A service to pay tribute to the life of a true Second World War hero took place in Porthleven on Thursday. 

Representatives from RNAS Culdrose, St Mawgan, and The Veterans Charity gathered in the village to pay tribute to Wing Commander Guy Gibson who was named a hero after his part in the ‘Dam Busters’ raid.

Wing Commander Guy Gibson was named a hero after his part in the Dam Busters raid in 1943Wing Commander Guy Gibson was named a hero after his part in the Dam Busters raid in 1943 (Image: RNAS Culdrose / Royal Navy) Guy was the commanding officer of the RAF’s 617 squadron which famously attacked the dams in Germany in 1943. He was just 26 years old when he lost his life after his bomber crashed in the occupied Netherlands in the Second World War.

The ceremony, held on the 80th anniversary of his death, took place in Porthleven, a place connected to Guy's life. His mother was from the village, and he often spent his leave there.

The service of remembrance was organised by Beatrice Kerno of the Porthleven Old Cornwall Society.

The procession heads towards the Bickford-Smith Institute building The procession heads towards the Bickford-Smith Institute building (Image: RNAS Culdrose / Royal Navy)

She recalled the late Vic Strike, who knew Wing Commander Gibson, and did much to raise awareness of his links to the village, including commissioning a plaque on the Bickford-Smith Institute building commonly known as Porthleven’s clocktower.

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Laying wreaths on behalf of the Royal Navy was RNAS Culdrose base warrant officer Mark Swift and on behalf of the RAF, St Mawgan’s warrant officer Darrel Keane. Also laying a wreath was Iain Henderson of The Veterans Charity.

Wreaths were laid by armed forces representatives Wreaths were laid by armed forces representatives (Image: RNAS Culdrose / Royal Navy) Reverend Mike North led the service, and the Last Post was sounded by Clive King of HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band.

Attending alongside Old Cornwall Society members, was a representative of Porthleven Town Council and year six pupils from Porthleven Primary School.

Members of the public, who were out enjoying the Cornish sunshine, also stopped by to join the service on the seafront.