Mods - any chance we could sticky this post at all - perhaps until after the funeral?
PPruNe has way too much negativity on it these days - as sad as his passing is, a life this fully lived should be reflected on and celebrated by everyone who values aviation.
I was privileged to meet him once at an air show whilst standing around in front of my Pig. Realising who it was just in time I called the other guys in the vicinity to attention and saluted him. You should have seen the bograts eyes widen when they discovered that this little old man was a fighter ace and war hero with 10+ kills.
For me, his life summons up images of derring do, amazing flying exploits and pioneering new frontiers in New Guinea.
He was truly one of the last of the great aviation pioneers that this country has produced - and the nation is the poorer for his passing.
Thank you WGCDR Gibbes.
SW