Did Major Gilbert survive? In the last episode of Violet Evergarden, when introducing herself, Violet paused and had a bit surprised look.

Is it possible that Gilbert is the one she met there in that cottage? Has there been any statement from the author on this?
In the Light Novel the anime is based on,


   he did survive. He woke up before Violet and told everyone to keep it a secret from Violet so she could grow as a person beyond being a emotionally-stunted loli super soldier while he advanced upwards in the army as part of a spec ops team. He made his grand reappearance on the train to save the day.  


On the other hand, the anime


   left it vague because it's kinda a crap plot motivation. I personally hate motivations that boil down to "I'm doing this assholish thing so you don't have to suffer/worry, never mind that me being an asshole makes you suffer even more".

 The anime staff likely thought that letting him come back would weaken Violet's character arc.