George Everard Gibbons facts for kids

Captain George Everard Gibbons (born February 15, 1896 – died March 20, 1923) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down five or more enemy aircraft. George Gibbons achieved 18 victories while flying a Bristol F.2 Fighter in 1918.

What's even more amazing is that both of his observers, Sidney Knights and Thomas Elliott, also became flying aces while flying with him! George Gibbons' victories included destroying three enemy planes by fire, five others completely destroyed, and ten forced to land out of control.

George Everard Gibbons: A World War I Flying Ace

Joining the Military

George Gibbons joined the army on September 2, 1914. He first served with the 6th Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment. In February 1915, he became a temporary second lieutenant. Later, he moved to the North Staffordshire Regiment. He was promoted to lieutenant in June 1916.

Becoming a Pilot

On November 15, 1916, George joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force of Britain at the time, which later became the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started as an air observer, helping pilots spot enemy planes. After training, he became a flying officer on September 6, 1917.

In early 1918, he joined No. 62 Squadron. Here, he flew the famous Bristol F.2 Fighter plane. With his observer, Lieutenant Sidney Knights, he got his first victory on March 12. They forced an enemy plane to go "out of control" near Nauroy. He scored another victory on March 17.

A True Flying Ace

On March 21, 1918, George Gibbons was promoted to temporary captain. He also became a flight commander, leading a group of planes. He officially became a "flying ace" on May 3. On that day, he took down three enemy Albatros D.V fighters. His sixth victory came on May 22, followed by two more on May 28.

Later, with his new observer, 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Elliott, George scored five more victories in August. He added four more in September over Cambrai. Two of these victories happened on September 3, and two more on September 4.

After the war, George Gibbons left the RAF on April 15, 1919. He passed away in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, on March 20, 1923.

Medals for Bravery

George Everard Gibbons received two very important medals for his bravery and skill. These were the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Military Cross

The Military Cross is given for acts of bravery during battle. George Gibbons received this medal for his amazing courage. He had recently destroyed three enemy planes and forced others down. He always showed great bravery and enthusiasm. He also did an excellent job leading his flight. He helped train young officers in his squadron, which was very important.

The Distinguished Flying Cross

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for outstanding bravery or devotion to duty while flying. George Gibbons earned this medal for a truly heroic act. On August 4, he was leading his patrol when they were attacked by twenty enemy planes. He saw one of his squadron's planes in trouble and being attacked.

George dived down and forced the enemy plane to crash. As he climbed back up to join his group, his observer shot down another enemy plane. Besides this, Captain Gibbons had already destroyed four enemy planes and forced three others down. His constant bravery set an inspiring example for everyone he served with.