Did not embark in WWII. Served in the New Zealand Territorial Service.

His Military Personnel file states : "His long experience during the last war [WWI], and with the T.F. since this war, stand him in good stead. Set a splendid example during the course of sound hard work; made a first class leader for the senior syndicate."

Dominion Vice-President of the Returned Services Association.

"Colonel Gambrill was one of the pre-war officers of the Ninth Hawke's Bay Regiment, and he maintained his interest in military affairs for many years. He served as a lieutenant with the fifth reinforcements during the Great War and took part in all campaigns of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force until he was invalided in England, where he served as adjunct with a reserve battalion of the Wellington Infantry Brigade.

He returned to New Zealand with the rank of Major and played a big part in territorial training, being given command of the Hawke's Bay regiment on the retirement of Colonel Cunningham in 1935, Colonel Gambrill succeeded to command the Wellington brigade when compulsory training was abolished.

He played a prominent part in the volunteer movement. He was the district president of the Returned Soldiers' Association. In 1935 he was asked to accept nomination as the National candidate for the Gisborne seat, but refused the invitation, as he had said on many occasions that defence matters should be kept out of politics." Distinguished solider. Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 154, 2 July 1938, Page 7 AWMM