William Henry Kibby, VC, was a British-born Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross during World War II. He was awarded the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to a member of the Australian armed forces at the time. He emigrated to South Australia with his parents in early 1914.
About Bill Kibby in brief
William Henry Kibby, VC, was a British-born Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross during World War II. He was awarded the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to a member of the Australian armed forces at the time. He emigrated to South Australia with his parents in early 1914 and worked as an interior decorator and served in the part-time Militia. In 1940, he enlisted in the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and joined the 248th Infantry Battalion. His unit was sent to the Middle East, but soon after arriving, he broke his leg. He spent the next year recovering and undergoing further training while his battalion took part in the North African campaign. He rejoined his unit when it was serving on garrison duties in northern Syria after its involvement in the Siege of Tobruk, but in June 1942 it was recommitted to the North Africa campaign. In October, he undertook a series of courageous actions across the period from 23 to 31 October. On the final occasion, he pressed forward under withering fire and helped his company capture its objective. This final action ultimately cost him his life. A memorial trust used donated money to purchase a house for his widow and two daughters.
His medal set is displayed at the Australian War Memorial in the Hall of Valour. The second of three children, he was born at Winlaton, County Durham, UK, on 15 April 1903. He married Mabel Sarah Bidmead Morgan in 1926; they lived at Helmsdale and had two daughters and lived in Adelaide, South Australia. He stood only 5 feet 6 inches tall, but was a strong man and enjoyed outdoor activities. He joined the scouting movement, as an assistant scoutmaster of the 2nd Glenelg Sea Scouts where he crewed their lifeboat. He also was a talented artist, painting and drawing in addition to his plaster design work, and even briefly attended art classes at the School of Mines and Industries. In 1936, he joined the Militia and was posted to the 48th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery. He enjoyed participating in military tattoos and was also a keen golfer, playing on various public courses. He had a fondness for the Palestine countryside and a feeling for its people. While in Palestine, he struck up a friendship with the painter Esmond George, who occasionally accompanied him on sketching trips.
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