The Airmen's Stories - P/O J D Crossman

John Dallas Crossman was born on 20th March 1919 at Mossman, Queensland, Australia, the son of George Edward and Gladys Allyne Crossman.

He was educated at Cook's Hill Primary School and Newcastle Boys' High School in New South Wales.

In early 1939 Crossman unsuccessfully applied for a short service commission. A second attempt six months later was accepted and on 12th August 1939 he sailed for Britain.

Crossman arrived at 9 EFTS Ansty on 30th October for his initial training. He moved to FTS at Cranwell on 10th April 1940. At the end of the course he was posted directly to 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 14th July but after monoplane flying experience in a Magister, the CO sent Crossman to 5 OTU Aston Down on August 3 for conversion to Hurricanes.

Crossman rejoined 32 Squadron on 26th August. He went north with it to Acklington but on 12th September was posted to 46 Squadron at Stapleford Tawney. On the 15th he probably destroyed a Do17 in an engagement south-east of London.

On 30th September 46 Squadron was jumped by Me109s and Crossman was shot down and killed, his Hurricane V6748 crashing in flames at Tablehurst Farm, Forest Row.

He is buried in Chalfont St Giles churchyard, Buckinghamshire where he had relatives.

There is an immensely detailed further account of Crossman's life at:

kristenalexanderauthor.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=crossman

On 30th June 2017 a memorial was unveiled at the crash site.

Below: this plaque is situated by the Forest Row war memorial.