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Grant, Reginald Joseph Cowan

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 (1907-1947, Dominion UK)

Biography

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

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 145 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
August 8th, 1941
Citation:
"This pilot has taken part in twenty-two operations over enemy territory during which he has destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged several others. His keenness and devotion to duty have set an excellent example."
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 485 (RNZAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 29th, 1942
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation:
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, Squadron Leader Grant has completed numerous sorties and has destroyed three enemy aircraft. He has set an excellent example of leadership and efficiency."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 485 (RNZAF) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 15th, 1943
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation:
"This officer has completed a very large number of sorties and has displayed exceptional keenness, a fine fighting spirit and great devotion to duty. He has destroyed at least 8 enemy aircraft."

Sources

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