Cyril Crowe facts for kids

Wing Commander Cyril Marconi Crowe MC, DFC (born 6 January 1894 – died 31 May 1974) was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down 15 enemy aircraft.

Early Life and School

Cyril Marconi Crowe was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Crowe. His family lived in a place called Saltburn-by-the-Sea in Yorkshire, England.

He went to Mill Hill School from 1907 to 1911. This is where he got his education before becoming a pilot.

Becoming a Pilot in World War I

Cyril Crowe learned to fly planes very early on. He earned his pilot's license, called an Aviator's Certificate, on 8 September 1914. He learned at the Grahame-White Flying School.

Soon after, on 1 October 1914, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He started as a second lieutenant. By December, he was a flying officer.

He quickly moved up in rank. In April 1915, he became a lieutenant. By October, he was a flight commander, which meant he led a group of planes. He was promoted to captain in December.

Flying with No. 56 Squadron

Cyril Crowe was a very skilled pilot. Because of his talent, he was chosen to be a flight commander in a new group called No. 56 Squadron. He joined them on 19 April 1917.

He got his first aerial victory just five days later, on 24 April 1917. By the end of April, he had shot down four enemy planes!

Crowe was even involved in the last flight of another famous pilot, Albert Ball. On 7 May, Crowe was the last British pilot to see Ball alive during a dogfight. Ball was last seen flying into a big storm cloud.

Between May and June 1917, Crowe shot down five more planes. This brought his total victories to nine.

Instructor and Squadron Leader

In October 1917, Crowe became a squadron commander. He was given the temporary rank of major. He then worked as an instructor at the Central Flying School, teaching other pilots.

He returned to No. 56 Squadron in March 1918. He continued to be successful, shooting down five more enemy aircraft. This brought his total victories to 14.

After another famous pilot, James McCudden, passed away, Crowe took over command of No. 60 Squadron. He was again given the temporary rank of major.

Later, an accident caused a temporary change in his rank. However, he was soon back as a major. He then took command of No. 85 Squadron. He scored his fifteenth and final victory on 16 September 1918.

Another pilot, Arthur Rhys-Davids, described Crowe's flying skills. He said Crowe was "not afraid of anything" and would chase enemy planes "like a rocket." He also said Crowe was "extraordinarily prudent," meaning he was careful too.

After World War I ended, Cyril Crowe left the Royal Air Force in September 1919.

Life Between the Wars

Cyril Crowe got married to Elena Temperley in Argentina on 21 September 1929. They had four children together: Peter, Robin, Bettina, and Sally.

He rejoined the Royal Air Force as a flight lieutenant in the Reserve of Air Force Officers in November 1937.

World War II Service

When World War II began in September 1939, Crowe joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He served as a flight lieutenant and later rose to the rank of Wing Commander.

He continued to serve until May 1954, when he finally left the Royal Air Force.

Awards and Recognition

Cyril Marconi Crowe received two important awards for his bravery and skill:

Military Cross (MC)

This award was given to Captain Cyril Marconi Crowe for being very brave and skilled. He often attacked enemy planes alone and flew low under heavy fire. He was responsible for destroying several enemy aircraft.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Captain Cyril Marconi Crowe also received this award. He had been flying missions for over a year and had shot down ten enemy planes. He was a very successful leader, known for his skill and bravery. Once, he and two other planes attacked a group of five enemy aircraft. He destroyed one plane, then fought another up close and destroyed that one too.