Gerald Gibbs (RAF officer)

Summary

Air Marshal Sir Gerald Ernest Gibbs, KBE, CIE, MC & Two Bars (3 September 1896 – 13 October 1992) was a senior commander in the Royal Air Force in the first half of the 20th century and the last RAF commander-in-chief of the Indian Air Force.

Sir Gerald Gibbs
Born(1896-09-03)3 September 1896
South Norwood, England
Died13 October 1992(1992-10-13) (aged 96)
Harare, Zimbabwe
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchBritish Army (1914–18)
Royal Air Force (1918–54)
Years of service1914–1954
RankAir Marshal
UnitNo. 17 Squadron RAF
Commands heldIndian Air Force (1951–54)
RAF Kenya (1935–36)
No. 47 Squadron (1934–35)
Battles/warsFirst World War
Second World War
AwardsKnight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire
Military Cross & Two Bars
Mentioned in Despatches (2)
Knight of the Legion of Honour (France)
Croix de guerre (France)

He was educated at Kingston Grammar School, Surrey. During the First World War he scored 10 victories (all in the S.E.5 biplane), becoming a double ace. He retired to Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1984.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ Gerald Gibbs, Harare Obituaries – 1992
  • Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation – Air Mshl Sir Gerald Gibbs
  • Bharat-rakshak.com – Air Marshal Sir Gerald Ernest Gibbs
  • Harare Obituaries
Military offices
Preceded by Commander in Chief, Indian Air Force
1951–1954
Succeeded by
Subroto Mukerjee
As Chief of the Air Staff