The funeral took place on Monday of the late Mr. Richard Gilbert, of “Barton House,” Cromwell-road, Rushden, who passed away on Friday last at the age of 75 years. He had been unwell for three months.

Mr. Gilbert was one of few, if not the only Northamptonshire survivor of the Afghanistan campaign for which he held a medal for the years 1878-79-80, while he had a further medal for the Jowaki campaign of 1877-78. In the course of his army career, he enlisted with the East Norfolk Regiment, he had suffered innumerable hardships. Mr. Gilbert joined the Army when only 16 years of age, but gave his age as 18 years on the advice of the recruiting officer, soldiers then being badly needed.

Framed in Mr. Gilbert’s sitting room, hangs a remarkable piece of needlework which he himself executeda design of the East Norfolk Regiment’s banner, coupled with the Union Jack. It is a remarkable effort of patience and skill.

Mr. Gilbert, who was born at Wymington, and worked on the farm for Mr. G. Denton, became a shoemaker after resigning from the Army, but had lived in retirement in his later years. He leaves a widow and one daughter.

At the funeral the Rev. C. J. Keeler, of the High-street Independent Wesleyan Church, conducted a service at the house, and afterwards officiated at the cemetery to where only the gentlemen followed.

The mourners were Mrs. Gilbert (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lane (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. and Mrs. A. Brown (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Payne, Irchester (friends), and Mr. A. Sargent (nephew).

Messrs. Arthur Sanders Ltd., carried out the funeral arrangements.