24 Facts About Michael Crossley

Michael Crossley is credited with having destroyed at least 22 aircraft and for a time was the RAF's most successful fighter pilot of the Second World War.

Michael Crossley flew extensively with the squadron for the first two months of the Battle of Britain, becoming its commander in mid-August 1940.

Michael Crossley relinquished command of the squadron in April 1941 and was sent to the United States on test pilot duties.

Michael Crossley joined the Royal Air Force in 1935 on a short service commission, commencing his training in November.

Michael Crossley proceeded onto No 11 Flying Training School early the following year.

Michael Crossley was confirmed as a pilot officer on 25 November 1936, by which time he had been posted to No 32 Squadron.

Michael Crossley was promoted flying officer on 25 May 1938.

Michael Crossley became a flight commander just before the outbreak of war, being promoted to acting flight lieutenant on 7 August 1939.

Michael Crossley was nicknamed the "Red Knight" by virtue of leading No 32 Squadron's "Red Flight".

Michael Crossley carried out a successful offensive sortie the next day, strafing German troop carrying transport aircraft at Ypenburg Airfield.

Flight Lieutenant Michael Crossley sighted seventeen Heinkel 111's, and displayed outstanding initiative and courage in his method of attack.

Flight Lieutenant Michael Crossley himself destroyed two, and had to break off a further fight as his ammunition was expended.

Michael Crossley had his first combat in May, 1940, when he succeeded in destroying a Messerschmitt 109.

Michael Crossley has displayed exceptional skill and leadership and, since the middle of May, 1940, has destroyed seven enemy aircraft.

Three days later, with the Luftwaffe escalating its operations, and Michael Crossley destroyed two Ju 88s near Portsmouth and then in a subsequent sortie to intercept a raid on Croydon, shot down two Dornier Do 17 medium bombers, one shared with another pilot.

The next day, Michael Crossley was promoted to squadron leader and succeeded John Worrall as commander of No 32 Squadron.

The day of his promotion, Michael Crossley destroyed three aircraft: a Bf 109 near Folkestone, a Ju 88 over Sevenoaks, and a Bf 110, over Sevenoaks.

Michael Crossley damaged one Do 17 and his charge caused the formation to lose cohesion and scatter.

Michael Crossley landed in Gillingham and was taken by Home Guard personnel to a nearby pub for a drink.

Michael Crossley was the RAF's most successful fighter pilot by this stage of the war, having 22 confirmed victories.

Squadron Leader Michael Crossley has now destroyed a total of eighteen enemy aircraft and possibly another five.

Michael Crossley has displayed rare qualities as a leader; his example of courage and tenacity of purpose have proved an inspiration to other members of his squadron.

Michael Crossley ended the war credited with 22 aerial victories, two of which were shared with other pilots, with another aircraft damaged.

Michael Crossley died at his home at White River in the Eastern Transvaal on 7 December 1987.