OVERWHELMING
Hundreds will mourn WW2 RAF hero after appeal to find family
WHEN Peter Brown, one of the last black Second World War RAF heroes, died aged 96, a campaign began to trace his family to attend his funeral.
Council officials were determined to give Flight Sergeant Brown a dignified send-off worthy of his life after he died alone in his flat.
The response to his story was so overwhelming his funeral has now been moved to a new venue to accommodate 600 people.
Flt Sgt Brown died in December and the service was due to take place last month in a chapel in Mortlake, South West London, that holds 140 mourners.
But so many people asked to attend it had to be postponed. It will now go ahead at 11am on May 25 at St Clement Danes, the RAF Central Church in Westminster, with space for 600 people to pay respects.
Westminster City Council worked with historians, military researchers and community groups to trace the family of Flt Sgt Brown, of Maida Vale, West London. 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 respects the opportunity to do so.”
Born in Jamaica in 1926, Flt Sgt Brown enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943. He trained as a wireless operator and air gunner and was posted to 625 Squadron at RAF Scampton, Lincs, flying Lancaster bombers. After the war, he re-enlisted in the RAF, working as a signaller. An RAF statement 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.”
His story has truly moved people the world over
ADAM HUG LEADER OF WESTMINSTER COUNCIL