Donald Ivor Groves
Royal Air Force serviceman commemorated on the Malta Memorial in Floriana. This page forms part of the growing Royal Air Force Personnel Directory documenting those remembered through memorials and historical records.
The Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force (RAF) was established on 1 April 1918 through the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. It became the world's first independent air force and quickly developed into one of the most influential military organisations of the twentieth century.
Throughout its history, the RAF has played a major role in defending the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. From the final months of the First World War and the Battle of Britain to operations throughout Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean, the service has become synonymous with courage, innovation and sacrifice.
The RAF also has a close historical association with Malta. During the Second World War, Malta's strategic position in the Mediterranean made the island one of the most heavily contested areas of the conflict. RAF personnel serving from Malta and throughout the Mediterranean theatre played a vital role in protecting Allied shipping and supporting military operations across the region.
The Malta Memorial, Floriana
Many of the individuals recorded within this directory are commemorated on the Malta Memorial in Floriana. Situated outside Valletta's City Gate, the memorial commemorates nearly 2,300 Commonwealth airmen who lost their lives during the Second World War and have no known grave.
The memorial was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 3 May 1954 and takes the form of a fifteen-metre-high travertine marble column surmounted by a gilded bronze eagle. Around its circular base are bronze panels bearing the names of those remembered.
These men and women served in the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces and died whilst operating throughout the Mediterranean theatre, including Malta, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Yugoslavia and neighbouring regions.
Royal Air Force Personnel Directory
This directory forms part of the eMalta People Project and aims to preserve the memory of Royal Air Force personnel commemorated on memorials connected with Malta and Gozo.
Individual pages may include:
- Full name
- Rank and service number
- Squadron or unit details
- Date and place of birth
- Date of death
- Memorial information
- Photographs where available
- Biographical and historical information
As research continues, additional information and photographs will be added whenever reliable sources become available.
Featured Personnel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Royal Air Force?
The Royal Air Force is the air arm of the United Kingdom's Armed Forces and was established on 1 April 1918 as the world's first independent air force.
Why is the Royal Air Force historically important?
The RAF played a major role during both World Wars and has participated in numerous military and humanitarian operations throughout its history.
What is the Malta Memorial in Floriana?
The Malta Memorial commemorates nearly 2,300 Commonwealth airmen who lost their lives during the Second World War and have no known grave. Many of the individuals recorded within this directory are remembered on the memorial.
What information is included in individual personnel pages?
Individual pages may include names, ranks, service numbers, unit details, memorial information, photographs and biographical information where available.
Will more Royal Air Force personnel be added to this directory?
Yes. The Royal Air Force Personnel Directory is an ongoing historical project and additional personnel pages will be added as research and documentation continue.
Research & Documentation
- Researcher: Paul Berman
- Last Updated: 2026
This page forms part of eMalta's ongoing documentation of the historical, cultural and religious heritage of Malta and Gozo.
Information has been compiled through site visits, field research, historical publications, archival records, maps, plans and other reference sources.
All locations that currently exist featured on eMalta have been personally visited and documented. Where historic sites no longer exist, information has been researched from archival sources and contemporary records.
Images used on eMalta include original photography as well as historical illustrations, maps and photographs reproduced with permission from archives, institutions and copyright holders where applicable. Individual image credits and archive reference numbers are provided where available.