A memorial put up in Porthleven for Second World War hero Guy Gibson was described as “the people’s plaque for one of their own” at its unveiling last Wednesday.

Port mayor Mark Berryman was speaking to over 200 invited guests and members of the public who had gathered for the special ceremony to remember Wing Commander Gibson, who had led the daring Dambuster Raid on Ruhr Dams in May 1943.

Among those gathered exactly 69 years after the raid were members of Wing Commander Gibson’s family, as well as members of the RAF – including from St Mawgan – Royal Navy from Culdrose, Royal Air Force Association, Royal British Legion and Helston Air Training Corps, which paraded to and from the unveiling.

Porthleven Old Cornwall Society was represented after contributing towards the plaque and 90-year-old veteran Dr Arnold Derrington travelled by bus from Pendeen to witness the unveiling, having flown with WC Gibson on many occasions.

Speaking at the occasion were Porthleven historian Vic Strike, who was instrumental in making the plaque a reality, and Group Captain David Robertson, past commanding officer of 617 squadron of which Wing Commander Gibson was in charge. Cornishman Captain Robertson, who was born in Redruth, was representing the current commander officer who is serving with the squadron in Afghanistan.

The weather could not have been better for the ceremony, which took place outside the Bickford Smith Institute – known locally as the clock tower – where the bronze plaque has been placed on the wall for all to see.

Welcoming those assembled, mayor Mark Berryman said that the port “came up trumps” in raising the money, through a showing of Mr Strike’s film on WC Gibson, adding: “This is truly the people of Porthleven’s plaque for one of their own.”

He described Porthleven, birthplace of WC Gibson’s mother, as the airman’s “English home,” having been born in India.

Mr Berryman then handed over to Captain Robertson, who had earlier described himself “flabbergasted” by the number of people at the event, adding: “I wasn’t expecting this at all. I thought there might be a dozen at the most!”

Describing WC Gibson as a “truly inspirational leader,” Captain Robertson said: “Gibson was a ‘people person’. He was always professional. He was a strict disciplinarian. He was sometimes brusque and often arrogant. But he loved his people and the people that worked for him. He would never do or ask anyone to do something that he was not prepared to do himself.”

He later added: “Though we are here to celebrate the achievements of an iconic RAF airman, it is vital that we educate our youth as to the sacrifices made by so many our armed forces, both in the past, and every day in Afghanistan.”

Vic Strike said “As a historian and a Porthlevener, I am delighted that the people of this town have raised all the money required to provide this permanent and fitting reminder of our most famous resident”

A flypast involving two Hawk aircraft from RNAS Culdrose marked the moment the plaque was unveiled.