Trafford

Born during the September quarter 1914 in the Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/292,
the eldest son of Samuel & Frances Eaton Groves (nee Brown).

He attended the Mobberley Church School.

1939 National Registration - No Trace.  This indicates that he was already
serving as servicemen were not included in this census.   His parents and
younger brother were residing at 10 Bucklow Avenue, Mobberley.   Samuel
Groves - Married - born on the 22nd August 1885 - occ: Slitterman at
Photographic Paper Factory.   Frances E. Groves - Married - born on the
17th October 1892 - occ: Unpaid Domestic Duties.   Harry Groves - Single -
born on the 27th September 1919 - occ: Motor Mechanic.  They later moved to
Rexton Avenue, Mobberley.

Alfred was a keen golfer and for 14 years was the assistant professional at
the Wilmslow Golf Club.  He commenced his golfing career as a Caddy, aged:
12.

He was engaged to Miss Bessie Golden of Dukinfield Farm, Mobberley.

He enlisted in the R.A.F. a week before war was declared and became a
Wireless Operator Air Gunner.

As a Flight Sergeant, he was awarded the D.F.M. for his bravery in
attacking enemy shipping off the French coast at 50 feet and was Gazetted
on the 22nd August 1941.   He was then serving with 107 Sqn. 

Flying with Bomber Command and acting as Observer in a Mosquito Mk.IV No.
DK309 - GB, he took off from RAF Horsham St. Faith at 12.21 hrs. for a
mission  to Mainz.   It is believed that he was shot down by Uffz. Kolschek
from 4/JG1 in the vicinity of Gent-Mariakerk (Oost Vlanderen), Belgium. 
Both Alfred and the Pilot - Geoffrey William Downe, of the Royal Australian
Air Force were buried together in the Ghent City Cemetery.

Death reported in the 20/08/1942 edition of the Manchester Evening News.

Belgian M.I. " No Greater Love".

Commemorated on the private family gravestone in S.S. Wilfred & Mary Church
Yard, Mobberley.  M.I. "A duty, nobly done".

His father Samuel, died 03/05/1956 aged 70 years and his mother Frances,
died 21/11/1958 aged 66 years.

Commemorated in The Mobberley Parish Council's Booklet - "1914-2014,
Remembering the Men from Mobberley who went to War for their Country" - per
Alistair MacLeod.