Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 3 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

July 28th, 1942

Citation:
"This officer has displayed exceptional skill and gallantry in combat. One day in May, 1942, he encountered a large force of enemy bombers heavily escorted by fighters. Displaying great courage, he ignored the fighters and led an attack against the bombers. During the combat his aircraft was damaged and he was forced to abandon it by parachute. Squadron Leader Gibbs has completed a large number of operational flying hours in the Western Desert and has destroyed 6 enemy aircraft and probably destroyed a further 14."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 3 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

January 14th, 1943

Citation:
This officer has completed many operational sorties in which he has destroyed at least 9 enemy aircraft and damaged several others. On one occasion, he led a small force on a long range expedition to reconnoitre and attack an enemy airfield. Owing to his excellent leadership 7 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. During the engagement, one of his pilots was forced to land his aircraft. Squadron Leader Gibbes, immediately landed as near to him as possible and after waiting some time for his comrade, flew off with him.
During the take-off, a wheel was knocked off the aircraft, but on reaching base, Squadron Leader Gibbes, effected a masterlylanding, causing only
slight further damage to his aircraft. Squadron Leader Gibbes, has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and enthusiasm throughout his long career of flying duties."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 3 (RAAF) Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

May 25th, 1943

Citation:
"This officer has displayed exceptional leadership, skill and courage, contributing in a large measure to the success of the squadron, he commands. On one occasion, daring an attack on an airfield at Bir Dufan, his aircraft was shot down. After walking for about 50 miles he was picked up by friendly forces and enabled to rejoin his squadron. Since then, Squadron Leader Gibbes has takent part in many sorties, attacking the enemy with vigour. He has destroyed at least 10 and damaged several other efiemy aircraft."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.