http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22254048
And the radio interview http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rw940
By: paul178 - 24th April 2013 at 22:26
Knighthood or not. My thoughts are a gentleman of exceptional skill and courage in his profession and that should be his place in history.(hopefully with the state honour I think he fully deserves)
There are many other great pilots in WW1 and 2 some who made the ultimate sacrifice be they in fighters or bombers.Not forgetting those in civil aviation as well. So its horses for courses as far as I am concerned.
By: Sideslip - 24th April 2013 at 20:00
Regarding Knighthoods, of course Captain Brown should have one, and so should Wg Cdr Ken Wallis. Thinking back to the last New Year Honours list, perhaps they would both have been better placed if instead of flying aeroplanes, they were both better known for riding bikes.
By: charliehunt - 24th April 2013 at 19:15
Oh, don’t get me started on THAT list!!….wrong thread.
By: Oxcart - 24th April 2013 at 18:41
And to think Michael Parkinson accepted one for talking to his mates!
By: charliehunt - 24th April 2013 at 17:36
Agree with David’s post #6… different guys, from different generations with different problems to deal with… however, when you see some of the people to be awarded Knighthoods, its a disgrace he hasn’t had one bestowed upon him. He is an absolute gentleman and a genuinely interesting guy to spend time chatting too. If you ever get the chance to meet him or listen to his experiences, grab it with both hands! I wish my mind were as sharp as his and I’m over half his age! 🙂
Cheers
Pete
Well I’ve still got 20 years to go and my mind is NOT as sharp as his! A remarkable gentleman and it is just possible that he is one of that minority who have declined the honour. I have nothing to support the thought, but it might be the case.:)
By: J Boyle - 24th April 2013 at 17:06
I enjoyed his books…and he’s certainly an avaition all-time great. I’d love to meet him.
He has talent, skill and not wishing to take anything away from him…luck.
You don’t survive years of test flying hundreds of types (especially some very dodgy types) without some luck.
Some very talented pilots have met their end because something broke at the wrong time.
By: Peter D Evans - 24th April 2013 at 14:21
Agree with David’s post #6… different guys, from different generations with different problems to deal with… however, when you see some of the people to be awarded Knighthoods, its a disgrace he hasn’t had one bestowed upon him. He is an absolute gentleman and a genuinely interesting guy to spend time chatting too. If you ever get the chance to meet him or listen to his experiences, grab it with both hands! I wish my mind were as sharp as his and I’m over half his age! 🙂
Cheers
Pete
By: charliehunt - 24th April 2013 at 06:13
Wholly agree with your last sentence and we can guess his response!! I dislike “the greatest” contests – selecting any single individual from a group of exceptional people is invidious.
By: David Burke - 23rd April 2013 at 21:07
I think no – to pick him out as the greatest is akin to picking the greatest footballer ever. There is a long list of worthies up there including Tony LeVier – Bob Hoover -Scott Crossfield -John Derry – Jan Jurakowski- Von Richtoven -Albert Ball – it could go on for ever!
I don’t think having the highest number of types flown particularily means your the greatest.
Maybe Captain Brown is the person to ask -he might well have a very interesting reply!
By: Arabella-Cox - 23rd April 2013 at 20:49
Short answer: Resoundingly, Yes! – and a gentleman to boot.
Anon.
By: Mr Merry - 23rd April 2013 at 20:28
What a gentleman.
By: boguing - 23rd April 2013 at 20:08
Just reading his book, eight different types in one day. Quite a work rate.
By: David_Kavangh - 23rd April 2013 at 20:02
94 and still no knighthood. Heard him speak a couple of times. Not to be missed if you get the chance.
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April 23, 2013 at 6:37 pm