In July 1940 Crew joined No. 604 Squadron RAF operating twin-engined Blenheim IF night-fighters. During the Battle of France the squadron was used for day and night operations against Germany troops and patrols over the Dunkirk beaches to protect the withdrawal of the British Expeditionary Force. With the Battle of Britain at its height the squadron aircraft were fitted with airborne radar, although the system was immature and the Blenheim was not the best night fighter. Later in 1940 the squadron was re-equipped with the Bristol Beaufighter and Crew downed his first Germany aircraft, a Heinkel He 111, on 4 April 1941. With two more aircraft shot down and two damaged he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1941. In June 1942 he had destroyed five aircraft to become an ace and in June 1942 he received a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross. Crew joined No. 85 Squadron RAF as a flight commander, the squadron operated the radar-equipped twin-engined De Havilland Mosquito. As the number of victories increased Crew was appointed commanding officer of No. 96 Squadron RAF at first with Beaufighters but these were later exchanged for Mosquitos. Between June and September 1944 the squadron had downed 181 V-1 flying bombs and Crew was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership. During the Second World War Crew downed 15 enemy aircraft and 31½ V-1s. He was the fourth highest scorer against the flying bomb and the most effective Mosquito pilot; the top three scorers all flew the single-engined Hawker Tempest.
Crew worked in the Planning Inspectorate at the Department of the Environment for the next 14 years using his knowledge of airfields. After serving local government as a member of the Cotswold District Council he finally retired in 1996. Crew had married Virginia in 1945 and when he died on 18 August 2002 he was survived by her and a son.
Honours and awards
29 July 1941 – Flying Officer Edward Dixon Crew, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 604 Squadron has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:
16 June 1942 – Flight Lieutenant Edward Dixon Crew, DFC,, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 604 Squadron is awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross:
26 September 1944 – Acting Wing Commander Edward Dixon Crew, DFC RAFVR, 96 Squadron is awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:
10 March 1950 – Squadron Leader Edward Dixon Crew, DSO, DFC Royal Air Force is awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order for distinguished service in Malaya.
