Peter Close Sculpture

Guy Gibson Bronze Bust

Peter Close has created a Guy Gibson bronze bust commemorating the Dambuster.

This sculpture captures the spirit of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, an extraordinary figure in World War II history.

With meticulous craftsmanship, Peter has portrayed Gibson’s likeness, capturing his commanding presence and

This Guy Gibson bronze bust stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom and also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Dambusters.

At the outbreak of World War II Guy Gibson was a pilot with 83 squadron in 1943. He was chosen to command the newly formed 617 Squadron created to destroy the hydroelectric dams in the Ruhr. In order to accomplish this they were provided with the bouncing bomb designed by Barnes Wallace.

The bombs had to be dropped from 60 feet from a predefined distance to skip across the water in to the dam face and then roll down it to explode at a predefined depth. For them to succeed this had to be carried out at night and on the night of 16th May 1943 Gibson led his force of specially modified Lancasters.

Gibson was awarded the VC for his role in the mission but was destined not to survive the war.

Gibson completed a lecture tour of the USA and wrote the book Enemy Coast Ahead then returned to active duty. He was shot down and killed piloting a Mosquito over the Netherlands in 1944.

In the words of Marshal of the RAF Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris “Guy Gibson was as great a warrior as this Island has ever bred”

  • Height 40cm/16in
  • Weight 5 kg
  • Made of cold cast bronze
  • Limited to an edition of 350
£295.00 £ 295.00