Gilbert Charles Pitman

Story:
Gilbert Charles Pitman was born in Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 3 Sep 1896 and baptised there on 18 Oct 1896 the son of Lot Pitman and Mary Ann Pitman (nee Adams).  He lived his early life at The Kennels, Donedge Lodge Farm, Motcombe.  He enlisted on the 11 Aug 1914 and joined the Dorsetshire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 9940).  He served with the 5th Battalion in France and Flanders, He later transferred to the Duke of Edinburgh's (Wiltshire) Regiment (Service No. 47528).   He had suffered from gunshot wounds and was discharged on 23 Aug 1918 as 'being no longer physically fit for service'.  He received the Silver War Badge No. B2007 as well as a small pension.  He was later also awarded the Victory and British War Medals as well as the 1914/15 Star.   He married Helena (Lena) Durdle in Cranbourne, Dorset, on 25 Nov 1919.  By the time of the 1939 Register he was living at 'Capri', Keble Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, described as a Head Gardener.  His death was recorded at the Winchester, Hampshire, Registry, in 1969.