Medals from the Collection of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, Part 5

A Second War ’Home Guard’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Sergeant H. L. Gibbs, 1st Oxfordshire (Banbury) Battalion Home Guard, late Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Sgt. Hubert L. Gibbs, H.G.); Defence Medal, good very fine (2) £200-£240 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 8 June 1944. The original Recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Hubert Lewis Gibbs, No. 3 Platoon, No. 3 Company, 1st Oxon. (Banbury) Battalion, Home Guard. An old soldier who has done excellent work for his Section since his present promotion - shown by a marked increase in the efficiency of his men and their attendance on parade. He never fails to attend all courses for N.C.O.’s and takes every opportunity of increasing his knowledge. In spite of advancing years, he is as active as the younger men of his Section and is always well to the front on the most strenuous exercises. A standing example of what enthusiasm and determination can achieve.’ Hubert Lewis Gibbs attested for the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and served with the 11th (Garrison) Battalion during the Great War (entitled to the British War and Victory Medals). He served with the Home Guard during the Second World War, and was later the Secretary and Chairman of the Balcote and Shutford (North Oxfordshire) British Legion Branch. He died on 12 May 1968.