GRAVES Michael Adrian Fl/Lt DFC 616 Sqn

Fl Lt Michael Adrian Graves DFC RAF No 69475

b 18th August 1921 Brussels d. 31st Oct 1949 Yeovil

Michael was educated at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire and was the eldest son of Captain Sir Cecil Graves, joint director of the BBC with Robert W Frost from 26th Jan 1942 to 6th September 1943.Having joined the RAF ,Michael was promoted to Pilot Officer on the 19th June 1941.While serving with 126 Sqn flying Hurricanes during the Siege of Malta in May 1942, he was awarded the DFC.( 3rd July 1942). His citation stated “Graves is a skilful pilot and a fine leader. During May 1942,in Malta, he led the squadron in an attack on an enemy bombing force and although the bombers were heavily escorted by fighters, Michael’s squadron destroyed five Italian bombers. This officer personally destroyed at least three hostile aircraft”. Michael was then posted to 610 Sqn from 57 OTU on the 14th May 1943 and promoted to Flight Lieutenant on 31st July 1943. Later that year on the 14th October 1943, he was posted to 616 Sqn as B Flight Commander. On leaving 610 Sqn the ORG’s stated “He was one of the youngest pilots and very popular member of the squadron. His promotion was certainly well deserved” By the 3rd August 1944, he was flying Meteors but just before that on the 13th July, he had ditched in the Channel and been rescued by a Walrus. After the war, in June 1946, he married Pauline Billie Poole in Marylebone London and they had a son Michael together. Michael Adrian Graves was tragically killed while working for Westlands in Yeovil. The Newspaper article of the event in 1949 tells of a very brave man.