Funeral of black WWII veteran Flight Sergeant Peter Brown set for RAF church

06 April 2023 , 13:02

1154     0

A heartbreaking appeal was launched to find mourners to attend the funeral of Peter Brown - one of the Second World War’s last black “Pilots of the Caribbean” (Image: Handout)

A date for the funeral of one of the RAF's WW2 veterans who died alone has now been set.

Flight Sergeant Peter Brown who came to Britain from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation, is believed to be the final member of the 'Pilots of the Caribbean' to pass away aged 97 at his home in Maida Vale, London.

An appeal was initially launched to find members of Mr Brown's family and draw mourners to his funeral previously set for the 140 capacity Mortlake Crematorium on March 29 at midday.

However, after a flood of requests to attend his final goodbye, it was decided that a bigger venue needed to be found.

Now a farewell to the airman will be held at St Clement Danes, the RAF Central Church, in Westminster on May 25, 2023 at 11am.

Give Ukraine western fighter jets to fight Russians, urges Boris Johnson

Mr Brown’s previously untold story – which was only uncovered after weeks of research by the council, archivists, and historians - has captured the public imagination.

Mr Brown was a retired flight sergeant from the Windrush generation (Handout)

Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug said: "The national response to Peter Brown's story has been overwhelming.

"The details of his life and subsequent search for relatives have truly captured the public imagination and moved people around the world.

"Our priority has always been to ensure Mr Brown receives a fitting, dignified send-off which allows those wishing to pay their respects the opportunity to do so.

"We are grateful to the RAF who have stepped in and provided a perfect venue to reflect Peter's military service.

"We will continue to work with the RAF, community groups and well-wishers to ensure the service represents the many aspects of Mr Brown's life."

The church will have 600 spaces reserved for the public and "priority access" will be given to those with a connection to Mr Brown.

Mr Brown's funeral will not be held at St Clement Danes, the RAF Central Church (Wiki Commons)

Mr Brown arrived in the UK at the height of the Second World War to volunteer for service in the RAF.

He flew in Lancaster bombers carrying out a number of missions as a radio operator and gunner. After the war he stayed in the RAF before joining civilian life.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and MPs Johnny Mercer and Tom Tugendhat, who were part of the armed forces, tweeted their full support to find Peter's family.

Battle is on to keep Victoria Cross awarded to RAF World War Two hero in UK

Neighbour Marcin Laszczychs paid tribute to a “humble and cheerful” hero, who had flown five operations in Lancaster bombers during his time before his health began to deteriorate.

He is believed to have becmme a wireless operators and air gunners and later passed his aircrew selection board on September 19.

My Brown was then posted to 625 Squadron at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, home of the Dambusters.

An RAF spokesperson said: “Flight Sergeant Brown is an example of the selfless contribution of all Commonwealth personnel who have served throughout the RAF’s history.

"We should never forget their sacrifices which have defended our freedom and kept us safe.”

Mr Brown’s previously untold story captured the public imagination (Handout)

A GofundMe was also launched to raise £500 to ensure that the Windrush WW2 veteran has an "inscribed book of remembrance, as a lasting testimony of his memory and contribution."

The fundraiser surpassed its goal and has now raised over £2000.

On the GoFundMe page, organiser Candice McDonald wrote a touching tribute to the 'brave' former flight sergeant who would have been roughly 17-years-old when he joined the RAF.

Candice wrote: "Mr Brown bravely answered the call and battled for us; together we want to do this last battle for him.

Candice also added that "an estimated 10,000 people left their families and homes in the Caribbean to join the British armed forces" and that "some, like Mr Brown, settled in the UK and are known as the Windrush Generation."

Now the servicemen will receive a fitting tribute and send off next month.

Melissa Sigodo