Hunt for the family of one of the RAF’s last black World War II veterans who died alone
THE family of a hero thought to be one of the RAF’s last black World War II veterans are being hunted to attend his funeral.
Campaigners and historians have sparked a worldwide scramble to find anyone who knew Flt Sgt Peter Brown, who died alone in his flat in London at the end of last year.
The Lancaster bomber vet is believed to to have been single and have no children, but locals are fighting to spread the word and deliver him the funeral send off he deserves.
Authorities in Jamaica are looking abroad for long-lost relatives or anyone who may have known him.
Top brass from the RAF and other military figures are gearing up to attend the service to commemorate his life.
Born in 1926, the Jamaican-born vet is thought to have signed up aged just 17, before completing his training in Canada.
He then travelled to Britain with a group of colleagues, joined the RAF in September 1943 and trained as a specialist wireless operator and air gunner.
He fought for the allies on Lancaster bombers, as part of 625 Squadron.
He was posted to RAF Scampton, home of the legendary Dambusters.
Brown served in several operations from early 1945 between VE Day and VJ Day, and went on to take part in missions in Palestine, Tripoli, Egypt and Malta – before leaving the forces in 1950.
After the war he served as driver and later a signaller.
Brown is also thought to have worked for the Ministry of Defence before he died in North London aged 96 in December.
He was a long-term member of the MCC and lived near the Lords cricket ground.
Locals are raising funds for a book of remembrance or a plaque to commemorate him and his service to Britain.
Candice McDonald said: “We are appealing to anyone who knows him who can give us any details about this man – so we can give him the send off he deserves.”
His funeral is due to take place next week at Mortlake Crematorium in Richmond.
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.”
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, boss of the RAF Benevolent Fund, hailed Sgt Brown’s “exceptional and selfless” service.
She told The Sun: “His commitment to the Royal Air Force and the nation will be remembered long in to the future.
“Flt Sgt Brown, like many others who served in Bomber Command, their service was exceptional and selfless.”
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The Lord Mayor of Westminster Hamza Taouzzale, said: “Mr Brown was one of the many servicemen and women who volunteered from the West Indies and across the former colonies to fight for the UK and the World at a time of its greatest need.
“We owe him – and the many others like him – a huge debt of gratitude. His obvious modesty meant that we did not know of his actions until after his passing.
“Despite extensive efforts, no family members have been traced. As the first citizen of Westminster, I shall attend his funeral and I hope to be joined by many others so we can offer him a fitting send off.”