RAF gunner from Twickenham remembered (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

RAF gunner from Twickenham remembered

1:50pm Sunday 22nd January 2012 in News By Rachel Bishop

An ex-RAF pilot, who lived in Twickenham for 56 years, died last week after losing a long battle with pneumonia.

Born on August 11, 1924, Peter Browne moved to Twickenham Riverside in 1955 with his late wife Joan, where he spent many happy years with her and their two sons, Barnaby and Christopher Browne.

The 86-year-old was a tail gunner in a Lancaster bomber during the Second World War, and retained a passion for flying throughout his life, continuing to fly into his mid-70s. He also worked as a journalist for the Guardian and Reader’s Digest before he retired Mr Browne died on Friday, January 13, at West Middlesex Hospital after he lost his battle against the illness. Three times his family were told to expect the worst and three times he defied the odds.

Barnaby Browne said: “He battled valiantly on (while wasting no opportunities to flirt with the nurses) and surprised everybody by surviving the illness as long as he did.

“His friends and family will miss him and his humour. I know he would also want me to pass on heartfelt thanks to all the staff at West Middlesex hospital – especially in the Osterley Ward – who went out of their way to help.”

His wishes were to be cremated and his family ask anyone wishing to pay their respect to come to the Fox, in Church Street, Twickenham, from 2.30pm on Friday, January 27.

Barnaby said: “Peter loved Twickenham and I know he would want me to pass on his good wishes to all who knew him over the year. Over and out Peter.”