In memoriam – Wg/Cmdr Guy Gibson VC & Flt/Lt David Lord VC

Hi Vicky Ten! As far as I know it still carries those names, this is XR807 “Donald Garland VC and Thomas Grey VC”. The aircraft is still in regular squadron service with 10 Sqn but appears to be a bit camera shy as I haven’t got a photo of her on my site.

The reason for the double name is evident when you read this summary of the citation:

Flying Officer Donald Garland VC and Sergeant Thomas Gray VC, Royal Air Force

Flying Officer Garland was the Pilot and Sergeant Gray was the Observer of the leading aircraft of a formation of 5 aircraft that attacked a bridge over the Albert Canal which had not been destroyed and was allowing the enemy to advance into Belgium. All the aircrews of the Squadron concerned volunteered for the operation and, after 5 crews had been selected by drawing lots, the attack was delivered at low altitude against this vital target. Orders were issued that this bridge was to be destroyed at all costs. As had been expected, exceptionally intense machine gun and anti aircraft fire were encountered. Moreover, the bridge area was heavily protected by enemy fighters. In spite of this, the formation successfully delivered a dive bombing attack from the lowest practicable altitude. British fighters in the vicinity reported that the target was obscured by the bombs bursting on it and near it. Only one of the 5 aircraft returned from this mission. The pilot of this aircraft report that besides being subject to extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire, through which they dived to attack the objective, our aircraft were also attacked by a large number of enemy fighters after they had released their bombs on the target. Much of the success of this vital operation must be attributed to the Formation Leader, Flying Officer Garland, and to the coolness and resource of Sergeant Gray, who in the most difficult conditions, navigated Flying Officer Garland’s aircraft in such a manner that the whole formation was able successfully to attack the target in spite of subsequent heavy losses. Flying Officer Garland and Sergeant Gray did not return.

The aircraft is shown on these photos:
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/481573/M/ Shown at the Brooklands factory prior to first flight in 1966
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/351986/M/ Take off shot in her current colours.

Archer, did one of the VC10s not hold the name of 2 VC holders at one time?

I didn’t know that, what a nice tribute. 🙂

All the 10 Sqn VC10s are named after VC holders, have a look here for the full list: http://www.vc10.net/History/RAFVC10s.html#VC10names

They will not be forgotten. RAF’s 10 squadron still flies two VC10s, XV102 and XR810, named after them.

I didn’t know that, what a nice tribute. 🙂

Never forgotten.

They will not be forgotten. RAF’s 10 squadron still flies two VC10s, XV102 and XR810, named after them.

Without question.

Ken.

Seconded and unanimously carried,I think.

Lest We Forget – R.I.P