Gibson, Christopher Francis
Personal Information
Rank | S/L |
Forename(s) | Christopher Francis |
Surname | Gibson |
Gender | M |
Age | 31 |
Decorations | DFC, Croix De Guerre Avec Palme |
Date of Death | 14-03-1943 |
Next of Kin | Son of James Arthur and Lucy Catherine Gibson, of Holne, Devon. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Handley Page Halifax II |
Serial Number | BB281 |
Markings | NF-O |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | Germany |
Burial/Memorial Place | Durnbach War Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Coll. grave 7. D. 16-17. |
Epitaph | THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD: THEREFORE CAN I LACK NOTHING |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 169 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 39981 |
Service | Royal Air Force |
Group | 38 |
Squadron | 138 (Special Duties) |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Village Green, Tempsford, Bedfordshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Stone Memorial with inscribed Marble Tablets |
Memorial Text | In honour of the men and women of Special Duties Sqns stationed at RAF Tempsford |
Location | "The Barn" Gibraltar Farm, Tempsford, Bedfordshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Plaque & Framed Scroll |
Memorial Text | To commemorate the men and women of different nationalities who flew from RAF Tempsford to aid resistance forces in occupied Europe |
Location | St. Peter's Church, Tempsford, Bedfordshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Tablet, Wooden Boards, Brass Plaques & RoH |
Memorial Text | Remembering all those who flew from RAF Tempsford including those of the Royal Australian Air Force |
Miscellaneous Information
Crashed 14 May 1940 just behind enemy lines aboard 105 Squadron Fairey Battle L5585 during an attack on Sedan. Although initially arrested by the Germans he was able to slip away from them and subsequently made his way south but was injured and had to be admitted to hospital, he remained there until the area was overrun by the Germans and consequently became a prisoner once again. Escaped to Spain in 1940 and was repatriated via Gibraltar. Awarded the Croix de Guerre avec Palme on 18 June 1940. Once repatriated, he flew with 138 Squadron but was killed aboard 138 Squadron Halifax BB281. |
DFC Citation (London Gazette 23 March 1943): Squadron Leader Christopher Francis GIBSON (39981), No. 138 Squadron (since missing). This officer has at all times displayed high courage and outstanding devotion to duty. Early in the Battle of France he was grievously wounded but recovered to render excellent service, completing many operational missions. In addition he has accomplished good work in the training of air crews. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Last Operation Information
Start Date | 14-03-1943 |
End Date | 15-03-1943 |
Takeoff Station | Tempsford |
Day/Night Raid | Night (61% moon) |
Operation | Special Operations Executive- Operation Bronze, for Czechoslovakia |
Reason for Loss | Crashed near Munich |