Historical Information (Source: CWGC)

There are 2, 1939-1945 war casualties commemorated in this cemetery.  The two headstones are situated on the left side of the first avenue from the entrance.

Wing Commander Guy Penrose GIBSON - 39438 - Cdg. 627 Sqdn. Royal Air Force

Died 19 September 1944 Age 26

Country of Service: United Kingdom

Awards: Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar

Citation

The following details are taken from the London Gazette of 27/5/43:-  Wing Commander Gibson, whose personal courage knew no bounds, was quickly recognised to be an outstanding operational pilot and leader.

He served with conspicuously successful results as a night bomber pilot and also as a night fighter pilot, on operational tours. In addition, on his "rest" nights he made single-handed attacks on highly defended objectives such as the German battleship Tirpitz. Wing Commander Gibson was then selected to command a squadron formed for special tasks. Under his inspiring leadership this squadron executed one of the most devastating attacks of the war - the breaching of the Moehne and Eder dams. Wing Commander Gibson personally made the initial attack on the Moehne dam. Descending to within a few feet of the water, he delivered his attack with great accuracy. He then circled very low for thirty minutes, drawing the enemy fire and permitting as free a run as possible to the following aircraft. He repeated these tactics in the attack on the Eder dam. Throughout his operational career, prolonged exceptionally at his own request, he has shown leadership, determination and valour of the highest order.

Mosquito B.20 KB267 – 627 Sqdn  Took off evening of 19 Sept 1944 from RAF Woodhall Spa.

Crew  Wing Commander Guy Penrose GIBSON (39438) Pilot RAF - Squadron Leader James Brown WARWICK (156612) Navigator RAF