Lance Sergeant James Gilmour (1455996) served in 25th Battery, 9th (Londonderry) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second World War. Born on 11th June 1915, he was the third son of James Gilmour and Matilda Gilmour (née Quigley) of 20 Aubrey Street, Derry/Londonderry.
Before the outbreak of war in 1939, James attended Derry Cathedral School, Derry/Londonderry. He then worked alongside his father as a plumber with the Londonderry Gaslight Company. Before joining the Royal Artillery, he was a member of No. 14 Platoon, D Company, Ulster Home Guard in Derry/Londonderry. Known as an excellent marksman, he was a long-standing part of the musketry team.
Death in Italy
Jim died on 21st October 1943 aged 28 years old along with 3 others from the same unit. His parents received a letter from Reverend L.W. Crooks, Army Chaplain and Curate of Derry Cathedral expressing his sympathy.
Two of Jim’s brothers also served overseas during the Second World War. Gunner Thomas Gilmour also served in 9th (Londonderry) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Staff Sergeant John Gilmour served in the Royal Army Medical Corps with the British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk.
James Gilmour’s grave is in Section III, Row L, Grave 5 of Naples War Cemetery, Naples, Italy. His headstone bears the inscription:
At the river’s crystal brink, Christ shall join each broken link.
In October 1946 and 1947, Matilda Gilmour donated money to the Londonderry City and County Hospital in memory of her son.