Edward Crew (RAF officer) facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal Edward Dixon Crew was a brave officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was born on December 24, 1917, and passed away on August 18, 2002. During the Second World War, he became a famous "nightfighter ace." This means he was a top pilot who was very good at shooting down enemy planes at night.

Edward Crew shot down 15 enemy aircraft. He was also one of the best pilots at stopping the V-1 flying bomb, which was a type of missile used by the enemy.

Edward Crew's Early Life and Training

Edward Dixon Crew was born in Wellingborough, England. He went to Felsted School and then to Downing College, Cambridge, a famous university. While at Cambridge, he joined the University Air Squadron. This group helped students learn to fly. After finishing college, he officially joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This was a special part of the RAF for people who volunteered to serve.

Heroic Actions in World War II

In July 1940, Edward Crew joined No. 604 Squadron RAF. They flew twin-engined planes called Blenheim IF night-fighters. During the Battle of France, his squadron flew missions both day and night. They protected British soldiers leaving Dunkirk.

Later in 1940, his squadron got new planes called Bristol Beaufighters. These planes had early radar systems to help them see in the dark. On April 4, 1941, Edward Crew shot down his first enemy plane, a Heinkel He 111. He quickly shot down two more planes and damaged two others. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1941. By June 1942, he had shot down five enemy aircraft, which made him an "ace." He then received a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross, showing he had earned the award again.

Edward Crew later became a flight commander in No. 85 Squadron RAF. This squadron used fast, radar-equipped De Havilland Mosquito planes. As he gained more victories, he became the commanding officer of No. 96 Squadron RAF. His squadron first used Beaufighters, then switched to Mosquitos.

Between June and September 1944, his squadron was incredibly busy. They shot down 181 V-1 flying bombs! These were dangerous unmanned aircraft. Edward Crew received the Distinguished Service Order for his amazing leadership during this time.

By the end of the Second World War, Edward Crew had shot down 15 enemy aircraft. He also stopped 31 and a half V-1 flying bombs. He was the fourth highest scorer against the V-1 bombs and the best Mosquito pilot at stopping them.

Life After the War

After the war, Edward Crew continued his service in the RAF. From 1948 to 1950, he led No. 45 Squadron RAF in Malaya. They flew Bristol Beaufighters to help stop a conflict called the Malayan Emergency. He earned another Bar to his Distinguished Service Order for his leadership there.

In 1952, he worked with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He commanded a training unit that used planes like the Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck. Back in the UK, he tested new planes like the Gloster Javelin fighter. From 1959 to 1962, he was in charge of RAF Bruggen in Germany.

From 1965 to 1966, he commanded the Air Forces in Borneo. This was during a time of conflict called the Indonesian confrontation. Edward Crew held many important jobs at the Ministry of Defence until he retired in 1973. That same year, he was given the title of Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Later Years and Retirement

After retiring from the RAF, Edward Crew worked for the government for 14 years. He used his knowledge of airfields in his new job. He also served on the Cotswold District Council, helping his local community. He finally retired completely in 1996.

Edward Crew married Virginia in 1945. When he passed away on August 18, 2002, he was survived by his wife and their son.

Honours and Awards

Edward Crew received many important awards for his bravery and leadership:

• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC): Awarded on July 29, 1941, for his skill in flying and shooting down enemy aircraft at night.
• Bar to the DFC: Awarded on June 16, 1942, for continuing to destroy enemy aircraft and setting a great example.
• Distinguished Service Order (DSO): Awarded on September 26, 1944, for his outstanding leadership and for finding ways to stop the V-1 flying bombs.
• Bar to the DSO: Awarded on March 10, 1950, for his excellent service in Malaya.
• Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB): Awarded on January 1, 1973, when he retired.