Gibbes, Bobby
Sqn Ldr Robert Henry Maxwell 'Bobby' Gibbes DSO, DFC*
260714
1916 - 2007
Wing Commander R H M (Bobby) Gibbes DFC with Bar, DSO
On 5 February, 1940 after the outbreak of WWII Bobby enlisted in the RAAF as an air cadet and after training was described as an "above-average fighter pilot".
Just how far above average is attested to by his Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar and Distinguished Service Order, though those who knew Bobby Gibbes well know he didn't see himself cast in the heroic mould.
One who knew Bobby well is Ted Sly and at Bobby's funeral Ted told the packed church that after training Bobby posted to 450 SQN before posting to 3SQN in Egypt flying the P-40 Tomahawk. In the North Africa campaign over the next two years he certainly saw and felt the heat of battle. He shot down or destroyed more than 12 aircraft, had up to another 14 probables and damaged 16. In return he was shot down twice.
Bobby's 3 Squadron P40
Ted told of how Bobby made a landing in the heat of action and rescued another pilot who'd been shot down. On take-off Bobby lost a wheel but executed a flawless landing back at his home airfield. Though Bobby received recognition for this valiant effort Ted expressed his disappointment that Bobby was overlooked for greater decoration because he was a colonial. Ted told of another occasion where after being shot down, Bobby walked 50 miles back towards base, all the while dodging enemy forces until he was picked up by a British ground patrol.
In July 1944 Bobby was posted to 80 WG in Darwin flying Spitfire Mk VIIIs. While there his aircraft suffered an engine failure an he was burned in the crash-landing. However he was soon back flying, and in January, 1945, the wing moved to Morotai, PNG, for mainly ground attack operations against the Japanese. Between then and his return to Australia in May, 1945 Bobby flew 44 missions.
He discharged in 1946 before joining the Active Reserve in 1952 and serving at Townsville until April, 1957.
Bobby Gibbes loved flying and was the quintessential "Aussie larrikin". His two daughters Robyn and Julie paid tribute to their father's bold pioneering spirit. They told of their unique lives enriched by the experiences and adventures they were privy to with a trail-blazing father in the wilds of New Guinea.
The funeral of Bobby Gibbes was held on Tuesday, 17th April, 2007 at North Sydney's St Thomas Anglican Church.
Mourners arriving at the church heard the throaty roar of the famous Rolls Royce Merlin engine before they saw the heart-stopping sight of a Spitfire in the burning blue sky above the church. It was a stunning sight as rare as the man who is our most decorated World War II ace fighter pilot.
Temora Aviation Museum's Mk VIII Spitfire in Bobby Gibbes markings. Photo- Keith Webb
CAF AIRMASHL Geoff Shepherd, CO 3SQN WGCDR Vinny Iervarsi,a 3SQN bearer and honour party and some 40 other members of 3SQN joined SQNLDR Gibbes' local member Bronwyn Bishop, and hundreds of other mourners in a fitting farewell to our Bobby Gibbes.
Four 2SQN F/A 18s flew a 'Missing Man' formation and the Temora Aviation Museum's Mk VIII Spitfire in the famous "Grey Nurse" markings of Bobby's own Mk VIII, flew a fly-past over the church.
In speaking of Bobby AIRMSHL Shepherd said: "Among the pantheon of the heroic generation from WWII, certain heroes stand out. Bobby Gibbes was one of those".
"It is an honour to have had him as member of the Services".
"Sadly this generation is quickly passing and we must engage and honour those who are left."
Bobby is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeannie, his daughters Julie and Robyn and five grandchildren.
