Heartwarming Tribute to World War II RAF Airman Flt Sgt Peter Brown

By NAN Staff Writer

Flt Sgt Peter Brown’s Extraordinary Life

In a heartwarming tribute, an immense crowd gathered at the Royal Air Force’s historic St Clement Danes Church, to bid farewell to Caribbean immigrant Flt Sgt, Peter Brown, a World War Two RAF airman.

This extraordinary turnout was a result of a campaign dedicated to giving him a truly “fitting send-off.”

Flt Sgt Brown, a Jamaican-born hero, was among the last group of Afro-Caribbean volunteers known as the “pilots of the Caribbean.” At the age of 96, he peacefully passed away in his Maida Vale home in north London in December.

Banners are lowered for Flt Sgt Peter Brown, a Jamaican-born WW2 RAF airman after his funeral service at the Royal Air Force’s historic St Clement Danes Church, on 25th May 2023, in London, England. Hundreds of members of the armed forces, the Caribbean community, friends and neighbors attended the service because Flt Sgt Brown was one the last ‘pilots of the Caribbean’, a group of Afro-Caribbean volunteer RAF personnel but when he died at the age of 96 no family members were traced and so a campaign followed to recognise his wartime service and for a military send-off in London’s central RAF church. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

Funeral Service at St Clement Danes Church

The service saw an impressive turnout, with Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, alongside hundreds of members of the public, armed forces personnel, representatives from the Caribbean Diaspora UK community, and friends and neighbors in attendance. Notably, several celebrities, including actors Colin McFarlane, Michael Ward, and Trevor Michael Georges, also paid their respects.

About Flt Sgt Peter Brown

Flt Sgt Brown at 20.

The funeral had initially been planned at Mortlake Crematorium in southwest London for March. However, overwhelmed by the overwhelming number of requests from the public to attend and the campaign by neighbors for a grand send-off, organizers decided to move the service to St Clement Danes Church.

A Life of Service and Passion

Flt Sgt Brown’s service to the country, described as committing “a huge amount of his life to serving this country,” was rightfully celebrated at the spiritual home of the Royal Air Force. Reverend (Group Captain) Ruth Hake, who conducted the funeral, emphasized the significance of this choice.

With no known relatives, Westminster City Council, Flt Sgt Brown’s local authority, took on the responsibility of organizing his funeral. After a call for anyone related to the airman to come forward, the response was overwhelming. A team of genealogists from Anglia Research passionately delved into his past, uncovering a heartwarming story and connecting with half a dozen living family members who attended the service.

Conclusion

Flt Sgt Peter Brown’s remarkable story began in Jamaica on August 22, 1926. He was among the 450 young black volunteers who courageously joined the RAF during World War Two, piloting iconic aircraft like the Lancaster and Spitfire. Enlisting in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943, Flt Sgt Brown trained as a wireless operator and air gunner at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. His bravery shone through as he flew five missions in Lancaster bombers before the age of 20.

FAQs

Q: What was Flt Sgt Peter Brown’s military service?

A: Flt Sgt Brown was a RAF airman who served during World War Two, flying iconic aircraft like the Lancaster and Spitfire.

Q: How many family members attended his funeral?

A: Half a dozen living family members attended Flt Sgt Brown’s funeral.

Q: Why was the funeral service held at St Clement Danes Church?

A: The funeral service was held at St Clement Danes Church because it is the spiritual home of the Royal Air Force, and organizers wanted to give Flt Sgt Brown a fitting send-off.