Flight Sergeant Peter Brown: Hundreds gather for funeral of RAF pilot who flew in Second World War

Mourners gather for funeral of black RAF pilot who flew in Second World War
RAF Sergeant Peter Brown (l) and mourners at his funeral in London Credit: PA

Hundreds of mourners have gathered at an historic central London church for the funeral of one of the last black RAF pilots to have fought in the Second World War. Flight Sergeant Peter Brown died alone aged 96 at his home in Maida Vale, west London, in December last year. His funeral service is being held at St Clement Danes Church on The Strand, central church of the RAF, which can seat 600 mourners. Mr Brown had appeared destined for a low-key funeral at a 140-capacity chapel in Mortlake, south-west London, in March, until a council appeal to trace his relatives was picked up by historians, military researchers, genealogists, community groups and the media. Relative Brooke Alexander had travelled more than 4,000 miles from the Jamaican capital Kingston to attend the funeral on Thursday. Representatives from Caribbean community organisations and those who helped trace his relatives were also in attendance, as well as celebrities including Batman Begins and Outlander actor Colin McFarlane, Top Boy star Michael Ward and Trevor Michael Georges, who plays Ed Bailey in Coronation Street.

RAF Sergeant Peter Brown enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943 Credit: PA

Mr Brown, who was born in Jamaica in 1926, enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943 and became one of the so-called “Pilots of the Caribbean”, carrying out missions as a radio operator and gunner. He is one of, if not the last, among this group to have died. After the war ended, he re-enlisted in the RAF, working as a signaller before joining civilian life. 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.” 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.”

A campaign had been launched by a national newspaper to find Sgt Brown's surviving family members Credit: PA

Donald Campbell, 71, founder and director of The Forgotten Generations, a charity set up to archive information on British African and Caribbean people, said: “When I joined the Royal Air Force in the 1970s, I had no idea there were African and Caribbean people like Peter Brown who served in World War Two.” Mr Campbell, who served in the RAF for 36 years, added: “I wish I’d known about people like Peter because it would have given me the confidence to say, my forebears fought for this country, some of them died, so I have a right to be here. “There are so many Peter Browns out there whose stories are of benefit to future generations.”

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