Clarence's last day had him involved in a torrid battle.

Of which a VC was awarded as well as other comendations.

On the 4th February 1917 Captain Murry took 140 men of the 13th Battalion into the attack to take "Stormy Trench", Nth East of Gueudecourt, not far from Beaulencourt France.

It was in the middle of a bitterly cold winter with snow over the battlefield; with the Australian's having to wrap their feet in sandbags to prevent the sound of trampling frozen ground alerting the enemy.

Over many hours of fighting, the trench was captured & held despite three German counter attacks.

The battle included hand to hand combat, bayonet charges, & hand grenade battles.

On one occasion on the evening of the 4th they recieved such a heavy barrage of enemy fire, resulting in so many casualties, it would have been reasonable to retire however the 13th rallied & held the position.

When releaved at 8pm the following day on the 5th February, only 48 men had survived the ordeal.

Captain Murry was awarded the VC

Clarence was son to James & Stewart/ Stuart Gibson married 1885  of Inverell NSW.

Clarence served with the 13th Battalion, 4th AIF Division.

He was injured by shrapnel & hospitalised on 23rd August 1916.

Later Killed in Action 4th Feb 1917, by shrapnel.

Buried near Bapaume.

Bancourt British Cemetery Piardie, France.

Plot XL, Row A, Grave no.14.VCVC for this battle.

John McElroy