Gerald was educated at Edinburgh, where he graduated M.B., Ch.B. in 1903 and M.D. in 1907. He was serving as chief medical officer to the Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Company Chilli, prior to joining up. Gerald commanded as George in the R.A.M.C. He entered the war in East Africa on 9th March 1916. He was onboard H.M.H.S. “Glenart Castle” when the ship was torpedoed and sank.