The funeral of one of the last black RAF Second World War veterans will finally take place at historic St Clement Danes church on May 25.
Flight Sergeant Peter Brown, who flew in an elite group dubbed ‘Pilots of the Caribbean’, died alone aged 96 in Maida Vale.
A campaign to find his family was so successful that his service at Mortlake Crematorium on March 29 had to be postponed because of a surge in requests to attend from mourners.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Flt Sgt Brown was an example of the “selfless contribution of all Commonwealth personnel”.
Westminster City Council and the Royal Air Force said arrangements have been made to ensure he 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 1,000-year-old St Clement Danes in the Strand with 600 seats reserved for the public. Priority will be given to those with a connection to him.
Mr Brown was 17 when he and 11 other young men volunteered to come to Britain from Jamaica in 1943 to become wireless operators and air gunners.
He was posted to 625 Squadron at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, home of the Dambusters, and flew in a number of missions on Lancaster bombers. He also served in Palestine, Tripoli, Egypt and Malta and died on December 17.
Westminster 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 spokesman 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.”
