William Angus Grant

Flying Officer, Air Navigator
Royal Canadian Air Force
Killed in Action – May 5, 1943

Service Summary

William Angus Grant was born in October 1919 on the family farm in the Cameron District north of Minnedosa, Manitoba. After graduating from Minnedosa Collegiate, he attended the University of Manitoba, studying Science with a major in Chemistry.

Seeking to continue his education, he worked in the Vancouver shipyards before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in October 1941.

Wartime Experience

William trained in Ontario, Toronto, and Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec. On August 28, 1942, he earned his Air Navigator Wings, graduating second in his class with an average of 90 percent.

He sailed overseas and arrived in England in October 1942, where he joined No. 408 “Goose” Squadron flying Halifax bombers.

On the night of May 4–5, 1943, William’s crew failed to return from a bombing mission over Dortmund, Germany. He was listed missing and later presumed killed in action.

Commemoration

William Angus Grant is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England, among airmen with no known grave.

His family established the William Angus Grant Memorial Award at Minnedosa Collegiate in his memory.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• 1939–45 Star

• Air Crew Europe Star

• War Medal 1939–45