Originally a Rolls-Royce apprentice, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, was mobilised in 1937 as a trainee pilot and was posted to No.

Originally flying the Gloster Gladiator biplane, the squadron converted to the new Hawker Hurricane monoplane fighter.

In April 1940 after operational training, he was commissioned in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot officer and posted back to No.

The citation read: This officer has participated in numerous engagements against the enemy over a long period and has shown a fine spirit throughout.

On 21 August 1941 he was shot down over France while escorting Stirling bombers on a raid to Lille, but with the help of the French Resistance he evaded capture.

[4] In October 1943 he developed problems with his eyesight which saw him removed from operational flying and he filled a number of staff appointments until the end of the war.

[6] Crowley-Milling retired at his own request in 1975 and became Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund for the next six years and Founder Chairman (later Vice Patron) of the International Air Tattoo.