Flying Officer Guy Gibson by William Rothenstein, red chalk on paper

This is one of over 200 portrait drawings William Rothenstein made of RAF personnel between 1939 and 1941, and one of 40 he published in his book, ‘Men of the RAF’ (1942).

Rothenstein was recruited by the Air Ministry to draw personnel of all ranks at various RAF stations – work commissioned independently of the Official War Artist scheme, through RAF patronage. Guy Gibson’s portrait was made between June and September 1940, following his promotion to Flying Officer. On 9 July that year Gibson (1918–1944), later famed for the ‘Dam Buster’ raids, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his many successful Coastal Command operations with No. 83 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On loan from the RAF Air Historical Branch (MOD). Artist copyright: expired / RAF Museum.