The funeral of one of the last black RAF veterans of the Second World War will take place in a historic 600-seat church in the centre of London after so many people asked to attend it.
Flight Sergeant Peter Brown died alone aged 96 in Maida Vale, west London, in December last year.
Initially, his funeral service was scheduled to take place at a 140-capacity chapel in Mortlake, in the southwest of the city.
But the funeral will now be held at St Clement Danes, the RAF Central Church, in Westminster.
After a campaign in The Sun newspaper to find any surviving family members to attend the funeral, his incredible life story struck a chord with thousands of people.
Politicians, including Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, gave their support to honour him, and Westminster Council began to make arrangements to ensure that Mr Brown received a “dignified send-off worthy of his life story”.
Born in Jamaica in 1926, Mr Brown enlisted in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in September 1943 and flew Lancaster bomber planes. He trained as a wireless operator/air gunner and was posted to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
After the war ended, he re-enlisted in the RAF, working as a signaller.
Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug said: “The national response to Peter Brown’s story has been overwhelming.
“The details of his life and subsequent search for relatives have truly captured the public imagination and moved people around the world.
“Our priority has always been to ensure Mr Brown receives a fitting, dignified send-off which allows those wishing to pay their respects the opportunity to do so.
“We are grateful to the RAF who have stepped in and provided a perfect venue to reflect Peter’s military service.
“We will continue to work with the RAF, community groups and well-wishers to ensure the service represents the many aspects of Mr Brown’s life.”
Read more from Sky News:
Nearly 200 could face dismissal from Met Police
‘Life-changing’ cancer drug approved for NHS use
Date set for UK’s first nationwide test of emergency alert system
An RAF spokesperson said: “Flight Sergeant Brown is an example of the selfless contribution of all Commonwealth personnel who have served throughout the RAF’s history.
“We should never forget their sacrifices which have defended our freedom and kept us safe.”
