Brigadier John Wilson Crawford, DSO, ED (8 July 1899 – 7 March 1943) served in the Australian Army during the Second World War.

He had an interest in the military from an early age, joining his school's cadet unit and later, the Sydney University Scouts.

Crawford was a firm believer in discipline; his nickname of "Cake Eater" was derived from his strict adherence to formal protocols for official social functions.

However, in February 1941, it was decided to reorganise the AIF forces present in the Middle East, and this resulted in the battalion's parent formation, the 20th Brigade, being transferred to the newly formed 9th Division.

However, the Germans were gradually building up their forces in the area and, on 24 March, Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps attacked the Allied lines.

[1] The battalion remained on the outskirts of Tobruk, manning its defensive positions and carrying out patrols until the night of 21 October, at which stage it was relieved.

[8] During his time at Tobruk, Crawford was recommended for the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and was twice mentioned in despatches for his leadership during the period March to July 1941.

[2] In January 1942, Crawford handed over command of his battalion to Maurice Fergusson when he was assigned to the position of liaison officer, I Corps headquarters.