William Crampton

At university, in the army, and while working overseas, chances for flag research were limited but he nevertheless took every opportunity to gain more knowledge.

[1] In 1963, while working in adult education, he renewed his interest in organized vexillology and contacted Whitney Smith, noted by The Economist as "the world's greatest flag expert"[2] and father of the international vexillological movement.

In 1967, Smith held a meeting in London at which Crampton met other vexillologists flags, including Captain E.M.C.

He was invited to assist with editing The Observer's Book of Flags published by Warne.

In ensuing years he achieved a near monopoly in Britain as a flag-book editor, producing many new books and new editions of established titles.

[1] In 1995, he obtained a first-class Doctorate from the University of Manchester after 10 years of part-time study; his dissertation was titled Flags as Non-Verbal Symbols in the Management of National Identity.