Squadron Leader Grant Kerr DFC

[keith A]

I know this pilot later flew Hurricanes with 42 Squadron and Spitfires with 152 Squadron but what was his career prior to this? I know his later career was in the Far East but assume he served in ETO or ME prior to 1943?

regards

Keith

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

A clue to Grant's prior service:

19-6-1943
No.42 Sqn
Blenheim V BA684 'B'

Crashed in flames during raid on Pinlebu. Crew baled out and later picked up by a patrol of the Seaforth Highlanders.

F/O G Kerr
F/Sgt Smith
F/Sgt Wilson

See:
The Bristol Blenheim/Warner(2nd ed.) p.584 and Air War for Burma/Shores. p.71.

Col.

[keith A]

Cheers Col,

Looks like he was a bomber boy before converting to Hurris. This is interesting because he took part in the "Channel Dash" in 1942. I thought he'd be a fighter pilot but now it looks as if he was flying Beauforts with 42 Squadron.

best regards

Keith

[Col Bruggy]

Hello Keith,

Indeed he was! One place you can read an account of his activities during the "Channel Dash", is here:

Fiasco:The Break-out of the German Battleships.
Potter,John Deane
London:William Heinemann,1970.
pp.164-6.

His Wireless Operator is named as Sgt Waller, and his Air Gunner, Sgt Smith.

Col.

[keith A]

thanks mate