[1] David, a dental mechanic, had served in the First World War as a sapper on the Western Front and later enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps during the Second World War, discharging with the rank of corporal in 1945.
[2][3] Like his elder brother, Peter, Barry was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne.
In June 1970, Squadron Leader Gration was awarded the Air Force Cross[6] for his services to No.
He was subsequently appointed Station Commander at RAAF Base Fairbairn in the Australian Capital Territory, Director of Operations for the Air Force and then Station Commander at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales.
His brother General Peter Gration was Chief of the Australian Defence Force.