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Ian Joseph McCrae joined 54 Squadron RAF on 10th September 1944
Pilot Officer Keith James Hall (134744), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
One morning in February, 1943, a Tiger Moth aircraft collided with a stationary aircraft and burst into flames immediately. Pilot Officer Hall and Leading Aircraftman McCrae, who were in another aircraft taxying along the boundary of a nearby airfield witnessed the accident and immediately ran to the scene in an endeavour to rescue the pilot who had been rendered unconscious. Pilot Officer Hall and Leading Aircraftman McCrae succeeded in unfastening the pilot's harness and were then driven back by the flames. Displaying complete disregard for their personal safety this officer and airman climbed on to the fuselage and re-entered the flames. The starboard wing was burnt out and the wreckage heeled over, throwing McCrae to the ground. Nevertheless he renewed his efforts and assisted Pilot Officer Hall in dragging the unconscious pilot to safety. This officer and airman displayed high courage.
1515644 Leading Aircraftman Ian Joseph McCrae, Royal Air Force was awarded the BEM for his part in this action.
