George Everard Gibbons
Encyclopedia
Captain George Everard Gibbons (born 15 February 1895, date of death unknown) was a World War flying ace
credited with 18 aerial victories. His victories were achieved piloting a Bristol F.2 Fighter
, beginning on 12 March 1918 and ending on 14 September 1918. Both of his observers, Sydney Knights and Thomas Elliott
, became aces flying with him. Gibbons' final tally consisted of three enemy aircraft destroyed by fire, five others destroyed, and ten driven down out of control. Towards the end of the war, he was posted to Home Establishment.
T./Capt. George Everard Gibbons, Gen. List and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has lately destroyed three enemy machines and driven down others out of control. He has always shown great gallantry and keenness, and has commanded his flight with distinction, performing invaluable services in training young officers in the squadron. (30901/10953) Retrieved 4 January 2010.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) George Everard Gibbons, M.C. (FRANCE)
On 4 August, when leading a patrol, his formation was attacked by twenty enemy aeroplanes. Seeing one of our Bristol fighters, in difficulties with its propeller, being attacked by one of the enemy machines, he dived and drove it down to crash; when climbing back to join his formation his observer shot down another enemy machine. In addition to the foregoing Capt. Gibbons has destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven down three out of control. The gallantry in action he invariably displays sets an inspiriting example to those with whom he serves.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with 18 aerial victories. His victories were achieved piloting a Bristol F.2 Fighter
Bristol F.2 Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...
, beginning on 12 March 1918 and ending on 14 September 1918. Both of his observers, Sydney Knights and Thomas Elliott
Thomas Elliott
Thomas William Elliott was a former professional footballer, who played for Gainsborough Trinity, Huddersfield Town and Grimsby Town.-References:...
, became aces flying with him. Gibbons' final tally consisted of three enemy aircraft destroyed by fire, five others destroyed, and ten driven down out of control. Towards the end of the war, he was posted to Home Establishment.
Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)T./Capt. George Everard Gibbons, Gen. List and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has lately destroyed three enemy machines and driven down others out of control. He has always shown great gallantry and keenness, and has commanded his flight with distinction, performing invaluable services in training young officers in the squadron. (30901/10953) Retrieved 4 January 2010.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Lieut. (A./Capt.) George Everard Gibbons, M.C. (FRANCE)
On 4 August, when leading a patrol, his formation was attacked by twenty enemy aeroplanes. Seeing one of our Bristol fighters, in difficulties with its propeller, being attacked by one of the enemy machines, he dived and drove it down to crash; when climbing back to join his formation his observer shot down another enemy machine. In addition to the foregoing Capt. Gibbons has destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven down three out of control. The gallantry in action he invariably displays sets an inspiriting example to those with whom he serves.