Guy Gibson
Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944)[1] was a distinguished bomber pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was the first Commanding Officer of No. 617 Squadron, which he led in the “Dam Busters” raid in 1943, resulting in the breaching of two large dams in the Ruhr area of Germany. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, in the aftermath of the raid in May 1943 and became the most highly decorated British serviceman at that time.[2] He completed over 170 war operations before dying in action at the age of 26.
Gibson was born in Simla, British India, on 12 August 1918, the son of Alexander James Gibson and his wife Leonora (“Nora”) Mary Gibson.[3] At the time of Gibson’s birth, his father was an officer in the Imperial Indian Forestry Service, becoming the Chief Conservator of Forests for the Simla Hill States in 1922.[4] In 1924, when he was six, his parents separated.[5] His mother was granted custody of Gibson, his elder brother Alexander (“Alick”) and sister Joan, and decided to return to England.[6]
As her family came from Porthleven, Cornwall, Nora Gibson settled first in Penzance. Gibson started school in England at the same school as his sister, West Cornwall College.[7] His mother then moved to London and he was sent as a boarder to Earl’s Avenue School, a preparatory school, later known as St George’s, in Folkestone, Kent.[6]
In 1932 Gibson started at St Edward’s School, Oxford, the same school as Douglas Bader where he was also placed in the same house, Cowell’s. Gibson’s housemaster was A. F. “Freddie” Yorke who became Gibson’s guardian.[8]
Following her return from India, Gibson’s mother developed a drinking problem which escalated into alcoholism. Her behaviour became increasingly erratic and sometimes violent towards her children.[9] The school organised lodgings for Gibson and his brother during the school holidays. Nora’s younger sister, Mrs Beatrice (“Gwennie”) Christopher, gave Gibson his own room at her house. Her husband, John, helped Nora out with school fees. They also both attended some school functions to support their nephews.[10]
Gibson was an average student academically and played for the Rugby Second XV. His interests included science and photography. At one stage as a teenager, he seems to have become interested and quite expert in the workings of cinema organs. He read all kinds of books, especially the Arthurian legends and Shakespeare. His favourite play was Henry V.[11] He was made a house prefect.[12]
From an early age Gibson wanted to fly. He had a picture of his boyhood hero, Albert Ball VC, the First World War flying ace, on his bedroom wall at his aunt’s house. His ambition was to become a civilian test pilot. He wrote for advice to Vickers, receiving a reply from their chief test pilot, Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers, who wrote that Gibson should first learn to fly by joining the RAF on a short service commission. Gibson applied to the RAF, but was rejected when he failed the Medical Board; the probable reason that his legs were too short. His later application was successful, and his personal file included the remark “satisfactory leg length test carried out”. He commenced a short service commission in November 1936.[13]
Gibson commenced his flying training on 16 November 1936 at the Bristol Flying School, Yatesbury, with No. 6 Flying Training Course and with civilian instructors. Owing to poor weather the course did not conclude until 1 January 1937. After some leave, he then moved to No. 24 (Training) Group at RAF Uxbridge for his RAF basic training. He was commissioned with the rank of acting pilot officer with effect from 31 January 1937.[14][15] He then underwent further flying training as a member of the junior section of No. 5 Flying Training Course at 6 Flying Training School, RAF Netheravon. He was awarded his pilot’s wings on 24 May 1937.
As part of the Advanced Training Squadron, during summer 1937, he participated in further training at No. 3 Armament Training Station, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire. He opted for bombers as these gave experience in multi-engined planes, this being typical for individuals planning on a civilian flying career. He returned to Netheravon and graduated on 31 August 1937. He passed all his ground exams first time, with an average of 77.29% and a flying rating of “average”.[16] However, his rating as a companion was below average owing to his sometimes rude and condescending behaviour towards junior ranks and ground crews in particular.[17]
