An engineer, Cyril Marconi Crowe received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 898 on a Grahame-White biplane at the Grahame-White School, Hendon on 8 September 1914. He pioneered "dive and climb"
tactics for the S.E.5. As a flight commander with 56 Squadron, despite having his goggles shot from his face in a fight on 7 May 1917, Crowe survived without injury and scored 14 victories. Upon the death
of James McCudden, he assumed command of 60 Squadron. But
shortly thereafter, returning from a party at Dieppe on 29 July 1918, Crowe drove his automobile
into a tree. His two passengers, Owen Scholte and a Major
Foggin, were killed in the crash. Crowe was court martialled and reduced in rank to Captain for a month before
being posted as a Major to 85 Squadron on 28 August 1918 for the duration of the war. With this unit he scored his final victory on 16 September 1918. Crowe was a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force during World War II.
"[Crowe] is not afraid of anything and goes after old Huns like a rocket and yet he is extraordinarily prudent." Arthur Rhys Davids, member of Crowe's 'B' Flight, 56 Squadron
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates, 1910-1950
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates, 1910-1950
In a Cloud-Bank, 14 Feb 1917, 1 of 3
In a Cloud-Bank, 14 Feb 1917, 2 of 3
In a Cloud-Bank, 14 Feb 1917, 3 of 3
Looping the Loop at Brighton
Military Cross (MC)
Capt. Cyril Marconi Crowe, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and skill as a leader of offensive patrols, many times attacking hostile formations single-handed, and descending to low altitudes under heavy anti-aircraft fire. He has been responsible for the destruction of several enemy machines.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 July 1917 (30188/7225)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Capt. Cyril Marconi Crowe. M.C.
This officer has been engaged on active operations over the lines for over twelve months, and has accounted for ten enemy aeroplanes. He is a most successful leader, distinguished for skill and ibravery. On a recent occasion he, accompanied by two other machines, attacked an enemy formation consisting of four biplanes and one triplane. Having destroyed a biplane he engaged the triplane at close range and destroyed that also.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11250)
