Personal appearance and dress on 69 Squadron were important to Tich Whiteley who thought his officers should set the right example. After Tich left Malta things changed, as it became nearly impossible to obtain replacement items of uniform. Warby’s attire became an expression of his individuality and he often wore an army battledress blouse with his RAF rank on slides on the shoulder tabs. He wore a cravat rather than a tie, and rarely wore uniform shoes. This was very much against the RAF ‘norm’ even in those testing days in Malta. Warby continued to foster a special, almost unique, relationship with the airmen which he had begun as soon as he arrived in Malta. Tich had always encouraged his aircrew to help in servicing their aircraft, but Warby went further, befriending many. To Warby, the airmen were equals and, in their turn, many became devoted to him. Whenever Warby flew to Egypt, he invariably asked the airmen if there was anything they wanted him to bring back. One of Warby's ground crew in 1941 was 20-year old Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Jack Vowles from Halifax. Of Warby, Jack said: 'He wasn't boastful or overpowering - but overall, he was a most exceptional man.'