Eric 'Winkle' Brown: Celebrated British pilot dies, aged 97

by Irn Bru Tue Feb 23, 2016 12:28 am

The Royal Navy's most decorated pilot, Capt Eric "Winkle" Brown, has died at the age of 97.

Capt Brown also held the world record for flying the greatest number of different types of aircraft - 487.

During World War Two, Capt Brown, who was born in Leith in 1919, flew fighter aircraft and witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp.

The pilot, who had been appointed MBE, OBE and CBE, died at East Surrey Hospital after a short illness.

A statement released by his family said: "It is with deep regret that the passing of Captain Eric Melrose Brown CBE DSC AFC is announced.

"He also held three absolute Guinness World Records, including for the number of aircraft carrier deck landings and types of aeroplane flown."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-35626854

A finer man would be hard to find. A true hero and an inspiration to many who led a life few could ever match.

RIP 'Winkle'. You did your duty.

by Guest Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:56 pm

For those of us who were brought up in a military family we all knew about Winkle. He seemed such a lovely man and I remember listening to him doing the 3000 edition of Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4. He obviously hadn't lost his Scottish accent either. He liked Glenn Miller music and he even named his son Glenn. His second choice was Amazing Grace by the pipes and drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

A alovely man who will be sadly missed by many.

RIP 'Winkle.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04nvgq1
BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown
www.bbc.co.uk
Kirsty Young's guest is former Royal Navy test pilot Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown - the programme's 3000th edition. The Fleet Air Arm's most decorated pilot,

Eric 'Winkle' Brown: Celebrated British pilot dies, aged 97

Eric 'Winkle' Brown: Celebrated British pilot dies, aged 97

Re: Eric 'Winkle' Brown: Celebrated British pilot dies, aged 97