Guy Gibson: Dambuster

by Geoff Simpson

Overview

A new assessment of the life of one of the most famous and controversial airmen of the Second World War, this book covers Guy Gibson's sometimes troubled upbringing and the impact on him of his time at St Edward's School, Oxford. In particular, the story of his career in the RAF is relayed, including his stunning leadership achievement in creating No 617 Squadron and leading its attack on the dams of western Germany. The much-discussed circumstances of his unnecessary death and the theories, which have grown up around it are examined, as well as his legacy - he remains a great British hero almost 70 years after his death in a world utterly different to the one he knew.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783469734
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/24/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	1 MB

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

Editorial Reviews

"... a new analysis of the enigmatic, complex and controversial Gibson's life and death."

Toy Solder & Model Figure

"Excellent account of one of the most celebrated VC heroes."

Victoria Cross Society