Andrew Croft facts for kids
Colonel Noel Andrew Cotton Croft (born November 30, 1906 – died June 26, 1998) was a brave British Army officer and an amazing Arctic explorer. He was part of a secret group called the Special Operations Executive during World War II. He also held a world record for the longest journey across Greenland by dog sled, which lasted for 60 years! Later in life, he became the leader of the Cadet Corps for the Metropolitan Police in London.
Contents
Early Life and School
Noel Andrew Croft was born on November 30, 1906, in Stevenage, England. His father was a local vicar. Noel went to Lancing College and was one of the first students at Stowe School. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford University in 1925.
An Adventurous Explorer
Noel Croft loved exploring cold places. He went on several trips to the Arctic.
Exploring Greenland
In 1934, Croft joined the British Trans-Greenland Expedition. He helped map the Crown Prince Frederick Range. He was the photographer and took care of the dogs. To do this, he learned to speak Danish and Greenlandic. He also became an expert at driving dog sleds.
Studying the Arctic
From 1935 to 1936, he was second-in-command of the Oxford University Arctic Expedition. This team spent 14 months studying North-East Land. They learned a lot about the ice and land there.
Awards for Exploration
Because of his important work as an explorer, Noel Croft received special awards:
- The Polar Medal in 1942.
- The Royal Geographical Society's Back Award in 1947.
War Hero and Army Career
During World War II, Croft served with the British Army. He was in Finland, Norway, and Sweden. He also joined a special unit called No. 14 (Arctic) Commando.
Secret Missions
Croft worked with the Special Operations Executive (SOE). This was a secret group that operated behind enemy lines. He led missions from Calvi in Corsica. He used small boats to drop off and pick up secret agents and equipment along the Italian and French coasts. In 1944, he parachuted into Southern France. His job was to help organize the French Resistance, a group fighting against the enemy. He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his bravery in 1945.
Life After the War
After the war, Noel Croft continued his life of service.
Family Life
On July 24, 1952, he married Rosalind Madden.
Police Cadet Leader
In 1960, Croft became the first leader of the Metropolitan Police's Hendon Police Cadet College. He did a great job developing the Cadet Corps. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1970 for his success. He helped organize another Arctic expedition in 1968.
