In Memory Of

GRANTHAM, TOM GORDON

Service Details
Age:
19
Date of Birth:
-0001-11-30
Service No:
80281
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
65 Sqdn.
Regiment:
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Death:
1942-04-27
Cause of Death:
Killed in action, "Circus 142" took place, the escort of eight Hurricane bombers who were attacking St. Omer aerodrome. Three sections 'Red', 'White' and 'Blue' made up 65 Squadron's section of the Wing, and consisted of both Rhodesian, Czech and British airmen. The Wing flew across the Channel at 15,000 ft, and when on approach to the target, they were attacked by 50-60 FW-190s. In the ensuing dogfight F/O. D. Davies, in Spitfire #W3461; P/O. Tom Grantham (s/n: 80281) flying Spitfire #BL442, and P/O. Frederick Haslett (s/n: 80143) in Spitfire #AB401, were all reported missing presumed dead. It was thought that both F/O. Davies and P/O. Grantham may have collided as they were together when they went down, P/O. Grantham was just 19 years of age.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
Plot 8. Row A. Grave 21.
Cemetery:
LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY
Localitly:
Pas de Calais
Country:
France
Additional Information
Son of Tom and Ann Grantham, of Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia.