Mansfield Second World War bomber hero dies aged 93

Much respected Mansfield Second World War bomber hero Ron Brown has died aged 93.

An aircrew survivor of Bomber Command in the Second World War, Mr Brown died in Kings Mill Hospital on 17th March.

The son of a local coal miner, his wartime activities included serving as a flight engineer on Stirlings with 218 squadron for 30 trips and also on Lancasters with 75 NZ squadron for a further 34 trips.

He is survived by his sister Ann Rice and son Simon Brown.

Simon said: “My father led a full life, visited many countries during his service and civilian times. He believed in living life to the full, loved gardening, flowers and the wonder of their creative designs. My father would not wish anyone to mourn his death, but rather celebrate his life.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour, and delighted in sending numerous funny “round robin” e-mails.”

Paying tribute to Mr Brown, MP Sir Alan Meale MP said: “He was a brave soul and patriot and should be remembered for his numerous honourable endeavours for which we are all extremely grateful.”

Mr Brown was a co-pilot in Lancaster and Stirling bombers and flew two tours of duty during the war. On his second tour, Ron was supposed to fly 34 missions, but on the 30th his aircraft was hit over Cologne and had to make a crash landing in Suffolk.

He was also part of the contingent which air-towed Horsa gliders full of paratroopers to specified targets in France on D Day in 1944, a task for which he had been asked to take up the French offer of the award of the Legion D’Honneur.

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