The following information has very kindly been provided by David Bevan, ex -resident of Brinsley...

      The sad news reached Eastwood, and was received with much regret on Monday, that Pte. Walter Gilbourne, son of Mrs. James Gilbourne, of Nethergreen, had died in Southampton Hospital from wounds received in action on July 1^st.  In response to a telegram from the War Office bearing the news that her son was dangerously wounded, Mrs Gilbourne went to Southampton on Monday, and remained in constant attendance at the hospital.  Bright and cheerful to the last, though suffering great pain from severe shrapnel wounds in the chest, the brave fellow, with some difficulty told his mother how he had lain on the battle field following his accident for 48 hours in a half-naked condition.  On Sunday morning – exactly a fortnight after he was wounded – he collapsed and passed away in his mother’s arms.

      Deceased enlisted on March 27^th, 1915, and on November 10^th, the date of his 22^nd birthday, sailed for France.

      Mrs Gilbourne lost a son in the South African campaign, and in this further sacrifice which she has been called upon to make, she will have the fullest sympathy of all.

      The body, having been conveyed to Eastwood overnight, was laid to rest in the Churchyard at Brinsley on Wednesday afternoon with military honours.  A full military funeral was not possible, no gun carriage being procurable for the conveyance of the coffin, and no firing party, but a bearer party of Notts. and Derbys. with buglers from Normanton Barracks was in attendance, and with local units associated a fitting tribute was paid to the departed hero.  The cortege was headed with bandsmen of Brinsley Church and Cadet Brass Bands, and following behind were a number of wounded soldiers from the local V.A.D. Hospital doing honours to their departed comrade, and the Cadet Corps, Lads’ Brigade, and Bugle Band, and Robin Hood Scouts (under Sergt. Spears, in the unavoidable absence of Captain Chambers).  At Old Brinsley members of the Loyal Covenant Lodge, of which deceased was a member, joined the procession.  As the cortege moved forward from the house at Nethergreen the band played the Dead March, and the progress was watched by hundreds of people.  Arriving at the Church gates, where another dense crowd had gathered, the military lined up on either side of the road, and the mourners were met by the Revs. P. Page and F. W. Cobb and robed choir.  The first portion of the service was conducted in Church, the coffin, covered with the Union Jack and surmounted with several beautiful tributes, being deposited in the aisle.   The 90^th Psalm was chanted, followed by the reading of St Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians on immortality, by the Rev. F. W. Cobb, and appropriate prayers by the Vicar.  At the conclusion the organist (Mr. E. F. Whitehead) played the Dead March.  The approaches to the graveside were lined by the military, and the last solemn rites were witnessed by a tremendous but reverent crowd.  Over the grave the choir sang “Jesu, Lover of my soul,” and a solemn service was concluded by the sounding of the “Last Post”.

Dai  Bevan, whose mother was a Gilbourne, was born at Brinsley. Dai has spent considerable time, researching the Gilbourne family tree.  You can read all about Walter, William and James Gilbourne on David's website at:-