RIP testpilot Eric "Winkle" Brown: 1919-21feb2016...........

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-35626854
/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Brown_(pilot)

...a long and remarkable life...

One of the most famous British pilots, Capt Eric "Winkle" Brown, has died at the age of 97.

He was the Royal Navy's most decorated pilot and held the world record for flying the greatest number of different types of aircraft, 487.

During the Second World War Capt Brown flew fighter aircraft and witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp.

He died at the East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, after a short illness.

A statement released by his family said: "It is with deep regret that the passing of Captain Eric Melrose Brown CBE DSC AFC is announced.




"Eric was the most decorated pilot of the Fleet Air Arm in which service he was universally known as 'Winkle' on account of his diminutive stature.

"He also held three absolute Guinness World Records, including for the number of aircraft carrier deck landings and types of aeroplane flown."

[frank kramer]

I met him at a booksigning in Antwerp a few years ago. An impressive character with great wit and a fabulous hands-on knowledge of aircraft during the transition from props to jets. He will be missed.

[Stratofreighter]

I met him at a booksigning in Antwerp a few years ago. An impressive character with great wit and a fabulous hands-on knowledge of aircraft during the transition from props to jets. He will be missed.

Well, I did like this bit on that BBC-link:

In 2014 , the war veteran was picked as the subject for the 3,000th edition of Desert Island Discs, during which he was described by presenter Kirsty Young as a "real life hero" and a "remarkable, dare-devil".

"When you read through his life story, it makes James Bond seem like a bit of a slacker," she said.

Eric Brown on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sp=CAI% ... nkle+brown