Military History

Various sources state that John was killed after his aeroplane hit a mowing machine as he was taking off, killing him and injuring his observer.

The following newspaper articles have been found:

Stratford Herald on Friday July 7th 1915
AVIATORS UNTIMELY DEATH

Second-Lieutenant John Gibson R.F.C. had many friends in this neighbourhood and they will learn with regret of the fatal accident which recently overtook him while in the service of his King and Country. The tragic circumstances are set forth in a letter from Lieutenant G.C. Barnard, R.E. who says:

"It seems that he was starting off for a flight and got into some fairly long mowing grass. He was just getting up speed to rise when he struck a mowing machine which some Frenchmen had left out the night before. The aeroplane somersaulted, so that the tail was in front. It then broke in two and somersaulted a second time, the front part doubling over again on to the tail. The Observer was only badly shaken but apparently John's strapping in belt broke and he became pinned underneath. It is extraordinarily bad luck being killed by such an accident so early in his service out here.

I saw his grave, which is in a corner of a cornfield under a hedge near the Hospital, and also near the aerodrome. It is in a row with the graves of other officers and men, and above it is a wooden cross with his name, regiment and date. It is a simple little earth mound with a few plucked field flowers, dandelions, cornflowers etc, place on by some unknown friends."

Morpeth Herald on 30th June 1916
LOCAL OFFICERS DEATH

News has been received that Lieut. [sic] John Gibson, of the Royal Flying Corps, was killed whilst on active service on the 19th inst. He was commencing a flight, and on leaving the ground his machine collided with a hay mower. The impact was so great that the aeroplane was completely smashed. Lieut. Gibson received injuries from which he died almost immediately, but the observer, who occupied the front seat, had a miraculous escape, sustaining only a few bruises.

Immediately on the outbreak of war Lieut. Gibson joined the 2nd Devon Cyclist Corps (T.F.) and subsequently obtained a commission in the Motor Transport but, being very anxious to get out to France, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He was 28 years of age, and the only son of the late Mr George Frederick Gibson, of Newcastle. He was a grandson of [the] late Mr and Mrs Donkin of Haw Hill, Rothbury, he being the only son of their daughter (Mrs Gibson), who died some years ago.