Graeme was born in 1915 in Canada, but he grew up in Rustington, Sussex. He joined the RAF in the mid-1930s, and during the Second World War flew missions against the Japanese before being transferred to the UK. He flew sorties over Germany and was awarded the American Silver Star for leading US bomber groups against enemy targets. He took command of 190 Squadron in January 1944 and led them through the Normandy Campaign and Market Garden.

On 21 September, 190 Squadron set off for Arnhem once more. Their fighter cover was late and German aircraft pounced on the undefended bombers. Fifteen were shot down by enemy fighters and a further eight were brought down by anti-aircraft fire, nevertheless the survivors continued to Arnhem. Graeme dropped his supplies to the waiting troops but while turning for home his aircraft was hit and crashed. All nine men aboard were killed. Graeme’s second daughter was born a few months later.

Originally buried near where the aircraft came down, in October 1945 Graeme was reburied in Arnhem Oosterbeek War cemetery in Plot 4. Grave D. Grave 12.