Guy Gibson's death

[Brian]

Hi guys

I don't recall this being discussed previously but if so I apologise.

Apparently in a book entited Thundering Through the Clear Air, author Derek Brammer suggests that Gibson's Mosquito was shot down by a Lancaster gunner who thought it was a German aircraft. Accorrding to Brammer, Gibson buzzed the bombers to 'see if the gunners were awake'

I haven't seen the book myself, yet, but would appreciate comments from our experts.

Cheers
Brian

[James A Pratt III]

Gibson was at first though to have been downed by Flak because there were no 2-engine NJG claims this night.
Some older postings on this site and the ATB book on the Dams raid speculate that the plane may have ran out of fuel because Gibson and his navigator were not fully familiar the the Mosquito aircraft and could not find and open the reserve fuel valves before the plane ran out of fuel stalled and crashed. there are other people out there who should be able to tell you more about it.

[wellss]

not familiar with the Mosquito? Really? The guy flew Hampdens, Manchesters and Lancasters....c'mon I think he would have spent enough time with it...geez...

I highly doubt he would have buzzed a bomber to " see if the gunners were awake ". That would be stupid. What nonsense...

[John(txic)]

His arrogance was legendary, wells. It is not as silly a concept as you may have thought!

[glider1]

Nothing to do with Gibson but I did read of a Beaufighter squadron who used to take bomber S/Leaders up, as a Beau could seat a third person behind the pilot. They would hunt british bombers and get to a firing position before pulling away. This was done because bomber crews were more concerned with flak than fighters and were trying to drive the message home that fighters were the risk.
The bombers were on operational missions and would fire at any twin engined aircraft without any thought.
Not once did a bomber open fire. In the end they were told to stop doing this as it was bad for the morale of the bomber crews.

[Andy Saunders]

Did I read somewhere that a Lancaster gunner claimed an "Me 210" in the right place and at the right time?

I don't wish to enter a conspracy theory debate, especially since all I have is hearsay rather than evidence, but I am absolutely certain there has been some debate or discussion about this scenario.

[sammys]

Crikey thats opened the flood gates now!