Flight Lieutenant Jeff Gray DFM

 

 

 

Served in Bomber Command with 61 Squadron during 1943/4 during one of the most intense periods of the war. He took part in operations to Nuremburg, Dusseldorf, Liepzig, Stettin, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Essen, Sweinfurt, Mailley le Camp and Brunswick - all heavily defended and causing heavy casualties.

During the Battle for Berlin he visited the 'Big City' 9 times. 

Texas 1943
Flight Leiutenant Jeff Gray

After the war, Jeff flew for BOAC, which had been amalgamated with AVM Don Bennet's airline British South American Airways, and which many ex-Pathfinders had found themselves working. They were in the forefront in the change from piston engines to jet engines for haul flights, therefore reducing journey times. He flew many aircraft including the de Havilland DH 106 Comet, on it's maiden flight to Melbourne. Australia, and  also on the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser.

In 2016 he was awarded the Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur medal.

Visit to the House of Commons 2014. Jeff Gray seated far right
WWII Veterans Dennis Bartlett, James Flowers and Jeff Gray.

Ken Johnson, James Flowers, Jim Wright and Jeff Gray with Graham Cowle Project Propeller.

                  F/Lt Jeff Gray DFM passed away on the 4th of October, 2016