Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve • No. 21 Squadron RAF • Malta Memorial
Sergeant Donald Ivor Groves served with No. 21 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War. A Wireless Operator and Air Gunner, he took part in offensive operations from Malta during the height of the Mediterranean air campaign. He was killed in action on 14 January 1942 while flying in a Bristol Blenheim IV on an anti-shipping patrol near the Kerkenna Islands off Tunisia. Aged only nineteen, he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Malta Memorial at Floriana.
Research Status
| Biography Status | Ongoing Research |
|---|---|
| Service Record Verified | Yes |
| Squadron Verified | Yes |
| Date of Death Verified | Yes |
| Family Details Verified | Yes |
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Donald Ivor Groves |
|---|---|
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service Number | 1255452 |
| Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Trade | Wireless Operator / Air Gunner |
| Squadron | No. 21 Squadron RAF |
| Aircraft | Bristol Blenheim IV, Serial Z7431 |
| Base | RAF Luqa, Malta |
| Date of Death | 14 January 1942 |
| Age | 19 |
| Parents | William Henry Groves and Agnes Amelia Groves |
| Home Town | Fulham, London, England |
| Burial / Memorial | Malta Memorial, Floriana, Malta |
| Memorial Panel | Panel 4, Column 1 |
Early Life
Donald Ivor Groves was born around 1922 and was the son of William Henry Groves and Agnes Amelia Groves of Fulham, London. Little is presently known regarding his early life and education, although he belonged to a generation that came of age during the Second World War and volunteered for service with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Military Service
Groves enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and trained as a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner. Aircrew in this role maintained radio communications and defended bomber aircraft against enemy fighters. Following his training he joined No. 21 Squadron RAF, a unit operating Bristol Blenheim light bombers in the Mediterranean theatre.
Service in Malta
By early 1942 No. 21 Squadron was operating from RAF Luqa during one of the most difficult periods of the Siege of Malta. The squadron undertook dangerous missions against Axis shipping supplying enemy forces in North Africa. Aircrew faced intense anti-aircraft fire and frequent fighter attacks while flying over the Mediterranean.
As Wireless Operator and Air Gunner, Sergeant Groves played a vital role in maintaining communications and helping defend his aircraft during these operations.
Final Operation
On 14 January 1942 Sergeant Groves was aboard Bristol Blenheim IV serial number Z7431 during an anti-shipping patrol launched from RAF Luqa. The aircraft attacked enemy shipping near the Kerkenna Islands off Tunisia and was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The aircraft crashed into the sea and all aboard were lost.
Death and Commemoration
Sergeant Donald Ivor Groves was killed in action on 14 January 1942 at the age of nineteen. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Malta Memorial at Floriana, which honours Commonwealth airmen who died during operations in the Mediterranean theatre and whose remains were never recovered.
His name is inscribed on Panel 4, Column 1 of the memorial.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| c.1922 | Born in England. |
| c.1940 | Joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. |
| 1941 | Completed training as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner. |
| 1941 | Posted to No. 21 Squadron RAF. |
| January 1942 | Serving at RAF Luqa, Malta. |
| 14 January 1942 | Killed in action near the Kerkenna Islands, Tunisia. |
Related Pages
Research Note
This biography has been compiled using official military records, memorial registers and published histories of the air war over Malta. eMalta welcomes additional documented information that may improve the historical record.
About this Biography
This biography forms part of the People of Malta project by eMalta, documenting individuals connected with Malta's history and heritage.
Last updated: July 2026
© eMalta