Clifford Gibbons – Royal Engineers

Major Clifford Gibbons – Royal Engineers 

Clifford Gibbons

Clifford Gibbons, born in 1888 in Llandaff, was the son of Edward Gibbons and Phyllis Sellick, who married in 1886 in Cardiff. His early life is well documented through successive census returns, each capturing the changing shape of a large and industrious family.

Early Life – 1891, 1901 & 1911 Census 

1891 Census

The 1891 Census records the Gibbons family living at The Elders, Llandaff. Edward, aged 44 and born in Ireland, worked as a boiler maker, while his Somerset‑born wife Phyllis, also 44, managed a busy household. Their children included Thomas (22), a clerk; Edward (20), an engineer; Charles (15), a sculptor; Kate (18); Annie (13); Mary (11); William (6), a schoolboy; and Clifford (3).

1901 Census

By 1901, the family had moved to 11 Merthyr Road, Llandaff. Edward, now 54, was recorded as “living by own means”, and Phyllis, 55, remained at home. Three children were still present: Mary (21), William (16), a shipping clerk, and Clifford (12). Edward died later that year.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census shows Phyllis, now 65, back at The Elders, Bridge Road, Llandaff, with her sons Charles (36), a sculptor, and Clifford (23), an accountant. Also living with them was James W. Trail (23), a boarder.

Marriage

Clifford Gibbons and Blanche Selina Davies
marriage certificate
parish church of Llandaff

In 1915, Clifford married Blanche Selina Davies at the parish church of Llandaff.

Attestation Papers

First World War Service

Clifford served with the Royal Engineers during the First World War, his surviving attestation papers confirming his rise to the rank of Sergeant. His service placed him among the skilled technical soldiers who supported engineering, construction, and operational infrastructure across the Western Front.

Life in Swansea – 1921 & 1939

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, Clifford, aged 33, was living at 74 Glanbrydan Avenue, Swansea, employed as a Coal Exporters Manager with P.H. Coward Sons, Coal Exporters. His wife Blanche, aged 30, was recorded undertaking household duties.

1939 Register

The 1939 Register shows the couple still at the same address. Clifford was listed as Manager, Shipping & Coal, while Blanche continued to manage the home.

Second World War Service

During the Second World War, Clifford again served with the Royal Engineers, this time attaining the rank of Major. His role was connected with R.E. Control, reflecting the organisational and logistical expertise he had developed over decades.

Later Years & Community Life

Clifford’s obituary in the South Wales Daily Post described him as one of Swansea Docks’ most respected figures, a man whose working life and military service spanned both World Wars. He had travelled to Canada earlier in 1947 but fell ill and was brought home, where he died at Cardiff Hospital on 12 July 1947.

Clifford Gibbons
Oystermouth Cemetery, Mumbles
credit - findagrave

Beyond his military and professional achievements, Clifford served as a liaison officer to General Leclerc during the Free French movement, was active in Swansea’s Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Mumbles Rowing Club, and a Freemason. His life touched military, civic, commercial, and social spheres across Swansea.

Family & Burial

Clifford was survived by Mrs. Gibbons and their daughter, Miss Finvola Gibbons. His funeral took place on Wednesday at 2:15, and he was laid to rest at Oystermouth Cemetery, where his long service to both his country and his community is quietly commemorated.