The Airmen's Stories - P/O H R Crowley

Harold Reginald Crowley, of Devonport, was born on 19th June 1915 and joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice in January 1931, passing out in December 1933.

Crowley later remustered as an Air Gunner and flew in Hawker Harts with 12 Squadron at Andover.

In September 1939 Crowley was serving with 64 Squadron at Church Fenton. When the squadron began to receive Spitfires in exchange for its Blenheims in April 1940, Crowley, then a Pilot Officer, moved to 219 Squadron at Catterick on 22nd May.

With the advent of airborne radar and the Beaufighter, Crowley retrained as a Radar Operator. In early October 1940 he went on a short attachment to 600 Squadron at Redhill with a 219 Beaufighter, to test out the new radar equipment operationally.

He later transferred to the Technical Branch, as a signals specialist.

He stayed in the RAF after the war, holding responsible staff appointments in signals and communication.

Crowley retired on 1st July 1965 as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain.

He died in May 1984.