Guy Gibson: Dambuster
The raid on the Mhne, Edersee and Sorpe dams by 617 Squadron was the most famous RAF sortie of the Second World War. Its leader, 24-years-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, was one of the Second World Wars more enigmatic and controversial characters. Together, the facts behind both the Dambusters raid and Gibson's dramatic career make for the most compelling story of human strengths and weaknesses, of great skill and ingenuity and unrivaled courage.

Little about Gibson's life is not cloaked in mystery. From his troubled childhood to his mental state and the confusion surrounding his death, Gibson's life was complex and complicated. Even since Gibson's death, his beloved dog, Nigger, has been the subject of considerable controversy.

This latest book on Gibson draws together all the available evidence in examining Gibson's remarkable life and, probably avoidable, death. In this latter respect, much new information has only come to light in recent times allowing a more complete assessment of the facts to be made. Here, too, is the story of the relationship between Arthur Harris and Guy Gibson, as well as Gibson's relationship with the diverse group of men he recruited to join him in that remarkable raid upon the dams in 1943.

Gibson might well have been a flawed hero, but hero he unquestionably was. The raid on the dams was only one operation in nearly 200 sorties, but it is the one for which is remembered and the one for which he was awarded the highest gallantry medal of all the Victoria Cross.
1115501092
Guy Gibson: Dambuster
The raid on the Mhne, Edersee and Sorpe dams by 617 Squadron was the most famous RAF sortie of the Second World War. Its leader, 24-years-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, was one of the Second World Wars more enigmatic and controversial characters. Together, the facts behind both the Dambusters raid and Gibson's dramatic career make for the most compelling story of human strengths and weaknesses, of great skill and ingenuity and unrivaled courage.

Little about Gibson's life is not cloaked in mystery. From his troubled childhood to his mental state and the confusion surrounding his death, Gibson's life was complex and complicated. Even since Gibson's death, his beloved dog, Nigger, has been the subject of considerable controversy.

This latest book on Gibson draws together all the available evidence in examining Gibson's remarkable life and, probably avoidable, death. In this latter respect, much new information has only come to light in recent times allowing a more complete assessment of the facts to be made. Here, too, is the story of the relationship between Arthur Harris and Guy Gibson, as well as Gibson's relationship with the diverse group of men he recruited to join him in that remarkable raid upon the dams in 1943.

Gibson might well have been a flawed hero, but hero he unquestionably was. The raid on the dams was only one operation in nearly 200 sorties, but it is the one for which is remembered and the one for which he was awarded the highest gallantry medal of all the Victoria Cross.
29.95 In Stock
Guy Gibson: Dambuster

Guy Gibson: Dambuster

by Geoff Simpson
Guy Gibson: Dambuster

Guy Gibson: Dambuster

by Geoff Simpson

Paperback

$29.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 3-7 days. Typically arrives in 3 weeks.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

The raid on the Mhne, Edersee and Sorpe dams by 617 Squadron was the most famous RAF sortie of the Second World War. Its leader, 24-years-old Wing Commander Guy Gibson, was one of the Second World Wars more enigmatic and controversial characters. Together, the facts behind both the Dambusters raid and Gibson's dramatic career make for the most compelling story of human strengths and weaknesses, of great skill and ingenuity and unrivaled courage.

Little about Gibson's life is not cloaked in mystery. From his troubled childhood to his mental state and the confusion surrounding his death, Gibson's life was complex and complicated. Even since Gibson's death, his beloved dog, Nigger, has been the subject of considerable controversy.

This latest book on Gibson draws together all the available evidence in examining Gibson's remarkable life and, probably avoidable, death. In this latter respect, much new information has only come to light in recent times allowing a more complete assessment of the facts to be made. Here, too, is the story of the relationship between Arthur Harris and Guy Gibson, as well as Gibson's relationship with the diverse group of men he recruited to join him in that remarkable raid upon the dams in 1943.

Gibson might well have been a flawed hero, but hero he unquestionably was. The raid on the dams was only one operation in nearly 200 sorties, but it is the one for which is remembered and the one for which he was awarded the highest gallantry medal of all the Victoria Cross.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781399077354
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication date: 06/30/2023
Pages: 208
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x (d)

About the Author

Geoff Simpson has studied the Battle of Britain for 35 years and has frequently written, broadcast and spoken on the subject. He was a long serving trustee of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and acted as the organisation's historical consultant. He is a member of the Royal Historical Society and the RAF Historical Society.

Table of Contents

Guy Gibson-Dam Buster vii

Introduction viii

Foreword x

Acknowledgements xii

Abbreviations xiv

Chapter 1 Early Life 1

Chapter 2 Towards a Career 9

Chapter 3 Flying the Hampden 14

Chapter 4 Phoney War 16

Chapter 5 Destroying the Barges 25

Chapter 6 Into the Night 36

Chapter 7 Closer to London 48

Chapter 8 Back to Bombers 50

Chapter 9 Gus Walker at Syerston 64

Chapter 10 Why the Dams? 76

Chapter 11 Preparing the Way 82

Chapter 12 To the Dams 93

Chapter 13 Two Very Different Debates 108

Chapter 14 Anti-Climax 112

Chapter 15 The Final Flight 128

Chapter 16 The Film 135

Chapter 17 Mrs Gibson 139

Appendix 1 Birth of a Legend 142

Appendix 2 Guy Gibson the man 147

Appendix 3 Harris and Gibson 152

Appendix 4 Gibson's Dog 155

Appendix 5 Notes on Some People in the Gibson Story 156

Appendix 6 The Squadrons and the Airfields 162

Appendix 7 The Crews and the Decorations 173

Appendix 8 Some Memorials 179

Appendix 9 Citations for Guy Gibson's Decorations 181

Bibliography 185

Index 188

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews