The RAF Association joined the nation in paying its respects to Flight Sergeant Peter Brown at a funeral service at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force in London, on Thursday 25 May.
Representatives from the Association joined members of the armed forces, representatives of the Caribbean community, The Jamaican High Commission, friends, neighbours, members of the public and Peter’s distant relatives, to pay tribute to Peter, who passed away at his Maida Vale home in December 2022, aged 96.
Peter Brown was originally from Jamaica and travelled to the UK to volunteer for service in the RAF, enlisting on 20 September 1943. He trained as a radio operator and gunner and flew several missions on Lancaster Bombers. He was posted to 625 Squadron as WOp/AG on 13 May 1945 from 1668 OCU.
After the war, Peter continued serving in the RAF until 28 February 1947. He is thought to be one of, if not the last, West Indian member of World War Two RAF aircrew.
The Association’s Chairman, Air Vice-Marshal Alastair Reid CB, who attended the funeral, said:
“It is a privilege to be here today on behalf of the RAF Association to pay our respects to Mr Brown, a gentleman who made such a profound contribution to our nation during his life.
“The RAF Association, and our branches in Jamaica and London in particular, have been working alongside historians, military researchers, genealogists, and community groups since we learnt of Mr Brown’s story to help in the search for relatives and ensure he receives the recognition he rightly deserves. It’s been very moving to see so many people wishing to pay tribute to this courageous man.”
