Guy Gibson: Dam Buster

In a book published in May 2013 Geoff, takes a new look at the career of the man who, aged 24, formed and led the RAF's No 617 Squadron to attack the large dams of western Germany.
 
The book examines Guy Gibson's complex personality, his heroism in earning the Victoria Cross and his relationship with those he came into contact with, including Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris who headed Bomber Command. Possible reasons are considered for Gibson's needless death  in 1944, while acting as Master Bomber in an attack on Germany.
 
There is much detail on Gibson's fellow Dam Busters and an assessment of the circumstances in which the crew of "Y for Yorker" were removed from No 617 Squadron after the raid.
 

Guy Gibson: Dam Buster is published by Pen & Sword Military and the RRP is £19.99. Click here to purchase your very own copy.

 

ISBN: 9781781590553.

An extract from Guy Gibson: Dam Buster

Over the history of the Victoria Cross there has been frequent debate over whether 'hot blooded' acts are as worthy of the ultimate recognition as 'cold blooded' feats. Now Gibson clearly displayed cold blooded heroism.

Five minutes after the demise of Hopgood's M for Mother, P for Popsie, skippered by Flight Lieutenant Martin, began its attack. Gibson flew ahead of him and to starboard, to distract the gunners. The effect was added to by fire from the gunners in G for George, Flight Sergeant Deering in the front and Flight Lieutenant Trevor-Roper in the rear.

Martin's aircraft was hit by the flak, including damage to the, fortunately already empty, starboard outer fuel tank, but dropped its mine and came through. Still the dam held, though some of the anti-aircraft gunners on the ground thought momentarily that a breach had occurred.

Comments on Guy Gibson: Dam Buster by a retired RAFVR officer

What a bloody good read! ....... In the process of enjoying it, I learned so much about him, about them [The Dam Busters], that I reckon that it will be the definitive work, and should be on library shelves in perpetuity. From the memorials, to RAF stations mentioned in the narrative, Gibson's citations, every crewman and his decorations, what Harris really thought before and after the event and those so-interesting potted biogs of individuals mentioned in the story - Mutt Summers for example - and so much else, it adds up to something important.