AWARDED THE V.C.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25238, 29 May 1943, Page 5

AWARDED THE V.C.

WING COMMANDER GIBSON BOMBING OF GERMAN DAMS RUGBY. May 27. The King has awarded the'V.C. to Wing Commander G. P. Gibson, who was in charge of the R.A.F,. operations against the German dams on May 18. The citation says: “The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill, courage, and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the" greatest credit on the personnel who participated in various capacities.” Awards to the personnel of Wing Commander Gibson’s formation include five D.S.O.’s, four bars to D.F.C.’s, 10 D.F.C.’s, two conspicuous gallantry medals (flying), one bar to D.F.M., and 11 D.F.M.’s. Flying Officer L. Chambers, of Karamea, is among those awarded the D.F.C. MOST DECORATED MAN (Rec. 7 p.m.) , RUGBY,- May 27. With the V.C., D.S.O. and bar, D.F.C. and bar, 24-year-old Wing Commander Gibson is the most decorated man in this war. - The training for the historic raid xm the Ruhr dams, states the Air Ministry, began on April I—the day of the R.A.F.’s twenty-fifth birthday. Week after week Lancaster pilots practised dropping mines until they could lay them with absolutely deadly accuracy. Wing Commander Gibson was in control from start to finish. After drbpping his load on the Mohne dam and drawing flak so that the Lancasters following him would have an easier passage, he flew off to take control of the attack on the Eder dam. Wing Commander Gibson spent an hour and a-half over the two reservoirs. Although •the Germans -were firing continually his Lancaster had only three small holes in its tail when it returned to base, “The public,” Wing Commander Gibson said, “ does not perhaps realise that the success of the attack was also due to the work of the ground staffs, and above all the air officer commanding the group and his senior air staff officer. The flying crews owe them’ all a great debt.” Wing Commander Gibson has been on 74 bombing operations, and the bombers he has piloted have dropped 370,0001 b of bombs on enemy territory. One of the most remarkable facts about his career is that he has never seen German night fighters. The Lancaster crews who participated in the attack on May 18 were to-day presented to their Majesties by Wing Commander Gibson, The presentation took place in front of the Lancaster in which Wing Commander Gibson made the attack. Their Majesties spoke to every officer and n.c.o. in the squadron, and the Queen also inspected a parade of W.A.A.F.’s, many of whom helped the crews both before they left and on their return. Two draft coats-of-arms for the squadron were submitted by Wing Commander Gibson to their Majesties. The first showed a hammer parting chains attached to a figure representing Europe. The motto was, “Alter the Map.” The second showed a breached dam in the centre with the motto, “Apres Moi le Deluge.”