Rumbles, Francis Grant

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: September 14th, 1920 (Kirtlebridge/Dumfriesshire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: February 26th, 1988 (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)
Service number:: 120350
Nationality:: British

Biography

Francis Grant Rumbles was born on 14 September 1920 in Kirtlebridge, Dumfriesshire, where his father was the headmaster of Breconbeds School. Educated locally, he joined the RAF in October 1940, earning the nickname "Jock." Initially selected for pilot training, he became a navigator, completing part of his training in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He was commissioned in April 1942.

In July 1942, Rumbles joined 29 Operational Training Unit and undertook two operations in September before advancing to heavy bomber training. By December, he joined 97 Squadron at Woodhall Spa, where Rumbles stayed at the Petwood Hotel, then serving as the Officers' Mess.

Rumbles flew around 20 missions in early 1943 before transferring to the newly formed 617 Squadron at Scampton. For his 23 operations with 97 Squadron, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in June 1943. He later completed 33 more missions, earning a Bar to his DFC in June 1944.

After being taken off operations in July 1944, Rumbles held navigation roles at RAF Waddington, 189 Squadron, and RAF Bardney. Post-war, he briefly served in Singapore and Japan before retiring in 1947 as a Squadron Leader. He then moved to South Africa.

Grant Rumbles passed away on 26 February 1988 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where he was cremated. He is commemorated at the city's Victoria Park Crematorium.

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