Guy Gibson Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Guy Gibson VC was a renowned Royal Air Force pilot who led the famous “Dambusters” raid during World War II. Born in 1918, Gibson showed an early passion for flying and joined the RAF in 1936. He quickly proved his skill and bravery, becoming a bomber pilot and flying numerous missions over Germany in the early years of the war.

In 1943, Gibson was chosen to lead Operation Chastise, a daring mission to destroy dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley using an innovative “bouncing bomb.” On the night of May 16-17, 1943, Gibson and his squadron of specially modified Lancaster bombers successfully breached the Möhne and Eder dams, dealing a significant blow to German industry and morale. For his leadership and valor, Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military decoration.

Sadly, Gibson’s life was cut short in 1944 when his plane crashed during a night flying accident. He was just 26 years old. This blue plaque at 32 Aberdeen Place in St John’s Wood, London marks the home where Gibson lived in the years leading up to his heroic wartime service. It serves as a tribute to a brave pilot who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.