[4] He began his speedway career with West Ham Hammers in 1939 as a novice in their training school and won the Jack Milne Trophy at Degenham.
[5] During his novice year Craven would appear for both Wembley Lions and Glasgow as a guest before making his West ham debut in August, where he scored 4 points.
[6] With the outbreak of war his speedway career was halted and he worked as a ship's engineer in the merchant navy before spending time in the United States.
[7] During the 1948 Speedway National League Division Three he was wanted by Wembley and then contracted to Birmingham Brummies before ending up riding for the Cradley Heath Cubs (later Heathens),[8] topping the team's averages with an impressive 9.52.
[9] Although he rode well during the 1948 season, the year was overshadowed by tragedy because Gilbert and Malcolm's oldest brother Reginald Orram Craven was killed making his debut for Yarmouth Bloaters.