George Everard Gibbons
George Everard Gibbons | |
---|---|
Born | Dudley, Worcestershire, England | 15 February 1896
Died | 20 March 1923 Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England | (aged 27)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | British Army Royal Air Force |
Years of service | 1914–1919 |
Rank | Captain |
Unit |
|
Awards | Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross |
Captain George Everard Gibbons
Military service
Gibbons enlisted in the 6th Battalion of the
In early 1918 he joined No. 62 Squadron, flying the Bristol F.2, and with observer Lt. Sidney Knights, gained his first victory on 12 March, driving down a Fokker Dr.I 'out of control' near Nauroy, and sent down another enemy aircraft on 17 March. On 21 March 1918 he was appointed a flight commander with the rank of temporary captain, and then gained "flying ace" status on 3 May by accounting for three Albatros D.V fighters north of Armentières. His sixth victory came on 22 May, and then two more on the 28th. Gibbons, flying with observer 2nd Lt. Thomas Elliott, scored five more victories in August, and four more in September over Cambrai, with two each on the 3rd and 4th of the month.[1]
Towards the end of the war, he was posted to Home Establishment.[5] Gibbons finally left the RAF, being transferred to the unemployed list on 15 April 1919.[6]
He died in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, on 20 March 1923.[7]
Honours and awards
- Military Cross
- Temporary Captain George Everard Gibbons, General List and R.A.F.
- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has lately destroyed three enemy machines and driven down others out of control. He has always shown great gallantry and keenness, and has commanded his flight with distinction, performing invaluable services in training young officers in the squadron.[8]
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Lieutenant (Acting Captain) George Everard Gibbons, MC.
- On 4 August, when leading a patrol, his formation was attacked by twenty enemy aeroplanes. Seeing one of our Bristol fighters, in difficulties with its propeller, being attacked by one of the enemy machines, he dived and drove it down to crash; when climbing back to join his formation his observer shot down another enemy machine. In addition to the foregoing Captain Gibbons has destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven down three out of control. The gallantry in action he invariably displays sets an inspiriting example to those with whom he serves.[9]
References
- ^ a b c "George Everard Gibbons". The Aerodrome. 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- ^ "No. 29080". The London Gazette. 23 February 1915. p. 1837.
- ^ "No. 29656". The London Gazette. 7 July 1916. p. 6751.
- ^ "No. 30311". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 September 1917. p. 10002.
- ^ "62 Sqn RFC/RAF Pilots and Observers France 1918". A pilot's war 1915-1918. 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- ^ "No. 31396". The London Gazette. 10 June 1919. p. 7432.
- ^ "No. 32837". The London Gazette. 26 June 1923. p. 4470.
- ^ "No. 30901". The London Gazette (Supplement). 13 September 1918. p. 10953.
- ^ "No. 31046". The London Gazette (Supplement). 29 November 1918. p. 14321.
Bibliography
- Guttman, Jon & Dempsey, Harry (2007). Bristol F2 Fighter Aces of World War I. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84603-201-1.