Battle of Britain London Monument – P/O H E Grellis 
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN LONDON MONUMENT 
"Never in the field of human
conflict was so much owed
by so many to so few." 
Contact Information How to Contribute Latest News Home 
About The Monument
– History of the Project
– The Monument Now
– Visitor Information
– Airmens names listed by country of origin
Airmens stories
Privacy Statement The Airmen’s Stories – P/O H E Grellis
Horace Eustace Grellis joined the RAF in September 1921 as an Aircraft Apprentice and passed out in August 1924.
On 7th April 1925 he was aloft in Vickers Virginia J7439 of 9 Squadron when it came down in the sea off Birchington, Kent in fog. The pilot, P/O EAC Bushell, was rescued slightly injured but Grellis had serious injuries. P/O NC Coull and AC1 EE Mills were recorded as missing, presumed drowned.
He was serving in India in the late twenties and received a Mention in Despatches (gazetted 26th June 1931) for operations on the North-West Frontier during the period 23rd April to 12th September 1930. He was then an LAC but in 1931 he was promoted to Corporal.
Some time in the latter part of the thirties Grellis completed his twelve-year engagement and at the age of 30 he went on to the RAF Class ‘E’ Reserve for four years, as a Corporal.
Recalled at the outbreak of war, Grellis remustered as an Airman u/t Air Gunner. He completed his training, was commissioned and joined 25 Squadron at Wittering.
His subsequent service is currently undocumented. Grellis was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.
He died on 7th March 1950.
Battle of Britain Monument © Battle of Britain Archive 2007 – Email: info@bbm.org.uk Site management by Consult-X and Altroy