In August 1930 , Crutchley joined in the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy where he served until 1933 . Serving as executive officer , Crutchley was present at the relief operation after the 1931 Hawke 's Bay earthquake , and towards the end of his tour , when the captain was chronically ill , took command of '' Diomede '' until he was promoted to captain . He was posted home in 1933 . Crutchley was senior officer , 1st Minesweeper Flotilla ( 1st MSF ) from 1935 – 1936 aboard the minesweeper at Portland , Dorset . In November , 1935 Crutchley took the 1st MSF to join the Mediterranean Fleet in Alexandria , and cruised to Famagusta , Cyprus for 10 days during the winter . On 16 April 1936 , Crutchley was relieved by Captain W. P. C. Manwaring and appointed Captain , Fishery Protection and Minesweeping with overall command over the Royal Navy 's Minesweeping and armed trawler fleet
1931 Hawke 's Bay earthquake
1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake
Victor Crutchley