My late grandfather LAC Frank Gant served with 51 Sqn at Snaith and later 578 Sqn at Burn as an engine fitter. Unusually (it seems) for groundcrew he was mentioned in dispatches.

Does anyone have any recollections of my grandfather and can anyone offer any explanation as to why groundcrew might have been mentioned in dispatches?. Perhaps it is not as unusual as I think?

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Ashley

Was your grandfather assigned to any plane, my father flew with both squadrons 43,44. F/O PJ Grey [Aust.]

I know of a few accidents that occured at RAF Snaith

There was a serious bomb dump explosion and a few occasions when bombers accidentally dropped there load onto the tarmac making the crew jump for cover.

maybe with a date i could work it out.

I am visiting RAF Snaith this sunday 23/06/2006 for a memorial day where im placing a plaque into the memorial garden for LW546 lost on 6/8/44

happy hunting

578 squadron association are having their re union at Selby abbey on Sat 12 may 2007. Come along and meet the surviing vet's.

I spoke to a ground radio engineer from 578 squadron today regarding your enquiry.
Apparently the ground crew were mentioned in dispatches because of their outstanding service records regarding the Bristol engines.
A plaque can be found at Burn Chapel commemorating this occasion.
Hope this is of interest.