Newcastle Daily Chronicle 14/06/1919

“Amongst the King’s birthday honours appears the name of Company-Q.M.-Sergt. Gilbert Wilkinson, of Gateshead, awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for work on the Western Front. At the commencement of the war, CQMS Wilkinson, (then a member of the Durham National reserve) offered his services for overseas. In the summer of 1915 he proceeded to France with the Durham Field Company of Royal Engineers. During the Somme offensive in July, 1916, he was promoted in the field, sergeant in charge of his section, later being promoted to his present rank. For a time her served on the Italian front.”