Tristan : DEATH OF MR ALLAN BRYANT CRAWFORD MBE
Submitted by Tristan Times (Sarah Glass) 02.03.2007 (Article Archived on 16.03.2007)

On the on 26th February 2007 the islanders were informed of the death of Mr Allan Crawford, he would have been 95 this year.

DEATH OF MR ALLAN BRYANT CRAWFORD MBE

On the on 26th February 2007 the islanders were informed of the death of Mr Allan Crawford, he would have been 95 this year.  Allan's first visit to Tristan was in 1937/8 as part of the Norwegian Expedition (the first scientific expedition to Tristan da Cunha where he drew the first island map following his surveys) since then he had been a great friend and supported the Tristan Community immeasurably over the last 70 years.  His biggest and most memorable contribution to the Tristanians was the role he played in the UK to help the islanders returned to Tristan after the 1961 volcano. 

It was due to his progress with the UK authorities that lead him to form the Resettlement Survey Expedition of twelve islanders, who arrived back on Tristan in September 1962 to prepare a detailed report to decide if the island was fit for resettlement.  Many Tristanians feel if it had not been for his outstanding support they may have still been in the UK.

He has been involved in helping design many issues of Tristan stamps including the famous potato stamp, and written five outstanding books about Tristan da Cunha.  He produced the first Tristan Times in 1943 which at that time cost 3 cigarettes or four potatoes.   Allan was presented with the BEM in 1942 for his World War II service and received the MBE from HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2002

All flags were flown at half-mast on the day 'Mr Crawford's' died as a mark of respect and prayers will be said for his family and friends on Sunday at both the Anglican (St Mary's) and Catholic (St Joseph) Church.