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Arthur Roy BrownBritish Canadian pilot, captain, ace of the First World War
Date of Birth: 23.12.1893
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Arthur Brown: British-Canadian Pilot and WWI Flying Ace
- Royal Naval Air Service and Training
- Assignment to 9th Squadron and Notable Victory
- Post-War Career and Legacy
Arthur Brown: British-Canadian Pilot and WWI Flying Ace
Early Life and Career BeginningsArthur Brown was born on December 23, 1893, in Carleton Place, Canada, to parents who owned the town's first electrical company. After his father's death, Brown pursued a career in accountancy to support the family business. However, his passion for aviation led him to join the Officer Cadet Corps in 1915.
Royal Naval Air Service and Training
Brown entered the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and completed pilot training on November 24, 1915. He was then sent to England for further training at Chingford, where he achieved the rank of Flight Sub-Lieutenant. While on a training flight in an Avro 504 on May 2, 1916, Brown suffered a crash but survived.
Assignment to 9th Squadron and Notable Victory
In March 1917, Brown was assigned to the RNAS's 9th Squadron. His most celebrated victory as a Canadian fighter ace was the shooting down of Manfred von Richthofen, the "Red Baron," on April 21, 1918. The following day, Brown visited Richthofen's body and recorded his emotions in his diary, expressing deep sorrow and admiration.
Post-War Career and Legacy
After the war, Arthur Brown remained involved in aviation as a flight instructor and as the editor of "Canadian Aviation" magazine. He was deemed unfit for service during World War II. Brown remained a humble and intelligent figure, passing away at the age of 50 from a heart attack. His legacy as a valiant WWI flying ace and a respected aviation professional continues to inspire generations.
