Michael Crossley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Nicholson Crossley
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Wing Commander Crossley standing in front of a Hawker Typhoon at RAF Gravesend, Kent
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| Nickname(s) | Red Knight/Baron |
| Born | 20 May 1912 Halford, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | 7 December 1987 (aged 75) White River, South Africa |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1945 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands held | No. 32 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Michael Nicholson Crossley was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy aircraft. Crossley led No. 32 Squadron RAF during the famous Battle of Britain. He was incredibly skilled, taking down 20 enemy planes by himself and helping to destroy two others. All his victories were achieved while flying the Hawker Hurricane aircraft.
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Early Life and Joining the RAF
Michael Crossley was born in Halford, Warwickshire, England, on May 29, 1912. He went to school at Eton College. After that, he studied engineering at the College of Aeronautical Engineering in Chelsea.
In 1936, Crossley joined the Royal Air Force. He became a pilot officer on November 25, 1936. After his training, he was sent to join No. 32 Squadron. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a flying officer in 1938 and a flight commander just before the war started in 1939.
Michael Crossley in the Second World War
Crossley first experienced combat during the Battle for France in May 1940. He attacked German transport planes at Ypenburg Airfield in the Netherlands. By early June, he had already destroyed six enemy aircraft. This included four Messerschmitt Bf 109s, which were fast German fighter planes.
Receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross
Because of his bravery and success, Michael Crossley was given the Distinguished Flying Cross on June 21, 1940. This is a very important award for pilots who show great courage. King George VI himself presented the award to Crossley.
His award citation mentioned a time in June 1940 when he led two squadrons of fighters. They found seventeen Heinkel 111 bombers. Crossley showed amazing courage in his attack. As a result, seven enemy bombers were destroyed, and Crossley personally shot down two of them. He had already destroyed a Messerschmitt 109 in May.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a huge air battle over Britain in 1940. Crossley played a key role in it. He was promoted to squadron leader on August 16, 1940. Between August 12 and 18, he shot down ten more enemy planes and shared in destroying another.
Crossley was shot down twice himself during this intense period, on August 18 and 25. August 18, 1940, was known as The Hardest Day because of the very heavy fighting. Crossley and his squadron were involved in many battles that day. He was shot down during the last big attack of that day.
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order
Crossley received another high honor, the Distinguished Service Order, on August 30, 1940. This award is for outstanding leadership and courage in battle.
His award citation praised his leadership and courage. It noted that he had flown almost constantly since the war began. He had fought in battles over Holland, Belgium, and France. In August, he destroyed two Junkers 88 bombers over Portsmouth and helped destroy another over Croydon. He even chased a Junkers 88 until his ammunition ran out, then stayed with it to protect his squadron mates until they destroyed it. By this time, Squadron Leader Crossley had destroyed eighteen enemy aircraft.
Later War Service and Retirement
Crossley was later mentioned in official reports for his bravery on January 1, 1941. His squadron was given a rest in late August 1940. Crossley stayed with the unit until April 1941. He then became a test pilot for the British Air Commission in the USA.
He was promoted to Wing Commander on September 1, 1942. In 1943, he returned to the UK and became a wing leader at RAF Detling. However, his flying career ended soon after when he became ill with tuberculosis.
After the war, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire on January 1, 1946. He left the RAF later that year and officially retired from the RAF Reserve in 1957.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, Michael Crossley moved to South Africa to become a farmer. He lived there until he passed away in 1987.
Crossley was sometimes called "Red Knight." This nickname came from the fact that he commanded the "Red Section" of No. 32 Squadron.
