Torpedo Leader on Malta | Operations from Malta in the Summer of 1942
Gibbs, Wing Commander Patrick [Wing Commander Reginald Patrick Mahoney Gibbs DSO DFC & Bar (2 April 1915 - 8 March 2008) was a British military pilot and journalist. He fought in World War II and was noted for his specialised torpedo attacks against shipping].
(Book #ID 97352)
Published by Wrens Park Publishing, Barton-Under-Needwood, Staffordshire 2002. 2002.
Hard back binding in publisher's original turquoise covers, gilt title and author lettering to the spine. 8vo. 9½'' x 6¼''. The manuscript for Torpedo Leader was written in 1943 when the events and actions it portrays were still fresh in the mind of its author. Intended as a successor to 'Not Peace But a Sword', it has lain untouched since then. Written during the war without the benefit of hindsight, official documentation or reference work, it is therefore a highly remarkable and valuable account, which is here published in full for the first time with only very minor modifications. A first-hand and very personal story, its lucid, exciting and readable narrative describes firstly the author's frustrations as a Staff Officer in Cairo, then more significantly his triumphs and disasters as a Beaufort Flight Commander on anti-shipping operations from Malta in that crucial summer of 1942. Fighting uphill battles against 'the powers that be', Gibbs remained utterly dedicated to the airborne torpedo as a weapon of war against shipping, and succeeded in changing not only tactical but also strategic policy - very rare indeed for a junior officer. But his book also gives new insight into the often haphazard way war was waged in the Mediterranean, the daily dangers, the inevitable losses. Gibbs' contribution was immense. As Laddie Lucas has written, 'there were few operational efforts in World War II to compare with it'. There is not the least doubt that the success of his strike operation had a material effect upon the fortunes of our 8th Army in the Desert and the outcome of Alamein. Contains [x] 206 printed pages of text with double-page map of the Mediterranean Sea, monochrome photographs throughout. Fine condition book in Fine condition dust wrapper, not price clipped. Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection. Member of the P.B.F.A. ISBN 0905778723
Click here to select books from the
MALTA (Maltese History)
Category