Henry Crowe (RAF officer) facts for kids

Air Commodore Henry George Crowe CBE, MC was a brave pilot who became a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he shot down at least five enemy planes! He was incredibly lucky, surviving being shot down six times in just 11 days. He continued his career in the Royal Air Force, even reaching a high rank during World War II.

Early Life and School

Henry George Crowe was born in Dublin, Ireland, on June 11, 1897. He loved aviation from a young age. He was even the secretary of his school's aviation club!

He went to school in England at Colwyn Bay and Cheltenham School. Later, in 1913, he returned to Ireland. He studied engineering at Trinity College, Dublin. While there, he joined the Officers Training Corps, which prepared him for military service.

World War I Service

Joining the Army

In November 1915, Henry George Crowe joined the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous place where army officers are trained. He finished his training and became a second lieutenant in the Royal Irish Regiment in July 1916. He then joined his regiment in a place called Kemmel.

Becoming a Flying Ace

In September 1917, Crowe joined the Royal Flying Corps as an observer. An observer's job was to help the pilot by looking for enemy planes and targets. He wanted to be a pilot, but there weren't enough observers at the time.

He joined No. 20 Squadron RFC in November 1917. Even before he was officially a flying officer observer, he had already helped shoot down three enemy planes!

On April 1, 1918, his plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. The plane was completely destroyed, but he was not hurt. A few days later, on April 12, his plane was hit many times by bullets during a special mission. Again, he was safe!

He was given the Military Cross in April 1918 for his bravery. By May 1918, he had helped destroy eight German planes. He was shot down three more times, making it six times in just 11 days, but he always walked away unharmed. By August 1918, he finally began his pilot training.

Between the World Wars

After World War I, in April 1919, Crowe became a pilot in 106 Squadron. He officially joined the Royal Air Force as an Observer Officer in August 1919.

He became a pilot in 2 Squadron in February 1920. He even helped with military operations in Ireland, teaching the army about how planes could help them. In November 1921, he became a permanent flying officer. Soon after, he moved to Iraq to fly with 39 Squadron.

Crowe continued to rise through the ranks. He was promoted to flight lieutenant in June 1922. For the next four years, he worked on photo reconnaissance missions, taking pictures from the air. In October 1926, he became a flight commander in 14 Squadron in Jordan. He also attended the RAF Staff College, Andover, to learn more about leading.

In January 1930, he was promoted to squadron leader. He spent three years working in the organization department. After that, he commanded two different squadrons, 23 and 74 Squadrons. He even helped restart 74 Squadron in Malta during a time of tension in 1935.

He was promoted again to wing commander in July 1936. After this, he held several important staff jobs.

World War II Service

When World War II began, Henry George Crowe continued to serve. In January 1940, he was promoted to group captain. He became a deputy director, helping with war training and tactics.

In June 1941, he was promoted to temporary air commodore. In 1942, he went to India to work at the Air Forces Headquarters there. For a short time, from November 1943 to April 1944, he was an acting air vice-marshal, a very high rank.

On June 8, 1944, Air Commodore Henry George Crowe was honored with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire award. In October of that year, he took command of a large group of air units in India.

After World War II

Crowe retired from the Royal Air Force in December 1945. In his retirement, he became a Justice of the Peace, helping with local legal matters in Thornton-le-Dale. He also helped two important organizations, the RAF Association and the RAF Benevolent Fund, which support former air force members and their families. He passed away on April 26, 1983.

Honours and Awards

Military Cross

Lieutenant Henry George Crowe was awarded the Military Cross for his incredible bravery. He flew many dangerous missions, bombing targets and gathering information. Even when his plane was shot down three times, he kept going. His courage and spirit were an amazing example to everyone. He also helped destroy many enemy planes in air battles.

Other Awards

• Commander of the Order of the British Empire awarded June 8, 1944.
• Chinese Cloud and Banner Decoration with Special Cravat awarded June 25, 1946.