In March 1932 he applied to join the RAF, but as he did not have a Civil Air Pilot's license he had to wait until there was a vacancy in the RAF Short Service Commission. He was commissioned an Acting Pilot Officer on probation on 16 March 1934. Robert was then promoted to Flying Officer and then on 16 September 1938 to Flight Lieutenant.
At the outbreak of the Second World War he was with 26 Squadron flying Lysander Army Co-operation aircraft.
On 16 March 1940 Flight Lieutenant (temporay Squadron Leader) Robert Cree Crawford was granted a permament commision in the substantive rank of Flight Lieutenant (London Gazette 3 December 1940).
With effect from 1 December 1941 Squadron Leader Robert Cree Crawford was promoted to Wing Commander (temporary) as per the London Gazette dated 16 December 1941.
Robert served in the Far East with 194 Squadron flying transport aircraft, mainly Dakotas.
Wing Commander Robert Cree Crawford was killed in action on 20 June 1945 and is commemorated at Taukkyan War Cemetery, 12.G.22.
The announcement of a Distinguished Flying Cross was made in the London Gazette dated 19 October 1945. His citation read;
This officer has commanded his squadron since October 1944. Under his leadership the unit has attained a high standard of efficiency in the air. He has completed a large number of sorties across the mountainous jungle country of the Chin hills and the Arakan Mountains in support of the 14th Army. All of his missions have been completed in unarmed aircraft within range of enemy fighters and ground fire. His fearless leadership, determination and devotion to duty have always been outstanding.
Commonwealth War Graves Commision
London Gazette
Air Force Association of Canada
