Dambusters 80th - Guy Gibson 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin 2023

Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the iconic raid by RAF 617 Squadron thereafter known as the 'Dambusters' with this stunning 50p coin.

These are the first ever official RAF issue coins to feature the portrait of King Charles III. They are licensed with the RAF and bear the official RAF logo making them a perfect collectors item.

Guy Gibson was a British Royal Air Force officer and the commanding officer of No. 617 Squadron during World War II. He was responsible for leading the squadron in their daring bombing raid on the dams of the Ruhr Valley in Germany, using the innovative bouncing bomb designed by Barnes Wallis.

Gibson joined the RAF in 1936 and saw action during the early years of World War II, including in the Battle of Britain. He was appointed as the commanding officer of the newly formed 617 Squadron in March 1943, and was tasked with leading the squadron in the mission to breach the dams of the Ruhr Valley.

Gibson led the mission with great skill and bravery, flying at low altitude in the face of heavy enemy fire and ensuring that his squadron remained focused and disciplined throughout the operation. Although the mission was a success, it came at a high cost: eight of the 19 aircraft involved in the raid were lost, and 53 of the 133 men who participated were killed.

Following the raid, Gibson became a national hero and was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the British military. He went on to lead further bombing missions over Germany and was promoted to the rank of Group Captain. However, his luck ran out in September 1944 when his aircraft was shot down over the Netherlands, and he was killed at the age of 26.

Gibson's bravery and leadership continue to be celebrated today, and he remains one of the most iconic figures of the Dambusters raid and of World War II as a whole.

Housed in its own presentation card and blister pack, your coin will be ready to display or add to your collection.