The Death of Guy Gibson. Who, or what, killed the Dambuster VC by MS Morgan. 258 pages HB, 24 B&W photographs, 2 maps. Air World £25. ISBN 1036119379
Having read a good number of books about or by Guy Gibson in particular and the Dambusters in general, I wondered if there was anything else that could be added. I was drawn to this book because it was written by a former senior investigating police officer, whose stated purpose was to use the skills he had developed in his job to analyse Gibson’s life and death, to seek links and causation.
The opening chapters set his task in context by giving a straightforward, potted account of Gibson’s early life and pre-war service career. The author does not shy from quoting the adverse comments of others – emphasising that he was very much a man of his times and social background – not unalike Douglas Bader. His quality as an airman is shown developing as he progresses through Hind, Hampden, Blenheim, Beaufighter, Manchester and Lancaster.
Gibson was undoubtedly a brave and skilful pilot – with marked leadership qualities and charisma – particularly with those whom he regarded as social equals. His relationship with NCOs and ground grew was generally less satisfactory, as shown by the disparaging and disrespectful nicknames he gained. His character traits were a remarkable mixture, he could be: cocky, abrasive, abrupt, authoritarian, determined, demanding, forceful, charming, the life and soul of the party, withdrawn, sensitive and insecure.
After the Dams Raid, his life changed, he became a celebrity on both sides of the Atlantic, lionised in the press and praised for his public speaking to the extent that he was asked to stand for parliament. This would all have gone to any young man’s head. Yet he had lost the one thing in life that mattered most, he was banned from operations, as it was thought his death or capture would be too great a propaganda boost for the enemy and so he was given jobs unsuited to his talents.
During this period of his life he was an uneasy spirit, desperate to return to ops, with a rocky marriage, mourning the many colleagues he had lost and not least his beloved black labrador. He was a loose cannon seeking a role and became angry, frustrated and petulant. I certainly feel from the facts given here that he could have expected and, deserved more, guidance and a stronger controlling hand from senior RAF management.
Chapter Seven is important as it describes in some detail the theory and practice of target marking and the role of the Master Bomber or Controller – a role for which Gibson had received no formal training and which had moved on considerably since he was last on ops.
The next chapter concentrates on the preparation for Gibson’s final op – a task that was both complex and very challenging even for an experienced Master Bomber. Nor did he help himself by being antagonistic and refusing to listen to advice.
We then move on to the actual op, when, in fairness, it must be said that Gibson tried his best in very tricky circumstances; his flying skills, courage and desire to prove himself in command again cannot be doubted. It was however, at best, a foolhardy exploit, which higher command should have vetoed.
The crash of Gibson and Warwick’s Mosquito at Steenbergen is examined carefully and different theories are considered as to why it happened. I do not wish to spoil the reader’s enjoyment by going into the author’s conclusions but I can say that I am very much in agreement with him.
This is an excellent book, leaving the reader with much to ponder and I thoroughly recommend it.
