A service to mark the life of Flight Sergeant Peter Brown, thought to be one of, if not the last of the so-called ‘Pilots of the Caribbean’, is to be held at St Clement Danes, the RAF Central Church, in Westminster on 25 May at 11 am.

The announcement by Westminster City Council and the Royal Air Force comes after plans to hold a funeral at Mortlake Crematorium were postponed because of a surge in requests to attend from well-wishers.

Now arrangements have been made to ensure Mr. Brown receives a dignified send-off worthy of his life story.

In keeping with his military background, the RAF will host Mr. Brown’s funeral at St Clement Danes Church in his home borough of Westminster.

St Clement Danes, The Central Church of the RAF, has a significantly larger capacity than the previous venue, allowing many more people to pay their respects.

600 spaces in the church will be reserved for the public. Priority access will be given to those with a connection to Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown, originally from Jamaica, came to the UK at the height of the Second World War to volunteer for service in the RAF. He flew in Lancaster bombers carrying out a number of missions as a radio operator and gunner. After the war, he stayed in the RAF before joining civilian life.

Mr. Brown died at his Maida Vale home, aged 96, in December. With no obvious family, the arrangements for his internment came under Westminster City Council. Council officers began a search for relatives, which quickly got taken up by historians, military researchers, genealogists, and community groups.

Since then there has been a search spanning the globe looking for his relatives and a number of leads are being followed up by council officers and genealogists.

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.”

“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 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.”

For further details please email mediateam@westmnster.gov.uk or call on 0207 641 2259.

Media access to the church will be limited and a pool arrangement will be in place for broadcast media

Members of the public wishing to attend attending the funeral can do so by providing their name and contact details in an email to: rsvp@westminster.gov.uk. Priority will be given to those with a connection to Mr. Brown or representing associated community groups. Those who knew Mr. Brown should make that clear in their message.

Following the service there will be a private committal where Mr. Brown will be laid to rest. This will be reserved for personal friends and any family Mr. Brown has.