Gerard Crole facts for kids

Captain Gerard Bruce Crole (7 June 1894 – 31 March 1965) was a brave British soldier and pilot. He was also a talented athlete. He played rugby and cricket for Scotland. During World War I, he became a "flying ace" by shooting down five enemy planes. After the war, he worked in Sudan and later became a school teacher.

Gerard Crole's Early Life and Schooling

Gerard Bruce Crole was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the only son of Gerard Lake Crole. His father was a lawyer, known as an advocate, and a judge called a Sheriff.

Gerard went to school at Edinburgh Academy. Later, he studied at University College, Oxford. He finished his university studies in 1914.

Military Service in World War I

Before World War I began, Gerard Crole was part of the Oxford Officers' Training Corps. This group trained young people to become army officers.

In 1914, he joined the army as a second lieutenant. This is a junior officer rank. He first joined the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays). Then, in 1915, he moved to the Royal Field Artillery.

In 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He became an observer, helping pilots in the air. Later, he became a flying officer, which meant he could pilot planes.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Gerard Crole flew Nieuport Scout planes with No. 40 Squadron. He was very good at aerial combat. On June 25, 1917, he shot down two enemy planes. These were Albatros D.V aircraft. One of these victories was shared with another pilot.

He shot down his third plane on July 2, and his fourth on August 15. His fifth victory happened on August 23. He destroyed a DFW C plane. With five victories, he became known as a "flying ace."

Military Cross Award

On September 25, 1917, Gerard Crole received the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery in battle. His award citation praised his courage. It said he showed "conspicuous gallantry" and "devotion to duty." He was recognized for his "fine offensive spirit" in attacking enemy aircraft. He destroyed several planes and forced many others down.

Prisoner of War

In September 1917, Gerard Crole became a flight commander. He was promoted to the rank of temporary captain. He then moved to No. 43 Squadron.

On November 22, his Sopwith Camel plane was shot down. This happened during a fight with a German pilot named Fritz Rumey. Gerard Crole was captured and became a prisoner of war. He spent the rest of the war in a camp in Germany called Holzminden.

After the war ended in November 1918, he was sent home. In May 1919, he left the Royal Air Force. He then went back to Oxford University. He studied anthropology, which is the study of human societies and cultures.

Amazing Sporting Career

Before the war, Gerard Crole was a talented athlete. He played rugby for Oxford University. He earned a "Blue," which is an award for top athletes at Oxford. He played against Cambridge University in December 1913. He also played golf for Oxford against Cambridge in 1913 and 1914.

Rugby Union Achievements

After the war, Crole continued his rugby career. He was chosen to play for Scotland in the 1920 Five Nations Championship. He played in four matches in 1920. He scored three "tries," which are points in rugby.

In the first game against France, he scored the only try. This helped Scotland win the game. He also played in games against Wales and Ireland. He scored two tries against Ireland, leading to another Scottish victory.

His older half-brother, Phipps Turnbull, had also played rugby for Scotland.

Cricket Success

Gerard Crole was also a very good cricketer. He played for his school, Edinburgh Academy. He also played for a team of Public Schools against the MCC.

In 1920, he played in two "first-class" cricket matches. These are top-level games. He played for Oxford University against the Army. He scored 47 runs in one part of the game, called an innings.

He also played one game for the Scotland national team against Ireland. He scored 35 runs in his first innings. He also took three wickets, which means he got three Irish batsmen out. Scotland won that game.

Career in Sudan and Later Life

In 1920, Gerard Crole joined the Sudan Political Service. This was a group of British officials who helped govern Sudan. Sudan was then under British and Egyptian control.

He worked in different roles across Sudan. He was an Assistant District Commissioner in Wad Madani. He also helped train local officials in Khartoum. He served as a District Commissioner in El Fasher and Nyala. He was also a Deputy Governor in Wau and Ed Dueim.

In 1932, he received an award called the Order of the Nile. This award came from the King of Egypt. It was given for his valuable service to the Sudan Government. He left the Sudan Political Service in 1944.

After his time in Sudan, Gerard Crole became a schoolmaster. He taught at a school. He passed away in Aberdeen, Scotland, on March 31, 1965. He is buried in his family's plot at Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.

Gerard Crole's Family Life

Gerard Crole married Katherine Margaret House in 1921. They had three sons together. Their names were Gerard Malcolm, Robin, and Colin.

See also

• List of Scottish cricket and rugby union players
• List of World War I aces credited with 5 victories