429139 Flying Officer Alfred Errol Brown, 1920-21/3/1945.

Alfred Brown grew up in Mechanic st, North East Valley, Dunedin and was selected for overseas aircrew training with the Royal Air Force in 1941. He trained at a flying school at Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and graduated in October 1943.

In March, 1945, he was in command of a 75 Squadron Lancaster bomber, part of a force attempting to destroy a viaduct in the area of Munster in Germany.  At this period of the Second World War, the RAF were able to use air superiority to conduct daylight missions with a better chance of effective precision bombing.  A 75 Squadron website contains this description of Alfred's last mission:

LM733 was bombing the target at Munster when it was seen to break into two sections and enter a downward spiral before crashing in flames among trees near Coesfeld at 13.30hrs. The cause of the catastrophic damage was thought to be a combination of flak damage and being struck by a bomb from another 3 Group aircraft flying above. Two crew, the pilot and air bomber, were killed and later buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. The other five crew parachuted to safety and were captured as P.o.W’s.

Two parachutes coming from the falling plane were the reason why Alfred was, for some time, posted as "missing," but eventually news arrived in Dunedin that Alfred had died in the crash.

IN MEMORIAM.

BROWN. — In loving memory of Flying-officer Alfred E. Brown, killed on active service over Germany, March 21, 1945. Ever remembered by his parents and brothers.

BROWN. — In loving memory of my dear nephew and cousin, Pilot-officer Alfred Errol, who lost his life in air operations over Germany, March 21, 1945. “Loyal, unselfish, and brave.” — Inserted by his loving Auntie Molly and Dawn.  -Evening Star, 30/5/1947.

Photo from "Find a grave."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.