Flt-Sgt-Peter-Brown-Royal-Air-Force-WW2-veteran-1 — Born in Jamaica in 1926, Sgt Brown enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943. (Pictures: Westminster City Council)

RAF

Funeral for RAF veteran is being moved as large crowds are expected to attend

The funeral of one of the RAF's last Second World War West Indian pilots is to be moved, as large crowds are expected to attend the service.

Flight Sergeant Peter Brown, who served as a Wireless Operator on Lancaster bombers, died alone in his flat in London's Maida Vale on 17 December 2022, with no known family to attend his funeral.

A campaign was then launched on social media to try to find any family members to attend his funeral.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer and Lord Mayor of Westminster Hamza Taouzzale all joined the campaign, posting their support on their social media pages.

🇬🇧Flight Sergeant Brown is an example of the selfless contribution of all Commonwealth personnel who have served the RAF.

I hope that the nation gets behind this @TheSun campaign.

We’ve also arranged for a RAF trumpeter to attend the funeral, alongside a senior RAF officer. https://t.co/SqPpr5T358
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 22, 2023

This has now led to the organisers of the funeral being inundated with requests from people wanting to attend.

Now Westminster City Council says a new date and venue are being arranged and it is working closely with the RAF and MOD to ensure Sgt Brown is given the "send-off he deserves".

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: "We really want to thank the group that has convened to support the council in making arrangements.

"Additional time will allow the council to work with well-wishers, community groups and the military to give Mr Brown the send-off he deserves.

"The priority remains providing Mr Brown a fitting, dignified funeral and allowing everyone who wishes to pay their respects the chance to do so."