A very touching tribute was paid to the memory of Sqn Ldr Brian Lane this afternoon, when a large crowd gathered to watch the unveiling of a blue memorial plaque in his memory, at the house where he lived in Pinner, Middx. Unfortunately, the BBMF were unable to get there due to strong crosswinds in Conningsby, but we had a flypast by the Police helicopter instead!
The event was organised by Paul Baderman, and Dilip Sarkar gave a short account of Sqn Ldr Lane’s life in the RAF. Veterans who knew Brian were in attendance and added a personal element to the service, which included the Last Post and a minute’s silence. Also present was the current CO of 19 Sqn, which we were sorry to hear is to be disbanded.
The event ended with some anecdotes and memories from the veterans – and a cup of tea with my mate who lives opposite!
daniel
By: DragonRapide - 26th September 2011 at 20:45
Behind those eyes lurk a proud, devoted man with a cheeky twinkle in his eye, and for whom the summer of 1940 feels, quite literally, like it all took place yesterday. His memories remain as fresh as the moment they were made.
I worked with John on a couple of projects some ten years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed his company. Wonderful bloke, and as you say, a living link to the dramatic days of 1940.
By: D1566 - 26th September 2011 at 20:34
Brilliant – (have just been re-reading his book), hopefully more of our heroes can be commemorated this way?
By: Paul Baderman - 26th September 2011 at 18:03
Was a great day indeed. Thanks DocStirling for this thread and the great pics. Thanks to all who came and made the day what it was. I reckon there were about 400 there – amazing. The Last Post was incredible (nearly lost it!) but the highlight for me was meeting Flt Lt Ken Wilkinson and John Milne. Such wonderful, incredible men, both then and now.
John is in the 4th pic down, with the walking frame. Don’t be fooled by the frailty though. Behind those eyes lurk a proud, devoted man with a cheeky twinkle in his eye, and for whom the summer of 1940 feels, quite literally, like it all took place yesterday. His memories remain as fresh as the moment they were made.
PB
By: Old Lass - 25th September 2011 at 23:35
I travelled down from Yorkshire for the unveiling, It was good to see so many people turn out for the memorial service. Well done to Paul Baderman for organising the whole thing, it was very touching to see Ken Wilkinson and John Milne attending and doing the honours and the police helicopter did a very spirited impromtu display. Its good when any of our heroes are honoured but for it to be Sqn Ldr Brian Lane DFC today was very enjoyable for me.
Ann
By: DragonRapide - 25th September 2011 at 22:03
Great images of the day, and excellent to see Brian Lane commemorated in this way.
I think I recognise somebody in the crowd – DocStirling, PM sent!
By: DocStirling - 25th September 2011 at 20:27
Fantastic to see! Is the house privately owned? If so very nice of the owners to let that happpen!
Yes, I understand they were delighted to be able to help – they certainly had a trail of kids going in and out all afternoon!
daniel
By: Griffhawk - 25th September 2011 at 19:30
Fantastic to see! Is the house privately owned? If so very nice of the owners to let that happpen!
By: BSG-75 - 25th September 2011 at 19:24
That is great to see.
By: jimbob1194 - 25th September 2011 at 19:12
That is lovely to see! 😀
James
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September 25, 2011 at 7:03 pm