Born in 1941 in Plymouth UK, Anthony Walter Criddle, Joined a British Navy Engineering School at age fifteen, five years later he graduated as an Aircraft Electrical Artificer Engineer. A few years later he educated further, and trained first as a helicopter pilot, and then a flying instructor. His 25 years in the RN included a three year exchange to the Australian Navy as XO and Training Officer of the RAN's search and rescue squadron, and his return to the RN's main Helicopter's squadron included two years flying with the 'Sharks" flying display team. During his operational flying, Tony was involved in several areas in which Britain was in conflict at the time.