Code: CG-AA31917 Quantity in Basket: none Status: In Stock Price: $39.99
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Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA31917 Spitfire MkVIII Diecast Model RAAF No.80 Wing, Robert Gibbes, 1944 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Supermarine Spitfire MkIVIII     5"     6.25" Serving as Deputy Wing Leader to Clive Caldwell, Robert Gibbes achieved no victories in this MkVIII due to the dearth of enemy activity in the area. He joined the Royal Australian Air Force in February 1940 as an air cadet and completed flight training that August. In early 1941, he sailed for the Middle East and was posted No.3 Squadron after reaching Egypt; he was to remain with this unit throughout his 2-year combat tour in North Africa. His squadron moved to Syria by July 1941 and began flying P-40B Tomahawks against the Vichy French. Within a week, Gibbes shot down a French-built Dewoitine 520 fighter, to achieve his first victory in aerial combat. When the Syrian campaign ended in September, he returned to the Western Desert to take part in the Libyan campaign and achieved three additional victories before the year’s end. After converting to P-40C Kittyhawks, Gibbes became commander of No.3 Squadron in February 1942 and soon shot down two more aircraft. In May, he had to bail out after being shot down by a JU-88 rear gunner and broke his ankle and fractured his leg upon hitting the ground. With his leg still in a cast, he discharged himself from the hospital and returned to command the squadron 1 month later. On 21 December 1942, he performed an “extraordinary deed of heroism” when he landed his aircraft in rough terrain deep within enemy territory to pick up a downward pilot. Discarding his parachute to make a room in the single-seat cockpit, he lost a wheel on take-off, flew the 190 miles to his home base, and successfully landed. Less than 1 month later, Gibbes was shot down some 70 miles behind the lines and evaded capture for 3 days while walking through the desert to reach Allied patrols. Before his African tour ended in April 1943, he flew 274 operational sorties throughout the Middle East, achieved 10.25 confirmed and 5 probable victories, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Squadron Leader Gibbes eventually returned to Australia and flew Spitfire MK. VIIIs in the Southwest Pacific until the end of the war. After flying for various private concerns after the war, he established Gibbes Sepik Airways in January 1948 and began operations out of New Guinea with surplus war aircraft. For the next 10 years, his airline played an important role in the exploration and development of the Sepik River and central highlands of this area. Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored. Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Optional extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels. Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity. Detailed pilot and crew member figures. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels. Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings. [See more Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series products] Supermarine Spitfire MkIVIII Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Spitfire first was flown for the first time on March 5th, 1936.[See more Supermarine Spitfire MkIVIII products]