Victor Crutchley was a First World War recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, and a senior Royal Navy officer during the Second World War.
20 Facts About Victor Crutchley
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Victor Crutchley's mother had been maid of honour to Queen Victoria.
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Victor Crutchley was a godchild of Queen Victoria.
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Victor Crutchley joined the navy in 1906 and was educated at the Royal Naval College, Osborne and Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
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Victor Crutchley was a polo player, and was invited to play for Keyes' polo team, the Centurions.
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At one point in 1927, Victor Crutchley played on the same team as Keyes, the Duke of York, and Louis Mountbatten.
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In November 1935 Victor Crutchley took the 1st MSF to join the Mediterranean Fleet in Alexandria, and cruised to Famagusta, Cyprus for 10 days during the winter.
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The inquiry led to the removal of three of Victor Crutchley's officers, including his executive officer.
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Victor Crutchley disagreed with the findings of the Inquiry and made sure that the confidential report on his executive officer would lead to a promotion to captain.
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Victor Crutchley served as Flag Captain to first Pound and then to Admiral Andrew Cunningham up to the outbreak of war.
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Victor Crutchley accompanied nine destroyers into Ofotfjord, where eight German destroyers were sunk or scuttled.
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On 13 June 1942 Victor Crutchley succeeded Rear Admiral John Crace in command of Task Force 44, the Australian Squadron, based in Brisbane, the last Briton to do so.
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Victor Crutchley was under Admiral Richmond K Turner of the United States Navy, commander of the amphibious force.
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Victor Crutchley summoned Crutchley and Major General Alexander Vandegrift to an evening conference on his flagship.
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Victor Crutchley took Australia to the amphibious anchorage, leaving five cruisers and six destroyers on guard to the west.
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Victor Crutchley remained with the RAN in the South West Pacific, commanding TF 44 for another 23 months.
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In September 1944, Victor Crutchley received the American Legion of Merit in the degree of Chief Commander.
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Victor Crutchley retired in 1947 and was promoted to admiral in 1949.
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Victor Crutchley enjoyed a long retirement at Mappercombe Manor, near Bridport in Dorset.
20.
In 1945, Victor Crutchley had bought two paintings by the landscape artist Bernardo Bellotto.