Name: George William Crowe
Service Number: 120251
Medals: DFC (awarded in 1943)
Rank: Flying Officer / Squadron Leader
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 106 Squadron - based at Metheringham
George Crowe started the early years of the war by being called-up on the army reserve in the Royal Artillery for service in France.
He subsequently found himself being evacuated from Dunkirk and decided to transfer to RAF aircrew.
He was trained as a navigator/bomb aimer and wore the “O” observer insignia.
He was posted to 106 Squadron at Metheringham on Lancaster's where Guy Gibson was the Squadron Commander.
He completed two tours and took part in numerous raids.
He flew mainly with a captain also with the surname Crowe (Albert).
It is of note that on one occasion when he flew with a different crew he was the first observer to command a Lancaster.
It is also interesting that George Crowe became the first traffic warden in London and issued the first parking ticket on 19/9/60 surrounded by the Paparazzi of that day!
Information and photo provided by George Crowe
Mentions in newspapers, periodicals and books
London Gazette
Croydon and the Second World War