Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1919
DIED
2016
Eric Brown Obituary
The death Sunday was announced by his family. Brown had been hospitalized for an acute illness.
Brown was the first navy flier to land a dual-engine airplane on an aircraft carrier. It was just one of several “firsts” for the Fleet Air Arm’s most decorated pilot. Brown also tested 487 different kinds of airplanes, the most by any other flier in aviation history. The feat is recorded in the “Guinness Book of World Records.”
Born Jan. 21, 1919, in Leith, Scotland, Brown became interested in flying at an early age. He went on to serve during World War II. After the war, he led an elite group of fliers who test-piloted enemy aircraft that the Allies had captured during the war. Among the aircraft were 53 types of German planes.
Brown also wrote books and articles about his test-pilot experiences. His autobiography, “Wings on My Sleeve,” came out in 1961. He also penned a popular series of articles titled “Viewed From the Cockpit.”
He served as president of the Royal Aeronautical Society from 1982 to 1983. About a year ago, Brown shared his thoughts about British air and defense strategies during a lecture at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
32 Entries
Tom Langley
July 6, 2020
As a boy I read his book Viewed from the Cockpit. I loved it. Pictures and stories giving information and joy. Never forgot it. I am 64 now. Thank you, brave man.
Joseph Campbell
April 1, 2020
The right guy in the right place at the right time. Wonderful.
Vicki Crudden
May 31, 2016
Eric, God gave you a gift. You are still soaring high in the Heavens . Bless You & Your Family.
How you can show support
Lindey Craft
April 25, 2016
My husband and I are deeply saddened by the loss of this great man. We were watching his documentary as my husband is a pilot himself here in the United States and were absolutely amazed at this heroes life. Our most sincere heartfelt condolences to his family and to the people of the UK.
Allison Dupont
March 7, 2016
America's hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
March 2, 2016
Condolences to Eric family. He was our friend and work colleague, and sharer of Merlot! Carolyne and Douglas Downer-Smith
Steven Sena
February 27, 2016
One of the Greatest Aviators of all time.
Roman de Caesar
February 26, 2016
My condolences at this, the hour of his passing.
February 26, 2016
My condolences are with you and your family.
Stacy
February 25, 2016
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
dan jacobs
February 25, 2016
One of my favorite experts on the history channel. I true hero of flight and a great person, sorry for his family's loss
Karl fox
February 25, 2016
Was my absolute pleasure meeting you and assisting you and your wife through gatwick airport train station i was so sorry to hear of your passing but even more shocked when i saw you in the news i had no idea of the incredible things you achieved such a humble man and a true gent so a massive loss rip
February 24, 2016
I am very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead. And the loving memories to be the very tool to move on. May God continue to comfort your family.(23rd Psalm)
February 24, 2016
This gentleman was the best pilot ever! Happy Landings.
February 24, 2016
Please accept my sincere sympathies. May God's holy spirit or active force, equip you with the " power beyond what is normal " to go from one day to the next. ( 2 Corinthians 4 : 7 ) Remember : God can help his faithful servants to endure any and every problem they may face.
February 24, 2016
A name is better than good oil and the day of death then the day of one being born! Mr Brown certainly made a good name for himself the life he live will be cherished by those whose lived he touchí and will be greatly misses ( Ecclesiates 7:1 )
February 24, 2016
Sending condolences to the Brown Family and friends for your loss. May the many fond memories you share of Eric ease your sorrow (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Ross
February 23, 2016
To the Brown family,friends:Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your dear loved one.May the God of comfort, comfort you in the difficult days ahead.
Melanie Dowell
February 23, 2016
What an incredible gift to the free world! Eric Brown was a hero on so many levels. I learned of him through a documentary about him on Netflix. Thank you, Brown family, for sharing Eric Brown's legacy with the rest of the world. God bless you all.
February 23, 2016
we had the real honour of meeting on many occassions Captain Eric Brown . So much has been said and written of his real life during the war , i hope that we also remember, just what a lovely person he was as well. A true gentleman in every sense of the word.Always had time to sit and chat, just great company . I dont think we will ever know the debt this country owes him .We have lost not only Great Britains greatest pilot, but a true hero in every sense of the word.
Our condolences to all his family .
T H BEER . Taylors-Pitstop.
Martha Davidson
February 22, 2016
What a brave, ground-breaking man Mr. Brown was. He sounds like quite a Renaissance man. We owe him our deep gratitude for his achievements and for documenting them in his autobiography and articles. Peace to his family.
D Tyler
February 22, 2016
Offering my sincere condolences. May the Brown family find comfort from family and friends, and by all means God's word. Acts17:31.
February 22, 2016
Mr. Brown's life story of decorated honors speak for themselves. How wonderful it would be to hear of his many record setting firsts when I see him in Paradise. There his years will not only be long, but they will also be eternal. My condolences for the lost of one of the greats!
Harry Simpson
February 22, 2016
Now taking the ultimate flight. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us and thank you for your service your nation.
Scott Chamberland
February 22, 2016
Rest in Peace
February 22, 2016
May the God of all comfort continue comforting each of you. My sincere condolences to the Family. Isaiahy 66:13
CFC Cleveland, OH
February 22, 2016
I've seen many interviews with this man on the American Heroes Channel. An absolutely extraordinary man...I encourage every person interested in this man to check out WWII shows featuring him.
Adrian Barnette
February 22, 2016
We'll miss you !
Roger Matthews
February 22, 2016
What a hero. Sir thank you for your service. I will look for articles of this great man on the internet and hopefully find interviews. Our children need to learn about heroes like you. Men and women of the military are our freedom. GOD bless the family and keep his legacy flying high in our memories.
S. Graham
February 22, 2016
May the hope of God's promises of eternal life on a peaceful new earth comfort the sorrow of your heart. He will be missed by all.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Eric Brown's name
How to support Eric's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eric Brown's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored