Jabez Edward Gibbens

KESSEL-LO CHURCHYARD Plot 27 Grave 2

The 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles (part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Division) deployed to France in late 1939. In May 1940, they advanced into Belgium, fought heavy delaying actions at Louvain against surrounding German forces, and ultimately retreated under intense fire to be evacuated to the UK from the Dunkirk beaches.

Actions at Louvain Railway Station

On 15 May 1940, the 2nd Battalion was holding the line against advancing German forces at the Louvain railway station. According to war documentation and historical accounts:
Corporal Gibbens twice broke up German assaults on his platoon by deliberately moving out into a highly exposed position on the flank and suppressing the enemy with Bren gun fire.
During the fierce engagement, he risked his life to rescue a fellow wounded member of his platoon who was stranded on the active railway line. He was killed in action later that same day as the battalion continued its desperate stand.

Events at Louvain 15/5/1940

10:15 hrs – German infantry make active contact with the forward platoons. Fierce small-arms and machine-gun fire breaks out around the Louvain Railway Station. The enemy attempts to infiltrate the line by using the railway cutting for cover.
13:00 hrs – Enemy pressure intensifies on the forward sectors. Platoons are heavily pinned down by accurate mortar fire. It is during these intense afternoon counter-attacks that the forward units suffer severe casualties while successfully holding the line.
17:30 hrs – The battalion successfully repels a major coordinated German assault along the railway tracks, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and maintaining the defensive perimeter.
21:00 hrs – Sporadic shelling continues. Orders are received to remain vigilant through the night as enemy reconnaissance groups are active in the area. (2nd Bn Royal Ulster Rifles War Diary TNA WO167/834)

Four other men from Darby's battalion were killed around Louvain 15/5/1940:

Rifleman James Beattie (Service No: 7010762) – A former shipyard worker from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Rifleman Joseph Coyle (Service No: 7012201) – From Lislea, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

Rifleman Charles Doyle (Service No: 7011327) – From Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Rifleman Thomas James (Service No: 7011494) – Killed alongside his platoon members during the defense of the railway infrastructure.