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Guy Gibson: Dambuster (Paperback)

Aviation > Dambusters Aviation > WWII Military > Biographies WWII

By Geoff Simpson
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 208
Illustrations: 16 black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781399077354
Published: 6th April 2023

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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.

As featured World War II Today

WW2 Today

Author as featured in

Henley Standard

Excellent account of one of the most celebrated VC heroes.

Victoria Cross Society

Geoff Simpson shows that the hero might have had some flaws, but he is indisputably a hero and remains a revered British icon 70 years after his death.

Toy Soldier & Model Figure Magazine

“Geoff Simpson traces how the pendulum swung from a lack of understanding towards new respect for the brave airmen whose actions in the early part of the Second World War were not always visible to those on the ground”

Geoff Simpson - Discover Your History

This is an enthralling new assessment of the life of Guy Gibson, who was one of the war's more enigmatic and controversial characters.

Forces Pension Society

The operational aspects of the hero's life in a single, concise book that miraculously contrives to shed new light on a career you could be forgiven for thinking held few secrets. The author is particularly strong on the post-Dambuster period when a rudderless Gibson searched in vain for a purposeful role and his analysis of Gisbon's tragic last sortie is one of the most compelling I have read. His examination of the theories behind his fatal crash in September 1944 displays great understanding while his conclusions about what he describes as Gibson's "early and needless death" are thoroughly well-argued. Much the same could be said about the rest of the book which reflects not just the author's fascination but his absolute command of his subject.

The Journal of The Victoria Cross Society

The Guy Gibson story has been told many times but it is still one that never loses its fascination. This is an easy to read, straightforward account of one of the RAF's most discussed pilots. A book that continues those discussions.

Britain at War

The operational aspects of the hero's life in a single, concise book that miraculously contrives to shed new light on a career you could be forgiven for thinking held few secrets. The author is particularly strong on the post-Dambuster period when a rudderless Gibson searched in vain for a purposeful role and his analysis of Gisbon's tragic last sortie is one of the most compelling I have read. His examination of the theories behind his fatal crash in September 1944 displays great understanding while his conclusions about what he describes as Gibson's "early and needless death" are thoroughly well-argued. Much the same could be said about the rest of the book which reflects not just the author's fascination but his absolute command of his subject.

Stephen Snelling

An interesting book. An engaging story.

Airfix Model World

A compelling read and much recommended.

The Brookwood Cemetery Society

A brilliant account of a complex character. Very much recommended if you enjoy histories of WWII.

The Betjeman Society Newsletter

The much discussed circumstances of his 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.

London calling

This timely and compelling biography of Wing commander Guy Gibson. Gibson’s story is a complex and somewhat shrouded in mystery, but the author expertly sheds new light on the life and death (in September 1944) of this ‘flawed’ hero by re-examining the evidence and unearthing new details about his life. A refreshing new look at Gibson’s story.

Your Family Tree
 Geoff Simpson

About Geoff Simpson

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.

Died on this day - Guy Gibson

19th September 1944

Guy Gibson was the commanding officer for the Royal Air Force's No. 617 Squadron and led Operation Chastise - the 'Dambusters' raid over the Ruhr dams in May 1943. Gibson was later awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming at the time the most highly decorated British serviceman. Gibson continued to fly and was killed in action while on another raid over Germany, his plane crashing in the Netherlands in 1944.


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