Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Early Life

Gilbert Aberdein Harvey was born on the 22nd June 1886, the elder of two sons of James Harvey and Jessie Matilda (Maud) Roe. Gilbert’s brother, Leslie Morison Harvey was born in 1988.

Gilbert’s father was born in Scotland. He was a prominent Adelaide businessman and was the director of many companies including Elder, Smith and Co, Adelaide Steamship Co. and the Bank of Adelaide.

Schooling

Gilbert passed the Preliminary Examinations in October 1900, aged 14 years. He attended Queen’s School, North Adelaide from at least 1901.

Gilbert won the School Cup at the Queen’s School annual sports in 1901. Two years later his brother, Leslie won the cup with Gilbert coming second in the 100 yards Senior Championship and the 120 yards flat events. In 1902, 1905 and 1906, Gilbert was an official at the school sports.

In 1902, Gilbert passed six subjects in the Junior Examinations (Latin, French, Arithmetic, Algebra, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry). In December 1903 he passed five subjects in the Senior Examinations (English Literature, History, Arithmetic and Algebra, Geometry and Physics). He passed the Senior Examination in French (with credit) in March 1903 under the tutorship of FA d’Arenberg.

In December 1904 Gilbert passed a further four Senior Examinations (English Literature, Latin, Arithmetic and Algebra and Geometry).

University

Gilbert commenced studying medicine at the University of Adelaide in 1905. His student card for the years 1909 and 1910 is below.

In fourth year (1910), Gilbert was a representative on the committee of the University Medical Students Society. He was on the committee which organised the University Sports Association annual ball from 1910-1912.

Gilbert gained his MB BS in December 1911.

University Sport

Athletics

Gilbert competed at the Adelaide University Sports in August 1905, coming third in the 220 yards flat.

Football

Gilbert played football for the Adelaide University Football Club in a match against Wesley College in 1905 and in a match against Geelong College in 1907.

He played for the Adelaide University Football Club in the Adelaide & Suburban Association competition in 1907 and was a member of the 1907 Intervarsity team.

Lacrosse

Gilbert was associated with the Adelaide University Lacrosse Club from 1097 and ha was included in the 1907 Intervarsity team photograph. He was an emergency back for the Adelaide University Lacrosse team for the Intervarsity match in August 1909. He played B Grade lacrosse for University in 1911 and was a member of the B Grade Premiership team that year. He was also listed as an emergency for the 1911 Intervarsity match.

Other Sports

Gilbert attended Mr F Charlton’s School of Arms and in October 1909 he was one of the students who gave a demonstration of boxing.

Gilbert also played tennis and was an entrant in the South Australian Lawn Tennis Tournament held in March 1912.

Career

Having gained his MB BS, Gilbert became a fully registered medical practitioner in December 1911 and was appointed a resident medical officer at the Adelaide Hospital for 1913. Some of his time as a resident was spent at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

By February 1913, Gilbert was the Acting-Medical Superintendent of the Adelaide Hospital.

Gilbert attended the University Ball in June 1913.

In September 1913, Gilbert resigned from his position at the Adelaide Hospital and left on a trip to the Far East and Europe. It was his intention at that time to be absent for twelve months.

World War I

Gilbert enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corp shortly after the outbreak of World War 1. His Service Record is held at the National Archives in the UK and is not available digitally. He served with the Royal Army Medical Corps attached to 1st Battalion King's Own (Royal Lancaster).

In January 1915, Gilbert’s brother, Leslie, left for England with the intention of volunteering for the front. Leslie joined the Royal Field Artillery. He was a Lieutenant at the time of his marriage in June 1916 to Llevelys Thomas, the daughter of Mr J Edwin Thomas, Ruthven mansions, Pulteney St, Adelaide. Leslie was awarded the Military Cross in June 1916 and he later rose to the rank of Major.

Tragically for the Harvey brothers their parents both passed away in late 1915, Jessie in September and James in November. James Harvey left a substantial estate with each of the boys inheriting in the order of £80,000.

Gilbert’s engagement to Elspeth Young was announced in the The Times (London, England), Saturday, Jul 07, 1917; pg. 9; Issue 41524.

On the 29th September 1917, Gilbert married Elspeth, the daughter of Mr George and the Hon Mrs Young, of Bude, Cornwall.

Death

Gilbert passed away on active service of wounds on the 25th November 1917 in France, aged 31. He is buried at the Duisans British Cemetery, Duisans, Arras, Nord Pas de Calais, France. The inscription on Gilbert’s grave reads “Faithful unto Death”. Gilbert left an estate valued at just under £80,000, being mainly his inheritance from his father’s estate.

As Gilbert served in the RAMC his name is listed in the Commemorative Roll at the Australian War Memorial. Gilbert is also remembered at the family burial plot at North Road Church of England Cemetery, Nailsworth, South Australia (Row 7 North - East Side). A cot to his memory was endowed at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

Gilbert’s war medals were sent to his widow (Elspeth).

Elspeth had remarried Captain MF Dudgeon, MC. Inniskilling Dragoons, on the 9th July 1919 at Brompton Parish Church, London. The couple then lived at ‘The Hollies’, Easingwold, Yorkshire, UK.

Gilbert’s brother, Leslie returned to Australia in August 1919.

Leslie and Llevelys had two children Alain Morison Harvey and Llevelys Herries Harvey. Tragically both children pre-deceased their parents.

Alain joined the RAAF in on the 21st July 1941. He was killed in action on the night of 23-24 May 1943 in a flying battle over Dortmund, Germany, aged 22. Llevelys Herries Harvey passed away in 1958, aged 37.

For the complete profile including photographs, newspaper articles, documents and sources prepared by Beth Filmer for the AUFC/AUCC WWI Memorial Project (with assistance from Rob O'Shannassy, Janne Filmer & Kym Beilby) please see the document attached or the Adelaide University site AdelaideConnect at
https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/25708