Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Elkington

This is all I will show here as it is `on the record` Tim was `one of the few`-a lovely man who loved to cook and grow things,especially tomatoes. Soon there will be none left.

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

Eric Brown was far from unknown and unrecognised. He had been appointed MBE, OBE and CBE and awarded the DSC and AFC. Eric wrote numerous books of his own and forewords for other authors on the theme of aviation, before and after his retirement. He also appeared in many documentaries on flight.

I doubt whether Eric would have appreciated "celebration" - when interviewed, he came across as matter-of-fact and self-effacing.

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

These men like many good men who have passed unfeted were quiet heros .
They did their duty often beyond the call of duty .
They came from a time when boasting was not considered the thing .
Valour was quiet and unassuming .

Here is another such man who never mentioned his wartime deeds not even to his wife who found evidence of them 50 years on.

Nicholas Winton

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6_nFuJAF5F0

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

I understand some may not want media attention, this isn't my point.
I feel the UK, in general, ignores them to a point.

Even our school history classes seem to skirt around WW1&2 nowadays.

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

So why use Eric Brown as an example?

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

Because I'd never heard of him, I'd never heard of his exploits and I'm interested in pioneers.

I think this thread proves he was relatively unknown to the British public.

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

You should widen your scope to include aviation .....

I think this thread proves he was relatively unknown to most of the posters to this thread .....

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

1) My interest in aircraft is limited to:
a) it takes off.
b) it lands at the right destination.

2) Which would be a fair representation of the general public?

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

History taught in schools these days is very selective.
It seems to consist of a "dress up day" to cover WW2 with very basic information.
Absolutely agree there should be much more coverage of these heroic people to show exactly what bravery and sacrifice went on to keep us all safe.

Re: Embarrassed that I'd never heard of this man.

I suppose many of these heroes don't want the publicity and even if they did, they would get lost in the high volume adulation fawned on the likes of the Kardashians, Beckhams etc and other 'no marks' from reality shows!