Major 'Billy' Crowe.

I wish to point out that Cyril Crowe's court martial was a mere formality and he was so highly thought of and such a valuable member of the RFC that he was re-instated within a month and given the command of 85 Squadron.

This is no way to treat an ACE to focus on a small indiscretion in such a distinguished heroic career.

[Amy]

I think Bettina is referring Major Crowe's bio piece here at the 'Drome: Major Cyril Marconi Crowe.

Affirmative - Amy - On the loss of both flight commanders on 7.May, he than ran all three flights virtually singlehanded. Thereby restoring lost confidence. Most of all he survived. The only comment The Aerodrome can make is demotion for one month.

[Vin]

Bettina

His bio reveals that he

 survived the war and lived to 1974
 pioneered a fighting technique
 succeeded McCudden as commander of 60RAF (the bio on McCudden does not mention 60RAF)
 served in a number of other squadrons
 achieved the rank of major
 was credited with 15 victories
 subsequent to the court martial was posted to 85RAF
 was decorated with a DFC and Military Cross

a bit more than “the only comment” Why not post any additional information you have to Scott for inclusion.


Vin

[Amy]

Bettina:

Thanks for the added information and setting the story straight regarding the temporary demotion. Maybe Scott will read this and add the latest information. Some resources can be pretty scanty so Scott may not have had access to the whole story.

Amy

[Ron_F]

There is the rest of the story that Bettina is trying to tell in Above the Trenches on Crowe.
He commanded 60 sqd, then 85 after his courtmartial and reduction in rank for a month. commanded 85 till end of war.
served in WW2 becoming a Wing Commander.
Id say he did pretty good.
I like the part on developing tactics with Se5s. Boom and Zoom as its known today in ACM and BFM air tactics.

fwiw,
Ron

A Commander of 56 Sqd. PHOENIX. Rhys Davids a mbr. of Crowe's B Flight said "he is not afraid of anything and goes after old Huns like a rocket, and yet he is extraordinarily prudent'.
The bio does seem a little inadequate.