Douglas Gasston Cribb was born in Canberra, ACT, on 20 February 1945 to Geoffrey Gasston and Hilda Jean nee (Hall) Cribb. Called Up with the first intake of National Servicemen on 30 June 1965 he commenced his service in the Army as 2781754 at 1 RTB, Kapooka. Selected for officer training, Doug joined the others of the first intake selected, at the Officer Training Unit, Scheyville, on 16 July 1965 as a member of 8 Section, 3 Platoon, A Company under Captain Tony Hammett (RAInf). His Section mates were: Roger Banks, James Bugden, G. P. Hayes, Bernie Houston and Bryon Murray.
In his Senior Term, Doug remained in 8 Section in the same room. His Section Commander was Corporal Guy Holloway and his ‘Son’ was Cadet Geoff Everett. (Right: Post Presentation of Prizes and Certificates after their Graduation Parade: Bernie Houston, John Austin, Paul Lonergan & Doug)
Doug graduated with his class on 17 December, was allocated to the Armoured Corps and posted to the Armoured Centre for Corps Training. He transferred to the Australian Staff Corps on 18 September 1966 and, as happened in the early days of National Service, was given an ARA Regimental Number: 217563. Doug served in Vietnam with A Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment from 25 April 1967 until 8 April 1968. After leave he took up a posting at 2 RTB, Puckapunyal on 10 June. On 18 September 1969 Doug was promoted to Lieutenant and on 5 December posted as the Adjutant, 2 RTB. Doug returned to 3 Cavalry Regiment on 13 April 1970. He was discharged with the rank of Captain by 30 April 1971.
Doug died on 2 October 1998 in Canberra and was buried in the Sydney War Cemetery, Rookwood, NSW.