Guy Gibson

Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson VC, DFC and bar, DSO and bar (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944), was the first CO of the RAF's 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid (Operation Chastise), in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area. He was killed later in the war.

Early Life and Career

Gibson was born in Simla in the Empire of India, the son of Alexander James Gibson and Norah Gibson. He moved with his family to Porthleven, Cornwall, England in 1921 aged three. He was educated at St Edward's School, Oxford.

Related Topics:
Simla - Empire of India - Porthleven - Cornwall - England - 1921 - St Edward's School, Oxford

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In 1936 he joined the RAF and by the outbreak of the Second World War was a bomber pilot with 83 Squadron. In July 1940 on Bomber Command's first raid of the war he won the Distinguished Flying Cross. After completing his first tour of duty, by volunteering for Fighter Command, he avoided the normal six-month rest from operations at a flying training establishment. As a night fighter he obtained four kills and won a bar to his DFC. Promoton to wing commander followed and at the age of 23 he was posted back to Bomber Command in 1942. During the next 11 months he led 106 Squadron on 172 sorties.

Related Topics:
1936 - 83 Squadron - July - 1940 - Bomber Command

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