Citation Distinguished Flying Cross (25 September 1942) Squadron Leader RJC Grant, 485 Squadron RNZAF (Spitfire): "Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, Squadron Leader Grant has completed numerous sorties and has destroyed three enemy aircraft. He has set an excellent example of leadership and efficiency."

Citation Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross (11 June 1943) Wing Commander RJC Grant, 485 Squadron RNZAF (Spitfire): Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Wing Commander Grant has completed many sorties and has displayed exceptional keenness, fine fighting spirit and great devotion to duty. He has destroyed at least eight enemy aircraft."

Grant took command of 485 (NZ) Squadron in May 1942. He flew many sorties in the next few months and in September was awarded the DFC.

On 28 November Grant led five Spitfires to attack ships and barges in the Dutch canals. As they approached the coast and separated he met an He 115 float plane which he shot down into the sea. In November 1942 Grant's younger brother, Ian, was posted to 485. The Squadron took off for a sweep across northern France on February 13 1943. Shortly after crossing the French coast the Spitfires sighted and engaged a force of FW 190's. However a further twenty German fighters attacked out of the sun and three Spitfires, including Ian Grant's, were shot down. Reg Grant saw the threat but was too late to warn his brother. He immediately engaged the FW 190 which had carried out the attack and shot it down.

He completed his operational tour in March 1943, having carried out 150 sorties and destroyed eight enemy aircraft. He was awarded a Bar to the DFC in June 1943.