Eric Brown (Pilot) (Paperback)

Captain Eric Melrose WinkleBrown, CBE, DSC, AFC born 21 January 1919 is a former Royal Navy officer and test pilot who has flown more types of aircraft than anyone else in history. He is also the Fleet Air Arm's most decorated pilot, and holds the world record for aircraft carrier landings.Brown was born on 21 January 1919, in Leith. He first flew when he was 18. He joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve in 1939 as a Fleet Air Arm pilot, where he was posted to 802 Squadron, initially serving on the early escort carrier HMS Audacity flying the Grumman Martlet. During his service on board the Audacity he shot down two Focke-Wulf Fw 200 "Condor" maritime patrol aircraft. The Audacity was torpedoed and sunk on 21 December 1941 by U-751, commanded by Gerhard Bigalk. Eric Brown was one of only two survivors of the squadron. The loss of life was such that 802 Squadron was disbanded until February 1942. On 10 March 1942 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service on Audacity, in particular For bravery and skill in action against Enemy aircraft and in the protection of a Convoy against heavy and sustained Enemy attacks.