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