Claude Gibb facts for kids

Sir Claude Dixon Gibb (born June 29, 1898 – died January 15, 1959) was a brilliant engineer from South Australia. He had a very important career in Great Britain, helping to build powerful machines and even design tanks during World War II.

Early Life and Education

Claude Gibb was born in Queenstown, South Australia. His parents were John Gilbert Gibb and Caroline Elizabeth Gibb. He went to Alberton Primary School and LeFevre High School.

He was a very smart student. He won a scholarship to the South Australian School of Mines and Industries. There, he studied mechanical engineering and even won a gold medal!

Becoming an Engineer

Claude started his career as an electrical mechanic. He worked for Gibb & Miller, an engineering company. In 1917, he joined the 2nd AIF during World War I. He was part of the Australian Flying Corps, which was a unit of the Royal Air Force. He served in France and became a 2nd Lieutenant.

After the war, he continued his studies. In 1922, he earned his diploma in mechanical and electrical engineering. He then studied at the University of Adelaide. He got his engineering degree in 1923. His teacher, Sir Robert Chapman, was a big inspiration to him.

In 1924, Claude won a special scholarship called the Angas Engineering Scholarship. This allowed him to study abroad for two years. He earned his master's degree in 1927.

Career in Great Britain

In 1924, Claude Gibb moved to England. He started working at C. A. Parsons Ltd. in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He began as a fitter, which is someone who assembles machines. But he quickly showed how talented he was.

In less than five years, he became Parsons' chief engineer. This meant he was in charge of all the engineering work. He also became a director of the company.

Helping in World War II

During World War II, Claude Gibb played a huge role. In 1941, Lord Beaverbrook asked him to become the Director-General of Weapons. This was a very important job in the Ministry of Supply. He was in charge of 3,000 engineering companies and 250,000 workers!

Under his leadership, Britain made many more weapons and war supplies. In 1943, he became the Director-General of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. He took on the big task of designing tanks. This led to the creation of the famous Centurion tank. He also designed a special gun, the Ordnance QF 17-pounder, which was used on Sherman tanks.

After the war, he also became the chairman of A. Reyrolle and Co. This company was the biggest maker of switchgear in the world at that time.

Family Life

Claude Gibb married Margaret Harris in Devon, England, on December 26, 1925.

He had two brothers and one sister:

• Alfred John Gibb, who managed an engineering firm.
• William George Gibb, who worked in a transport company.
• Vera Jessie Gibb.

Achievements and Recognition

Sir Claude Dixon Gibb received many honors for his amazing work:

• He was given honorary Doctor of Science degrees from Durham University and London University.
• In 1942, he received the CBE for his efforts during the war.
• He was knighted in 1945, which means he was given the title "Sir."
• In 1946, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor for scientists and engineers.
• He was a vice-president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
• He also served as a vice-president of the Engineering section of the British Association.
• He gave the first Robin Memorial Lecture at the University of Adelaide.
• In 1959, he was awarded the James Watt International Gold Medal. This is a very high award for engineers.
• His name is remembered on a special bronze plaque in North Terrace, Adelaide.
• A student building at Newcastle Polytechnic (now the University of Northumbria) was named after him in 1965.