A call out for relatives of a late former Royal Air Force who lived in Maida Vale has been met with a “heartwarming and overwhelming” response.
Westminster City Council said it was considering ways to honour Peter Brown, after it received more replies from the community than could be accommodated at his funeral.
Mr Brown, 96, died without any known relatives at his home on Warrington Crescent, Maida Vale.
A joint statement from the Council and the Royal Air Forces Association said it would “shortly announce” a tribute to Mr Brown “on a scale befitting of his role”.
It said: “The public response for the call out of relatives and friends of Peter Brown has been both heart-warming and overwhelming.
“His story of valour and modesty has touched many who rightly wish to pay their own tribute for his service to this nation, his adopted home for so many years.
“We would like to thank the media, friends, neighbours and supporters for their fantastic campaign which has given Mr Brown recognition and respect he deserves.
“From knowing so little about him at the start of this search, the information gathered has led to an incredible outpouring of support.”
The statement added that interest in attending Mr Brown’s funeral had far outnumbered the space at the chapel where he is due to be cremated on Wednesday.
“We are, therefore, currently exploring ways in which Mr Brown can be honoured on a scale befitting of his role, the details of which we hope to announce shortly.”
Mr Brown voluntarily came to the UK from Jamaica at just 17 in 1943, and later served in Egypt, Libya and Palestine. He also worked for the former London County Council and the Ministry of Defence.
The campaign to honour his incredible legacy was supported several well known politicians, including the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Tom Tugendhat, who both served in the forces.
His send off, due to take place at Mortlake Crematorium on March 29, will be attended by Westminster’s Lord Mayor, Hamza Taouzzale.
Image: Westminster City Council.
[…] Peter Brown, one of the last West Indian pilots in the Royal Air Force, volunteered to come to Britain from Jamaica aged 17 in 1943, and also later served on the now defunct London County Council and the Ministry of Defence. […]