Dambusters legend is honoured in Cornwall
Olivier Vergnault reports on a tribute to a war hero
SECOND WORLD WAR hero Wing Commander Guy Gibson has been remembered at a service held to mark the 77th anniversary of his death.
In 1943, Wg Cdr Gibson led 617 Squadron on the famous Dambusters Raid. He was killed in action in 1944.
Wg Cdr Gibson had family links to Porthleven. His mother was one of the town’s Strike family, and he spent time there on leave during the war.
The memorial service on October 19 was organised by Beatrice Kerno (pictured above, centre), of the Porthleven Old Cornwall Society. In attendance were the Mayor of Porthleven, Cllr Mike Toy, and representatives of the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force. They laid wreaths beside a plaque dedicated to the memory of Wg Cdr Gibson at the Bickford-Smith Institute.
It was poignant for Lieutenant Commander Keith “Daisy” Adams, who had previously served on the same 617 Squadron. The squadron, based in Norfolk, is now a joint RAF and Royal Navy unit which operates the UK’s F35B Lightning jets, which flew last year from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Lt Cdr Adams transferred to Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose this
year to begin work with remotely piloted air systems. He said: “The RAF are rightly proud of all those who served on the Dambusters squadron, a tradition still honoured by 617 Squadron to this day.
“As an air engineering officer with the Royal Navy, I too felt that sense of history as I served alongside my RAF colleagues. We remember their sacrifice.”
Representing the RAF was Flight Lieutenant Jon Lord, based at RAF St Mawgan, who said: “Remembering the sacrifices of our service personnel and keeping their stories alive is one of the most important roles that we can fulfil. The story of the Dambusters is one of innovation and adaptability – synonymous with the RAF and a heritage we are extremely proud of.” Major Jon Juurlink of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who is on exchange with the Royal Navy at RNAS Culdrose, said: “People may not realise that 30 Canadians flew under the command and leadership of Wg Cdr Gibson during the Dambuster raids. I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to recognise that contribution and remember his legacy.”