Flying Officer James Douglas Crabbe (119539) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during World War Two. He was the second son of John Miller Crabbe and Jane Sophia Muir "Jean" Crabbe (née Veitch) of "Carnethy", 42 Belmont Church Road, Belfast, Co. Down and the husband of Irene Joan Crabbe (née McLean) of "Snaresbrook", 5 Norwood Park, Belfast, Co. Down.
He undertook pilot training in the United States of America showing great talent. At the age of 20 years old, he was already a training instructor. Before the outbreak of war, he worked as an engineer apprentice with Musgrave and Co. Ltd. James was a well-known member of Stormont Presbyterian Church, Belfast, Co. Down. He was prominent in various youth organisations connected to the congregation. On 29th May 1942, he married Irene Joan McLean.
James died on 9th November 1942 aged 20 years old. He was the Pilot of Miles Master DL401 with RAF No. 7 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit. Flying Officer Robert Langford Percival Browne (412380) also died as a result of the same incident.
James Douglas Crabbe’s grave is in Section E3, Grave 698 of Dundonald Cemetery, Dundonald, Co. Down. His headstone bears the inscription:
He laid down the glory of his youth upon the altar of freedom.