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A poppy engraved road sign of Gamba Drive.
Screen grab from Google Maps
In honour of our soldiers: Luis Pete Gamba
By Samuel Cheng
Published 11:39 PST, Fri January 19, 2024
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In a series of Richmond’s ‘poppy’ street signs in memory of our fallen soldiers, we share the story of Gamba Drive.
May 14, 1920 in Comox, BC, a little boy by the name of Luis Pete Gamba was born.
Gamba moved to Richmond with his family and resided on what was then 585 No. 2 Road. He attended Richmond High School and worked as a laborer. He was a passionate believer of the Roman Catholic religion.
When Gamba turned 20, he opted into the Canadian military and was enlisted with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He was sent to be posted in Toronto before he was sent off to post overseas in England in July of 1940.
Gamba remained in England and was sent to station at various bases including Aldershot. It was during his time in England that he became a certified mechanic.
In June 1943, Gamba was assigned to a mission in Italy with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, where he was awarded the Volunteer Medal. Unfortunately, Gamba was wounded on May 23, 1944 and was pronounced deceased later that day.
Two of Gamba’s three siblings also served in military during the time. Gamba’s brother Henry was with the Princess Louise motorcycle unit and his sister Mary served in the air force at Pat Bay. Gamba was unmarried and was survived by his mother.
In 1946, the City of Richmond decided to name a road in honour of Luis Pete Gamba. Today, Gamba Drive can be found to the north of Granville Avenue and to the east of No. 1 Road.
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