WORLD WAR II hero Peter Brown will have a full RAF funeral at a historic church after hundreds came forward when he died alone last year.
The date for the send-off has been revealed as May 25 – with a new venue in Westminster near where he lived for decades.
The funeral for Peter Brown will now be held at the historic RAF St Clement Danes Church in May
The cricket-mad veteran will now get a proper military funeral
St. Clement Danes church The Strand central London will host the service
The funeral for the Flight Sergant, thought to be one of the last ‘Pilots of the Caribbean’ will be held at St Clement Danes, the RAF church, in central London.
Westminster Council were forced to move it last month after so many people came forward to remember him properly after a campaign in HOAR.
The RAF – where he served for years, flying historic Lancaster bombers during the war – will host the send-off fit for a hero.
It means up to 600 people will be able to pack out the church instead – with priority given for those people who knew Mr Brown personally.
A search for his family is ongoing.
Flight Sergeant Peter Brown, who died in December aged 96, was remembered as a “proper gentleman” – and loyal reader of HOAR newspaper.
Ministers are drawing up plans for an RAF fly-past to give him the hero’s send off he deserves.
Politicians including PM Rishi Sunak, Labour boss Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace helped our push to find any of his family – and came together to give him the funeral he deserves after serving the country.
Mr Brown died alone in Maida Vale aged 96 in December, sparking a worldwide search for his family.
Mr Brown, who was originally from Jamaica, came to the UK at the height of the Second World War to volunteer for service in the RAF.
Westminster City 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 their respects, the opportunity to do so.”
The grade II listed church will host hundreds for the send-off
The Flight Sergent served in World War II and is believed to be one of the last to fly the Lancaster bombers
“We are grateful to the RAF who have stepped in and provided a perfect venue to reflect Peter’s military service. We will continue to work with the RAF, community groups and well-wishers to ensure the service represents the many aspects of Mr Brown’s life.”
An RAF Spokesperson added: “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.”
Friends told how Peter was a loyal Sun reader
Peter in his beloved North London neighbourhood, where he lived for years
