In 1916 Crossley enrolled at Eton College, completing his education at Magdalen College, Oxford. His flair for writing both poetry and prose led to his becoming a partner in the publishing house of Christopher's from 1928 to 1935.[1]
In 1927 he married Clare Thomson, a painter,[2] daughter of Brigadier A F Thomson, and had two daughters and one son.
Crossley was noted as an enthusiast for fishing and had written a book on the subject.[5] As a tennis player, he had competed in The Championships, Wimbledon in 1931.[6] and 1932.[7]
At around 13.20, the aircraft was around 80 kilometres (50 mi) from its destination. The pilot radioed a report of a fire on board and soon after made an emergency water-landing in the Storstrømmen, not far from the Storstrøm Bridge. The aircraft quickly sank. The co-pilot was the only one of the six on board who managed to escape and was rescued by a bridge worker.[8][9]
The next day, the aircraft was raised and it was established that all the victims had likely succumbed to smoke inhalation; two had died because of the fire, three had drowned after the aircraft ditched.[10] The fire was later attributed to leaking fuel caused by the fuel tanks being over-filled; the cause of ignition was not established.[9]
Crossley published three books of poetry: Aucassin and Nicolette and Other Poems, Prophets, Gods and Witches and Tragedy under Lucifer. His prose works showed his other interests: The History of Eton College Hunt (1922), Chin Wag: The War Records of the Eton Manor Club and The Floating Line for Salmon and Sea Trout (1939, with illustrations by Roy Beddington) .[1]
References
^ abc"Mr A.C. Crossley, MP". The Times. No. 48385. London. 16 August 1939. p. 12.
