Corporal Gilbert Swift Greenwood:
The Halifax Courier, dated January 19th, 1918
The Halifax Courier, dated January 26th. 1918
CWGC: Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Gilbert Swift Greenwood is commemorated at Lister Lane Cemetery on the gravestone of grave number 1186
Monumental Inscription
In loving memory of our dear son Gilbert Swift Greenwood,10th W.Riding Regt who died from wounds in Italy whilst on guard, Jany 1st 1918, and was interred in the British Cemetery, Giavera, Montiboluna.
Died that we might live.
L. Copl. Gilbert Swift Greenwood.
In loving memory of John Greenwood who died Oct 17th 1930 aged 76 years.
Also Ada Hannah, beloved wife of the above John Greenwood who died Sept 16th 1931 aged 74 years.