Stanley Bernard "Stan" Grant RAF   AVM CB,  DFC & Bar,  Mid (x2) Born 31 May 1919 xx January 1937: Flight Cadet, 'B' Sqn, RAF College. 17 Dec. 1938: Appointed to a Permanent Commission. xx xxx 1940: Pilot, 65 Squadron. xx Aug 1941: Flight Commander, No 65 Sqn. xx xxx xxxx: Attended CFS? xx February 1941: Instructor, No 5 OTU. xx December 1941: Flight Commander, 601 Squadron. On April 30th Grant and four other pilots were flown to Gibraltar to lead in a further group of 47 Spitfires, which they did on May 9th from the American Carrier USS Wasp, plus 17 Spitfires from HMS Eagle (Operation Bowery). Having returned to Gibraltar HMS Eagle delivered a further 17 Spitfires on May 18th (Operation LB). On March 7th 1942 he led the first flight of 15 Spitfires to Malta from the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (Operation Spotter). On arrival, the aircraft were used to re-equip 249 Squadron with Grant taking over as the new CO a week later. 30 May 1942: Air Staff, HQ RAF Middle East. xx August 1942: Wing Leader, Takali Wing, Malta. 19 May 1943: Air Staff, HQ No 203 (Training/Maintenance) Group. xx xxx xxxx: Attended RAF Staff College. 21 November 1944: Command Training Officer, HQ Mediterranean Allied Air Force xx xxx 1946: Staff, Directorate of Policy (Air Staff). xx xxx 1948: Served in Flying Training Command. 27 June 1955: SASO, HQ No 13 (Fighter) Group. xx November 1956: Staff Officer, SEATO, Bangkok. 27 July 1959: Officer Commanding, RAF Stradishall. xx January 1962: Attended Imperial Defence College. 21 December 1962: Assistant Chief of Staff (Intelligence), HQ Allied Air Forces Central Europe. 24 July 1965: Senior Directing Staff (Air), Imperial Defence College. 4 April 1968: Commander, HQ British Forces Gulf. (CGFG). Stan died 6 July 1987

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RANKS : P/O: 17 Dec 1938 F/O: 17 Jun 1940 F/L (WS): 17 Jun 1941 Act S/L: 7 Mar 1942? S/L (WS): 24 Sep 1942 S/L : 1 Jul 1943 W/C : 1 Jul 1950 Act G/C : 27 Jun 1955? G/C : 1 Jan 1957 A/C : 1 Jan 1962 Act AVM : xx xxx 1965 AVM : 1 Jan 1966 ______ An early photo of Stan before he got any Gongs

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Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross

“Acting Squadron Leader Stanley Bernard GRANT (33417), No.249 Squadron.

This officer is an excellent fighter pilot.  On one occasion he led a force of fighter aircraft over many miles of sea into Malta.  On the same day, after his aircraft had been refuelled, he took off and destroyed a Junkers 88. For the rest of the day he remained at the head of his squadron in a series of fierce battles over the island.  He has destroyed at least 4 enemy aircraft and damaged many more.”

(London Gazette – 5 June 1942)

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Citation for the award of the Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

“Acting Wing Commander Stanley Bernard GRANT, D.F.C. (33417).

 In December, 1942, this officer flew the leading aircraft of a formation acting as escort to a force of fighter bombers.  During the flight, 63 enemy air transports escorted by 5 twin-engined fighters were intercepted.  Leaving the fighter bombers to attack the transports, Wing Commander Grant led his formation in an attack on the enemy fighters, all of which were shot down.  This officer, who displayed great dash, destroyed 2 of them. He has participated in many sorties and as a result of his outstanding work, much success has been achieved.  He has at all time's proved himself to be an inspiring and courageous leader.”

(London Gazette – 29 January 1943)

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Air Ministry, 1st January, 1945

The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches:
S. B. GRANT, D.F.C. (33417)

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Victories Include :

6.5 / 5 / 6

* Shown here as a probable in his final score

Stats from Aces High 2nd Ed. (Shores/Williams) & Aces high Vol. 2 (Shores)

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Air Ministry 1st January, 1946

The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches:
S. B. GRANT (33417)

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1968: Commander, HQ British Forces Gulf.
(A.D.C. - Captain C.M.J. O’Brien 14th/20th King’s Hussars)

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Thanks go out to

Conor O'Brien who sent the pix and info. He writes :
"I was his ADC in Bahrain when he was an Air Vice Marshall in 1968/9. A charming man and a delight to work for."

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