Bernard was born in Dunedin on 18 July 1916. He was educated at Southland TColl at In'gill and was Captain of the first XV. After leaving school he was employed as a watersider at Port of Bluff.
On 27 July 1941 Bernard was at RNZAF Levin /Initial Training Wing as an Airman Pilot under training. On 5 September he was at 1 Elementary Flying Training School.
On 17 November he embarked for Canada and on arrival was attached to the RCAF on 1 December. Four days later he was posted to 4 Service Flying Training School.
He received his pilot badge and Comission on 27 March 1942.
He moved to 1 Y Depot on 8 April 1942 before embarking for the UK on 1 May. On arrival he was attached to the RAF. On the 13 May he was posted to 3 PRC. On 30 June he was at 3 Pilot Advanced Flying Unit before going on to 20 OTU flying Wellingtons on 11 August. On 13 November he was posted to 1657 Heavy Conversion Unit on Stirlings.
On 6 February 1943 he was posted to 15 Squadron flying Stirlings.
Bernard flew one operational sortie
19/02/43 Stirling BF378 Wilhelmshaven
At 1753hrs on the night of the 19 February 1943 Bernard took off at the controls of Stirling BF378 LS-T to attack Wilhelmshaven. As they passed over the Dutch coast on the return journey it is beleived the Stirling was shot down by a night fighter and crashed into the Waddenzee at around 2114hrs.
Flying Officer Bernard Verdun Crawford NZ414256, RNZAF is buried at the Ameland (Nes) General Cemetery Friesland, Netherlands plot D.13.15.
Son of Herbert Henry & Catherine Crawford (nee Dewar), In'gill.
London Gazette
Errol Martyn For Your Tomorrow Vol 2
