Private Richard Gibson, 3rd Royal Sussex Regt

Chailey Parish Magazine notes in 1914 that Richard Gibson is serving his King and Country.  In October 1915 it notes, Gibson, Private R, 3rd Royal Sussex and in January 1916 adds the information that he is in England.  The final entry, in December 1916 simply repeats, Gibson, Private R, 3rd Royal Sussex. 

This man could be Richard William Gibson born at Hailsham, Sussex in 1885 but further research is needed to prove this.  The 3rd Royal Sussex Regiment was the original Special Reserve battalion which remained in England throughout the war and if Richard did remain with this battalion he would not have been entitled to receive the British War and Victory medals.  The National Archives lists a medal card held in the name of 8/24 Richard W Gibson of the 2nd  Royal Sussex Regiment and it is possible that this man is the same R Gibson mentioned in Chailey’s parish magazine.  The number indicates an early enlistment with the 8th Royal Sussex Regiment and a subsequent transfer to the 2nd Battalion. 

Further research is necessary to positively identify this man.