By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-08 16:26:06 | Updated at 2025-01-09 07:17:07
15 hours ago
Memorabilia commemorating the daring Dambusters mission and its hero Guy Gibson sold at auction for triple its expected pricing.
Fifty-four lots reached £24,000 at auction with Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough in Leicestershire, much higher than the estimated £8000-£10,000.
Until recently, the items had been displayed in the Heritage Centre at 617 Squadron's base, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
Alongside photographs and uniforms, equipment used by the RAF during the Second World War drew attention from bidders in the room and across the world online.
Until recently, the items had been displayed in the Heritage Centre at 617 Squadron's base, RAF Scampton
GILDINGS AUCTIONEERS
“We’re thrilled that this homage to one of World War II’s most daring heroes has exceeded all expectations,” said Gilding’s Director, Mark Gilding.
“The incredible results from the most sought-after items shows the magic that can happen when determined collectors go head-to-head at auction.”
Part of Wng Cdr Guy Gibson’s uniform, the leader of 617 Squadron’s cloth wings in an engraved silver frame triggered a “fierce bidding war” before selling for £4200.
Meanwhile, a Lancaster Bomber steering yoke soared beyond its pre-sale estimate of £200 - £300 to make £3,400 on the day.
Gilding’s Director Mark Gilding said he was 'thrilled' with the auction
GILDINGS AUCTIONEERS
A facsimile copy of Gibson’s logbook featuring autographs from Eve Gibson and the head of World War II Bomber Command, Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris fetched £2,000
GILDINGS AUCTIONEERS
A facsimile copy of Gibson’s logbook featuring autographs from Eve Gibson and the head of World War II Bomber Command, Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris fetched £2,000.
An RAF two-piece uniform belonging to Air Chief Marshall the Hon Sir Ralph Cochrane, sold for £2,600 against a guide price of £100 - £200.
On May 13, 1943, Gibson led the daring Dambusters raid into the Ruhr Valley, codenamed Operation Chastise, destroying dams using inventor Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bomb.
Of 133 men involved, 53 were killed and just 48 survived the war. Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross but later died after being shot down in the Netherlands.
The “unique” collection was accumulated over decades by the late Derrick Warren, a Coventry-based press photographer who died in 2022, aged 81.
The photographer, who’s fascination with the Dambusters raid started as a child, built parts of his collection through work attending commemorative 617 events, becoming friends with many of the fabled crews.
Derrick’s photograph of a Lancaster Bomber signed by 617 Squadron and bouncing bomb inventor Barnes Wallis, plus Gibson’s wife Eve, sold for £550.
“There is something very special about this kind of single-owner collection, built around a lifelong passion for a specific period of history,” said Gilding.
