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Ronald Brown
| Wing Commander Ronald Brown (deceased) Brown joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice in 1929, qualifying as an engine fitter before being selected for pilot training in 1935. After earning his wings in 1936, he joined No. 111 Squadron, becoming one of its first pilots to fly the newly introduced Hurricane fighter. During the Battle of France and the Dunkirk campaign he flew regular combat patrols, claiming a probable enemy aircraft before being shot down over France in June 1940. After recovering from his injuries, he returned to active service during the Battle of Britain, contributing to the destruction and damaging of several German aircraft. Commissioned later that year, Brown went on to instruct new pilots and subsequently served at the Air Fighting Development Unit, where he tested a variety of British, American and captured enemy aircraft. In 1941 he transferred to the RAF Engineering Branch, playing an important role in aircraft development, including work on the Martin-Baker ejection seat. He retired from the RAF in 1947 as a Squadron Leader, retaining the rank of Wing Commander, he died on 9th November 2003. |
