Albert Gunter

Albert Edward Gunter
Born	(1906-02-28)28 February 1906 St Luke Middlesex, England
Died	1968 Islington

Albert Edward Gunter (28 Feb 1906 – 1968), Gunter is famous for jumping tower bridge in a double decker bus.

Albert Gunter was born on 28 February 1906 in St Luke Middlesex to Robert Henry Gunter and Priscilla Elizabeth Casbard.

Albert also served during World War II.

Tower Bridge Jump

On 30 December 1952, Albert Gunter was on his normal bus route in a number 78 double-decker bus only a couple weeks after the Great Smog of London had brought London to a standstill.

as Albert approached Tower Bridge going 12 mph there was a green light at the beginning of the bridge to indicate it was safe to cross and there was not a ringing of the warning bell by the watchman and the gateman had not closed the gates to indicate the bridge was about to rise. as the bus approached the edge of the south bascule when it started to rise.

as Albert felt the bridge starting to rise he made a split second decision to accelerate the bus instead of slowing down.

Albert was able to clear the 1.8m (6ft) gap of the bridge in his 12,000 kilogram double decker bus and drop onto the north bascule which had not started to rise yet.

there were 1 major injury and 12 minor injuries after the jump where the conductor broke his leg.

Albert was given a reward of £10 (£225) and a day of off work or his bravery when asked what he would do with the bonus, he said "five for me and five for the missus".

Albert was later quoted saying "I'd always wanted to jump the bus over the gap! And I got a day off and a tenner for it, to boot!"