“The death occurred suddenly at Hamilton last week of Captain Robert John Gamble, a well-known and popular officer, who for many years was on the staff of the Main Ordnance Depot, Trentham. He was on relieving duty at Ngaruawahia when he was taken ill suddenly, and died in the ambulance on his way to the Hamilton Hospital.

Joining the Royal New Zealand Artillery as a young man he served with the New Zealand Artillery in France, and was seriously wounded. On the cessation of hostilities he was transferred to the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps at Trentham, where he served continuously until the present time. He was very highly respected and had a wide circle of friends, both in the Services and outside.

He was a keen Freemason. He was initiated in Lodge Otago Kilwinning, installed as Master of Trentham Lodge in 1937, and was also a member of the Board of Benevolence of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

The funeral took place at St. John's Church, Trentham, with full military and Masonic honours. It was attended by senior officers representing Army Headquarters, Central Military District Mobilisation Camp, Trentham, Army School of Instruction, and R.N.Z.A F in addition to all officers and many other ranks of the Main Ordnance Depot.

Captain Gamble is survived by his wife and two sons."

[Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 63, 12 September 1944, Page 5]