Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown CBE DSC AFC Royal Navy

[peterb]

The Royal Navy's most decorated pilot has died, aged 97.

His career and achievements are too numerous to list here, but include the first (and most) deck landings on an aircraft carrier and the most aircraft types flown.

His whole life was one of adventure, and an obituary can be found here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-35626854

But I'm sure there will be others published in various newspapers in the next few days.

Without wishing to diminish the exploits of the many men and women from that era, he seems (to me) to stand apart.

[peterb]

I'm surprised that this didn't attract more comment, but there is a documentary about this remarkable man (with some archive footage) on BBC2 at the moment (26 Feb) and may be available on BBC iPlayer.

It's a must watch for anyone interested in aviation, test flying, and recent history through the eyes of someone who witnessed events first hand.

[Jowsey]

My ignorance of this mans passing saddens me. Thanks you for your service and God speed, Eric.