Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50989 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 196 pages

Synopsis
Few men have a better claim to be called a legend in his own lifetime than Guy Gibson. Leader of the famous Dambuster Raid of May, 1943 which became part of the popular folklore of the Second World War after the film in which Richard Todd took the part of the hero, he himself was tragically in an air crash in 1944. Born in India in 1918, and brought up in England, Guy Gibson joined the RAF in November, 1936. Thereafter, his career can be seen as a battle between, on the one hand, his uncertain temperament and less than ideal private life, and, on the other, his undoubted skills as an airman and as a leader of men. The war was to bring him adventure and, later, fame. He took part in the first aerial attack of the war, on the Kiel Canal; he served in Fighter Command and then, in 1943, came the famous raid on the Mohne and Eder dams for which he was awarded the VC. By now a hero of international fame, he was sent on a Public Relations tour of North America, but basically he was a flyer and, refusing to remain grounded, he died an airmen's death.

Customer Reviews

The Dambusters Story
This is an excellent biography of Guy Gibson of which the Dams Raid is only a very small part of the book. The book covers the life of Gibson from birth to death.The story of his unhappy childhood from a broken home, his tense and failing marriage,his relationship with his men, which wasn't alway the best,particularly the ground crew.His life wasn't easy but through his determination he was noticed and came to lead the raid that was to make his name.Some of the book covers his tour of Canada and America and his dabble with politics and selection as a Parliamentary Candidate.The story of the making of the Film "The Dambusters" starring Richard Todd was good, including the "Spooky" incident involving the dog that was to play the part of Gibsons dog.The final chapters involving the fatal crash,the theory of how it may have been caused,together with the legacy of Gibson makes for a very interesting read.

Dont buy this its out of date
This is undoubtedly a first rate account of Gibson's life. However, readers should be beware as this is the exactly same text that was published in 1994. Furthermore, the quality of the picture plates is very poor and looks like the publisher / printer has simply taken photocopies from an earlier print run. Their presentation is very unprofessional.
A more sensible and enjoyable choice is the new version of this book, now published by Speedman Press under the title Guy Gibson V.C. 'The Glorious Dambuster'. This is a fully revised and updated version of Susan Ottaway's Dambuster, and the photographs are interspersed amongst the text and are of top quality.
I hope this advice is of use to readers