Date of birth:

June 3rd, 1914 (Woodville/Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand)

Date of death:

February 28th, 1944 (Near Gravesend/Kent, Great Britain)

Buried on:

Brookwood Military Cemetery
Plot: 2. Row: K. Grave: 6.

Service number:

NZ.391352

Nationality:

New Zealander

Before the war, Reggie Grant was a metal spinner at Aluminium Utensils Ltd, Auckland. He joined the RNZAF in November 1939 and after receiving his wings, he was posted to No, 145 Squadron as a Sergeant-Pilot.
In June and July 1941, flying a Spitfire, he claimed tree Me 109's. He was subsequently awarded the DFM and commissioned and posted to No. 485 Squadron.
On March 1942 he flew as wingman of Wing Comander Victor Beamish
on the occasion when the latter was lost, claiming an FW190 and a probble during the engagement.
In May 1942 he took command of No. 485 Squadron an almost a year later he shot down another FW190 who had jusst shot down his brother Ian he was flying with him.
He left the unit in March 1943 and was taken off operations to travel to Canada and the USA on a lecture tour.
In November 194 he started on a second tour as Commanding Officer of No. 65 Squadron, In January 1944 No. 65 Squadron was included in 122 Wing which Grant was to lead. As he took off to lead the wing as an inaugural flight, his aircraft suffered engine failure and crashed three miles east of Gravesend, killing Grant instandly.
His medals are held in the Mackrell Collection, Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Promotions:
March 1941: Sergeant
August 1941: Pilot Officer
1941: Flying Officer
March 1942: Flight Lieutenant
November 1943: Squadron Leader
January 1944: Wing Commander

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

• - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
  - The London Gazette Issue 35241 published on the 8 August 1941
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35721 published on the 25 September 1942
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36054 published on the 11 June 1943
  - New Zealand's Fighter Pilot's Museum
  - Thameside Aviation Museum
  - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
  

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