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'Buster' Crabb

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The career of a hero and a suspected Russian spy.

Known as 'Buster' to his friends, it took Lionel Crabb two attempts to join the Royal Navy. In 1939 he first became a Merchant Seaman Gunner and then transferred into the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He was barred from sea service on medical grounds, which led him to specialise in mine and bomb disposal and then in diving.

He was a man averse to fitness, a chain smoker, who could only swim three lengths of a swimming pool. But his work as a Royal Naval diver took steely courage and bravery earning him the George Medal, the second highest gallantry award a civilian could be awarded, in 1944.

Crabb's work was key in the development of new diving techniques providing the Royal Navy with new ways of defending and attacking ships. Crabb died in mysterious circumstances in 1956 on a secret diving mission in Portsmouth Harbour, whilst Soviet ships took part in a state visit to Britain.

Buster Crabb's medals: OBE; George Medal; 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, War Medal 1939-45. (RNM)

Article highlights

• The career of a hero and a suspected Russian spy

• Naval diving techniques

• 'Buster' Crabb in World War Two

• The suspicious death of 'Buster' Crabb

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Related External Links

• Royal Navy - Diving

• BBC South: Inside Out

• Royal Naval Museum - Collections Catalogue Online

• Medals of Commander Lionel Crabb