BOBBY GIBBES: WING LEADER

When the RAAF’s second Spitfire wing was formed, one of the service’s most experienced fighter pilots was chosen to lead it on operations — but the assignment would be his last on the front line The Temora Aviation Museum in New South Wales operates Spitfire VIII A58-758/VH-HET in the markings of Wg Cdr ‘Bobby’ Gibbes’ personal mount A58-602. GAVIN CONROY In early 1944 the US Air Commander of the South-West Pacific Area planned to establish a base at Selarau Island