Hugh Vivian Champion de Crespigny
Hugh Vivian Champion de Crespigny (1897-1969). Australian by birth.
Air Vice-Marshal Hugh Vivian Champion de Crespigny lived at Vierville, Natal, South Africa.
Decorated with the award of Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.).
Decorated with the award of Air Vice Marshal (Royal Flying Corps).
Decorated with the award of Military Cross (M.C.).
Invested as a Companion, Order of the Bath (C.B.).
Citation for the award of the Military Cross: -
"2nd Lt. (temp. Capt.) Hugh Vivian Champion de Crespigny, Suff. R. and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and skill, notably when he attacked five enemy machines over the enemy's lines. He drove away one, and brought another to the ground badly hit. His own machine was then crippled by the fire of the remaining three, but, after emptying one more drum at them, he brought his machine down safely in our lines." [1]
Citation for the award the of the Distinguished Flying Cross:-
“Maj. Hugh Vivian Champion de Crespigny, M.C. (Suff. R.). (FRANCE). A brilliant and gallant officer who displays high initiative in night flying, in which service his example has been invaluable to those under his command. On the night of 23rd-24th. September Major Champion de Crespigny carried out a long distance bombing raid. Flying a machine unsuitable for night duty, and in face of adverse weather conditions, he reached, and successfully bombed, his objective. A fine performance, calling for cool courage and determination. [2]