The military wings belonging to Dambusters hero Guy Gibson are set to fetch thousands of pounds at auction.
The wings form part of a large collection of memorabilia amassed by a newspaper photographer who became friendly with relatives of the distinguished Wing Commander, who led the famous ‘bouncing bomb’ attack on three dams in Germany’s Ruhr valley in 1943.
The cloth wings were taken from a uniform originally given to Gibson’s cousin. They are among a hoard including his flight logbook and a childhood letter addressed ‘To Granny’, said to be a rare example of personal correspondence from Gibson.
Photographer Derrick Warren was captivated by the Dambusters story – imortalised in 1955’s ‘The Dam Busters’ film – in childhood. His interest developed into a life-long passion and saw the Coventry Evening Telegraph photographer form friendships with Gibson’s family, including wife Eve.
Mr Warren died two years ago at the age of 81 and his extraordinary collection is now being sold by Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on January 7.
Gildings’ Director Mark Gilding said: ‘We’re delighted to offer Derrick Warren’s incredible tribute to Guy Gibson.
‘It’s very rare to find items directly owned by Gibson such as the cloth wings, so this is an unmissable opportunity for collectors.
The wings form part of a large collection of memorabilia amassed by a newspaper photographer who became friendly with relatives of the distinguished Wing Commander
Guy Gibson led the famous ‘bouncing bomb’ attack on three dams in Germany ‘s Ruhr valley in 1943
The cloth wings were taken from a uniform originally given to Gibson’s cousin
They are among a hoard including his flight logbook, a childhood letter and a flight mask
‘It’s not known whether the aircraft-related parts and equipment are from Dambusters aircraft but items from these planes and period are still very much a rarity.’
Of the 133 crew members who took part in the Dambusters raids, 53 were killed and three were taken prisoner.
Gibson was one of the survivors and was released from flying duties after being awarded the Victoria Cross for commanding the raid, codenamed Operation Chastise.
In March 1944 he was selected as a Conservative parliamentary candidate for Macclesfield, but still itched for a return to the skies. Gibson persuaded Air Vice Marshal Arthur Harris to allow him to fly operationally again – and was killed that September when his de Havilland Mosquito crashed in the Netherlands while returning from raids on the towns of Rheydt and Mönchengladbach in Germany.
A full RAF tour of duty was 30 missions, but at the time of his death aged 26, Gibson had flown at least 174 missions.
The wings, which are in a presentation frame, are expected to sell for between £1,000-£1,500.
A facsimile copy of Gibson’s logbook featuring autographs including from Gibson’s wife and the head of World War II Bomber Command, Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, has a guide price of £300-£500.
Also included in the 54 lots is a photograph of a Lancaster Bomber taken by Derrick and signed by many connected to 617 Squadron, including Barnes Wallis, the engineer who invented the bouncing bomb.
Of the 133 crew members who took part in the Dambusters raids, 53 were killed and three were taken prisoner. Pictured: Wing Commander Guy Gibson (in door of aircarft) and his crew board their Avro Lancaster bomber for No. 617 Squadron’s raid on the Ruhr Dams
Also included in the 54 lots is a photograph of a Lancaster Bomber taken by Derrick and signed by many connected to 617 Squadron, including Barnes Wallis, the engineer who invented the bouncing bomb
Among the lot is a childhood letter addressed ‘To Granny’, said to be a rare example of personal correspondence from Gibson
Also among the auction is a flying mask from an iconic Lancaster Bomber
Items related to Lancaster aircraft include a World War II flying cap, respirator and harness, and a steering yoke are also included in the sale.
Until its closure in March 2023, Mr Warren’s collection was on display in the Heritage Centre at the Dambusters’ base, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
The Dambusters raid is widely regarded as the ultimate example of British bravery, ingenuity and commitment to duty in the face of near impossible odds during World War II.
As the RAF’s most experienced and decorated pilot who had already flown over 170 missions, Gibson was tasked with leading the men from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA in 19 Lancaster bombers.
The last surviving member of 617 Squadron to have taken part in the Dambusters raid, Squadron Leader George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson died in 2022, aged 101.
The last member of 617 Squadron, Wing Commander John Bell died in March this year, aged 100.
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