THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
CRAWFORD-COMPTON William Vernon
905967, Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force Reserve
65500, Wing Commander, 485 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force, WW2

CITATION
Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB) military
Gazetted 29 December 1964, Supplement 43529, p3

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) military
Gazetted 4 June 1957, Supplement 41092, p3416
In recognition of distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October-December 1956

Distinguished Service Order
Gazetted 21 September 1943, Supplement 36183, p4245
Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has taken part in a large number of sorties over enemy territory.  By his masterly leadership and exceptional skill and gallant example he has embued the squadron he commands with rare efficiency.  Wing Commander Crawford-Compton who has destroyed at least 13 hostile aircraft and damaged several others has rendered most valuable service

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
Gazetted 20 January 1945
Throughout the pre-invasion period and afterwards, Wing Commander Crawford-Compton has completed his duties with outstanding skill, determination and gallantry.  Since the Award of the Distinguished Service Order he has destroyed at least seven enemy aircraft and whilst operating with the Wing he has destroyed twenty enemy transports.  He is a fearless leader who inspires those under his command by his relentless determination and courage in the face of danger

Distinguished Flying Cross
Gazetted 10 March 1942
This officer has participated in a large number of operational sorties. He has at all times displayed great dash and determination. He has destroyed 2 and probably destroyed another 2 enemy aircraft.  (RAF Web biography)

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross
Gazetted 8 December 1942, Supplement 35819, p5391
This officer has led his flight on many operational sorties with great skill and success. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed a further 5 enemy aircraft bringing his total victories to seven

Silver Star (USA)
Gazetted 16 July 1943, Supplement 36100, p3278

Legion of Honour (France)
Gazetted

Croix de Guerre avec Palm (France)
Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS
Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Order and bar
Distinguished Flying Cross and bar
1939-45 Star
Air Crew Europe Star
       France and Germany
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
General Service Medal 1918
       Palestine 1945-48
Coronation Medal 1953
Silver Star (USA)
Legion of Honour (France)
Croix de Guerre (France)
       Palm

NOTES
Born 2 March 1916, Invercargill, New Zealand
Died 2 January 1988, England