Denis Crowley-Milling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Denis Crowley-Milling
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| Nickname(s) | Crow |
| Born | 22 March 1919 St. Asaph, Wales |
| Died | 1 December 1996 (aged 77) Westminster, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937–1975 |
| Rank | Air Marshal |
| Commands held | No. 46 Group (1973) No. 38 Group (1970–72) RAF Hong Kong (1964–66) RAF Leconfield (1962–64) No. 6 Squadron (1947–50) No. 121 Wing (1943) No. 181 Squadron (1942–43) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Air Efficiency Award |
| Other work | Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod |
Air Marshal Sir Denis Crowley-Milling (born March 22, 1919 – died December 1, 1996) was a brave fighter pilot during World War II. Later, he became a high-ranking officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Contents
World War II Hero
Denis Crowley-Milling started his career as an apprentice at Rolls-Royce. In 1937, he joined the Royal Air Force as a trainee pilot. He flew Gloster Gladiator biplanes and later the faster Hawker Hurricane fighter planes.
In April 1940, he became a pilot officer and joined No. 615 Squadron. His experience from Rolls-Royce was very useful. When some planes got separated from their ground crew in France, he taught other pilots how to fix them. They managed to fly away just before German tanks arrived!
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
In June 1940, he joined No. 242 Squadron. He flew during the famous Battle of Britain, where a small number of RAF pilots, known as "The Few", defended Britain from German air attacks. His squadron moved to RAF Coltishall, and Crowley-Milling often flew alongside the famous pilot Douglas Bader.
For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on April 11, 1941. This award recognized his courage. For example, he once chased a German Junkers 88 plane far out to sea. Even though his own plane was badly damaged, he kept attacking until the enemy plane was on fire. He destroyed at least four enemy aircraft during this time.
Shot Down and Escape
On June 13, 1941, he became a flight commander with No. 610 Squadron. On August 21, 1941, his plane was shot down over France while he was protecting Stirling bombers. But with help from the French Resistance, he managed to escape capture! He got sick in Spain but eventually returned to Britain and rejoined his squadron.
He received a Bar to his DFC on September 29, 1942. This meant he had earned the award a second time. The award recognized his continued courage and skill in fighting the enemy.
New Roles and Eye Problems
In September 1942, he was promoted to acting squadron leader. He took command of No. 181 Squadron, which flew Hawker Typhoon planes. These planes were used as fighter-bombers. He was promoted again to acting wing commander in June 1943 and led No. 121 Wing for four months. For this, he received the Distinguished Service Order.
However, in October 1943, he started having problems with his eyesight. Because of this, he could no longer fly combat missions. He spent the rest of the war in various staff jobs. During his time as a combat pilot, Crowley-Milling shot down four enemy planes for sure, and shared in the destruction of two others.
After the War
After the war, his eyesight got better. He continued his career in the RAF and was given a permanent commission in 1945. In 1947, he became a squadron leader and commanded No. 6 Squadron in Palestine, flying Hawker Tempest planes.
He received many more promotions and held important leadership roles. He commanded RAF Leconfield (1962–1964), RAF Hong Kong (1964–1966), No. 38 Group RAF (1970–1972), and No. 46 Group RAF (1973–1974). He was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1963 and was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1973. This meant he was called "Sir Denis."
Retirement and Later Work
Sir Denis Crowley-Milling retired from the RAF in 1975. For the next six years, he worked for the RAF Benevolent Fund, a charity that helps RAF personnel and their families. He also helped start the International Air Tattoo, a huge air show.
From 1979 to 1985, he held a special role called Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod. He was also involved with many charities, including the Not Forgotten Association. He continued to support the Douglas Bader Foundation, named after his old friend. Sir Denis Crowley-Milling passed away on December 1, 1996, in London.
See also
- List of RAF aircrew in the Battle of Britain
- List of World War II aces from the United Kingdom
- Reach for the Sky, a 1956 film where a character based on Crowley-Milling was played by Basil Appleby.
