Edward Albert Gibbs: The Distinguished Anti-Submarine Commander of the Royal Navy
In the perilous waters of the Second World War, the battle against enemy submarines was a critical struggle for the survival of Allied shipping. Among the most effective leaders in this fight was Edward Albert Gibbs, a Royal Navy officer whose tactical skill and bravery earned him a unique place in naval history. Gibbs became the first person during the war to be appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars, marking him as one of the most decorated anti-submarine commanders of his era.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Edward Albert Gibbs
- Service: Royal Navy (1923–1949)
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Primary Specialization: Anti-submarine destroyer command
- Major Honor: Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars
- Notable Commands: HMS Fortune, HMS Pathfinder, HMS Kestrel
Early Career and Rise to Command
Born on April 1, 1903, in Hendon, Middlesex, Edward Albert Gibbs entered the Royal Navy in 1923. He spent the interwar years honing his seamanship, rising through the ranks to become a commander by the time the Second World War broke out in 1939. His early commands included HMS Wren and HMS Hasty, preparing him for the high-stakes escort duties that would define his wartime legacy.
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Commanding HMS Fortune: Early Victories
From July 1939 to November 1940, Gibbs commanded the destroyer HMS Fortune. His tenure was marked by immediate success in the Atlantic. In September 1939, HMS Fortune worked alongside HMS Forester to sink the German submarine U-27 using depth charges—explosive devices dropped from ships to destroy submarines—west of Scotland. This achievement earned Gibbs the DSO in December 1939.
During the spring of 1940, HMS Fortune was credited with the sinking of U-44 near the Shetland Islands, though later historical research suggests the submarine may have been destroyed by a minefield. Gibbs also played a vital role in the Norwegian Campaign, escorting the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal and HMS Glorious as they provided air cover for the evacuation of British forces from Namsos and Åndalsnes.
In September 1940, Gibbs led HMS Fortune during Operation Menace, an attempt to facilitate Free French landings at Dakar. During the naval bombardment of the city on September 24, HMS Fortune sank the Vichy French submarine Ajax. In a display of naval professionalism, Gibbs' crew rescued 76 members of the enemy crew. For his leadership during this period, he was awarded the first Bar to his DSO in March 1941.
Commanding HMS Pathfinder: Mediterranean and Atlantic Success
Between January 1942 and November 1943, Gibbs took command of HMS Pathfinder. His operations shifted toward the Mediterranean and the mid-Atlantic, where he continued to neutralize enemy threats. In August 1942, HMS Pathfinder assisted HMS Ithuriel in forcing the Italian submarine Cobalto to the surface off Bizerta, Tunisia, where it was subsequently rammed and sunk.
The following month, Gibbs collaborated with HMS Vimy and HMS Quentin to sink the German submarine U-162 in the mid-Atlantic. These successes led to Gibbs being mentioned in despatches in November 1942 and receiving a second Bar to his DSO in December 1942.
Beyond combat, Gibbs demonstrated a commitment to saving lives. In December 1942, HMS Pathfinder assisted in the rescue of nearly 5,000 survivors from the troopship Strathallan after it was torpedoed off Oran, Algeria. His combat record culminated in April 1943, when HMS Pathfinder, supported by Swordfish aircraft from HMS Biter, sank U-203 off Cape Farewell, Greenland. This final series of achievements earned him a second mention in despatches and a third Bar to his DSO in July 1943.
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Final Years and Legacy
Following the war, Gibbs continued his service, commanding HMS Kestrel from 1945 to 1946. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in December 1946 and officially retired from the Royal Navy in February 1949. He passed away on July 22, 1982, in Taunton Deane, Somerset, at the age of 79.
| Period | Command/Rank | Key Achievement/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1923 | Joined Royal Navy | Entry into service |
| 1939–1940 | HMS Fortune | Sank U-27 and Vichy French submarine Ajax |
| 1942–1943 | HMS Pathfinder | Sank U-162 and U-203; rescued 5,000 from Strathallan |
| 1945–1946 | HMS Kestrel | Post-war command |
| 1946 | Captain | Promotion to Captain |
| 1949 | Retired | End of active service |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Edward Albert Gibbs' most notable achievement?
He was the first person in the Second World War to be appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars, reflecting his exceptional success in anti-submarine warfare.
Which ships did Captain Gibbs command during the war?
During the Second World War, he most notably commanded the destroyers HMS Fortune and HMS Pathfinder.
How many submarines was Gibbs credited with sinking?
Under his command, HMS Fortune sank U-27 and the Vichy French submarine Ajax (though the sinking of U-44 is now disputed). Under HMS Pathfinder, he helped sink the Italian submarine Cobalto, as well as German submarines U-162 and U-203.
What was Operation Menace?
Operation Menace was a naval operation in September 1940 intended to facilitate Free French landings at Dakar, during which Gibbs and HMS Fortune participated in the bombardment of the city.
Did Captain Gibbs participate in any rescue missions?
Yes, he rescued 76 crew members from the submarine Ajax in 1940 and assisted in the rescue of nearly 5,000 survivors from the torpedoed troopship Strathallan in December 1942.