The Memorial Cross issued to the next-of-kin of W/O James Harold Grubb, who was shot down during raid on Karlsruhe, Germany on the night of 2nd February 1945.

 

James Grubb was born 7th August 1922, son of Harold George and Annie Evans Grubb. He was educated at Wanganui Technical College and was working as a storeman before joining the RNZAF in 1941. He served at Hobsonville until remustering to WOP/AG UU/T in April 1942. He trained in Canada, receiving his brevet in January 1943. He embarked for the UK in November 1943 and served on eight operations with 83 and 106 Sqn (Lancasters) in 1944. He joined 189 Squadron at Fulbeck in October 1944, serving on another six ops.

 

On the night of 2nd February 1945,  James's 15th operational sortie, he was assigned as WOp/AG of Lancaster Mk1 PB840. The raid was to Karlsruhe, and consisted of 250 Lancaster bombers and eleven Mosquito aircraft. 14 Lancasters were lost that night, including PB840. Despite the German night fighter force being largely neutered through lack of fuel, it is believed James's aircaft was shot down by Oberfeldwebel Heinrich Schmidt of 2/NJG6. The only survivor was the tail gunner, F/Sgt RS 'Ricky' Dyson GM, who was taken prisoner. James was buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Bayern, Germany.  He was survived by his wife, whom he had married in the UK, and his infant daughter.

 

The Memorial Cross is correctly impressed NZ414563 W/O J.H. GRUBB and is mounted on what appears to be the ring and ribbon of the Long and Efficient Service Medal.