Anthony Crossley

Anthony Crommelin Crossley (1903 - 1939) was a British a writer, publisher and Conservative politician.

Crossley was born on August 13, 1903, the only son of Sir Kenneth Irwin Crossley, 2nd Baronet. His father was chairman of Crossley Brothers Limited and Crossley Motors Limited.

In 1916 Crossley enrolled at Eton College, completing his education at Magdalen College, Oxford. His flare for writing both poetry and prose led to his becoming a partner in the publishing house of Christopher's from 1928 to 1935.

In 1927 he married Clare Thomson, daughter of Brigadier A F Thomson, and had two daughters and one son.

Anthony Crossley died when the aircraft in which was travelling crashed into the sea off the Danish coast on August 15, 1939. ["British Airways Liner Lost: M.P. Drowned With Four Others, Crash Off Danish Coast", The Times, August 16, 1939, p. 10]

Publications

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", "Chin Wag: The War Records of the Eton Manor Club" and "The Floating Line for Salmon and Sea Trout".

Political Career

In 1931 Crossley was elected one of two Conservative members of parliament for the two-seat Oldham borough constituency. ["The General Election: First Returns, Polling In The Boroughs", The Times, October 28, 1931; p. 6] At the next election in 1935 he was elected as MP for Stretford in south east Lancashire. ["The General Election", The Times, November 15, 1935 p.10 ] He remained MP for the area until his death in 1939.

References

*"Obituary: Mr A.C. Crossley, M.P.", The Times, August 16, 1939, p.12