Patrick Gibbs
Reginald Patrick Mahoney Gibbs | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Penarth, Wales |
| Died | March 8, 2008 (aged 92) |
| Occupation(s) | Aviator, journalist, film critic |
| Years active | 1934–1987 |
| Known for | Service as RAF Wing Commander in WWII; film critic for The Daily Telegraph |
| Notable work | Not Peace but a Sword (1943), Torpedo Leader on Malta (1992) |
Wing Commander Reginald Patrick Mahoney Gibbs (2 April 1915 – 8 March 2008) was a British aviator and journalist who served during the Second World War, focusing on torpedo attacks against enemy vessels.
Early history
Gibbs was born in Penarth, Wales, on 2 April 1915, the son of shipowner and Wales rugby international Reggie Gibbs. He received his education at Oundle School and earned a cadetship to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 1934. Demonstrating aptitude in sports such as rugby, tennis, and squash, he trained as a pilot with a concentration on maritime strike and reconnaissance roles. On 1 August 1936, he was commissioned as a pilot officer in the Royal Air Force before being seconded for two years to the Fleet Air Arm. During this period, he operated Shark and Swordfish aircraft from aircraft carriers, gaining initial practical experience in aerial torpedo deployment. Following this, he was assigned to the Torpedo Training School at Gosport, where he became an instructor specializing in torpedo attack techniques from the air.
Second World War
At the start of the Second World War, Gibbs was stationed at Gosport and promoted to flight lieutenant on 1 February 1940. He took command as flight leader with No. 22 Squadron within Coastal Command, operating from RAF North Coates in Lincolnshire. Over a year-long deployment, he targeted enemy shipping near Norway and the Netherlands and participated in bombing missions against ports along the Biscay coast. Elevated to temporary squadron leader on 1 March 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 26 September in recognition of his distinguished service. After six months training new pilots, he volunteered for duty in the Middle East and was assigned to Air Staff headquarters in Cairo, where he facilitated deployment of the Beauforts to disrupt German oil shipments in the Mediterranean region.
In 1942, Gibbs joined No. 39 Squadron at Sidi Barrani, sinking an Italian vessel on his initial mission. Recognizing that convoy targets lay beyond Beaufort aircraft range, he proposed relocating operations to Malta. Despite London’s assumption that his deployment was reinforcing India, his plan received approval. Promoted to temporary wing commander on 1 June 1942, Gibbs flew four sorties from Malta between July and August, twice forcing enemy convoys to retreat. On his final sortie, his Beaufort sustained severe damage, necessitating a crash landing on Malta for a second time. For these efforts, he received a Bar to his DFC on 7 July 1942:
Gibbs’ command during August had a notable effect on Mediterranean campaigns and shaped RAF aerial tactics thereafter. His war substantive rank advanced to squadron leader on 1 September 1942. Due to exhaustion, he returned to Britain later that month and was honored with the Distinguished Service Order on 18 September:
His squadron leader rank was confirmed as fully substantive on 20 November 1942, retroactive to March 1941. Later assigned to duties at the Air Ministry, Gibbs was medically discharged with the rank of wing commander on 24 February 1944 owing to strain from operational flying.
While serving at the Air Ministry, Gibbs authored Not Peace but a Sword, recounting his early life and wartime experiences up to Cairo. The publication achieved notable success; however, plans for a follow-up volume were abandoned after the war due to anticipated diminished public interest.
Career in journalism
Following the conclusion of the war, Gibbs initially invested in a chain of laundrettes before transitioning into journalism, a move facilitated by actress Muriel Pavlow. Pavlow introduced him to W A Darlington, a critic at The Daily Telegraph, who offered Gibbs the opportunity to contribute reviews of lesser-known productions as a freelance writer. When George Campbell Dixon vacated the position of film critic in 1960, Gibbs assumed the role. His critiques were noted for their independence, emphasizing performances and production quality rather than focusing on celebrity status or Hollywood glamour, which occasionally led to reader dissatisfaction due to his extensive plot descriptions.
While his main focus was film criticism, Gibbs held a strong preference for theatre and opera, frequently attending international film festivals around the globe. He concluded his tenure at the Telegraph in 1987 and later authored his second book, Torpedo Leader on Malta, published in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malta receiving the George Cross.
Later life and death
Gibbs was married twice: first to Nina Thruston in 1947, with their marriage ending in divorce after twelve years, and subsequently to Jane Eyre, with whom he had two children. He passed away on 8 March 2008 at the age of 92.
Published works
- Not Peace but a Sword, Cassells (1943)
- Torpedo Leader on Malta, Grub Street (1992)