15 September, also known as Battle of Britain Day, is an annual commemoration of the battle in the United Kingdom, and also countries that contributed aircrew.

One Australian pilot was Pilot Officer John Crossman.

John was a member of the Australian Air League Hamilton Branch (before they were Squadrons), before signing up for the RAF and flying Hawker Hurricane fighters.

Unfortunately John was shot down on 30th September 1940, however if you want to learn more, follow the Battle of Britain London Monument website.

The fantastic book “Australia’s Few and the Battle of Britain” by Kristen Alexander also has information on all the Aussie pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain – it can be bought here.

The February / April 2017 issue of Flightpath magazine also has an article on John, and even his membership certificate for the Australian Air League – they haven’t changed much since then! You can order it online here.