Mike Crosley
INSPIRATIONAL Second World War flying ace Cmdr Mike Crosley has died peacefully at a Newport nursing home, aged 90.
Cmdr Crosley, from Binstead, was born in Liverpool, when his father was a member of a touring opera company playing there.
His family hailed from Hampshire and it was that close connection with the Island that drew Cmdr Crosley and his wife, Joan, to live here in 1976.
Cmdr Crosley became a fighter pilot during the last war, flying Sea Hurricanes and then Seafires. He saw action in Norway, Malta and Russian convoys, North Africa, the D-Day landings, and, finally, aged just 24, as commanding officer of 880 Squadron with the Pacific Fleet on HMS Implacable.
He survived the sinking, in just six minutes, of the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle in 1942 and became one of only 24 navy "Ace" fighter pilots mentioned in despatches. He was awarded DSCs in 1943 and 1945.
A distinguished career as a test pilot followed the war, punctuated by flying Sea Furies in the Korean War from HMS Ocean.
He was awarded the Queen’s commendation for valuable services in the air in 1955 and, seven years later, was the first British pilot to fly the Phantom A35 in the USA in 1962.
Retiring in 1970, he became a physics teacher first in Devon and then on the Island.
His love of sailing equalled that of flying and he built eight boats in his lifetime, including the 27ft sloop, Seafire, which he raced from Cowes for 20 years.
He was a member of the Fleet Air Arm Officers’ Association, RFC /RNAS Association, Aircrew Association, RNLI, Royal British Legion, and Island Sailing Club.
He was an honorary member of the Fleet Arm Squadron and the Spitfire Society.
In later life he wrote two books about his flying career: They Gave me a Spitfire and Up in Harm’s Way.
Always active, he renovated a 16th century house and garden and designed and made remarkable inlaid furniture for his family.
During his last years he battled increasing ill-health through Lewybody dementia.
He leaves his wife, five children and five grandchildren.
A private family funeral is to be followed by a thanksgiving and celebration of life service at Holy Cross Church, Binstead, on July 29 at 2pm.
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