The Airmen's Stories - F/O C P N Brett

Colin Peter Noel Brett was born on 5th September 1912 in Norwich. His father served in the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War.

Brett joined the RAF on a short service commission in April 1937. He was posted to 7 FTS Peterborough on 17th July and after training he joined 29 Squadron at Debden on 19th February 1938.

On 2nd August 1938 Brett was piloting Hawker Demon K3785 on a night flying exercise when it ran out of fuel and crashed at Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. Brett and the gunner, LAC Miller, both baled out safely. Brett landed at Naphill, LAC Miller at Saunderton. The aircraft crashed into a hillside close to the Old Plow Inn, Speen.

On 1st July 1940 Brett rejoined 29 from 5 OTU and went to 17 Squadron on the 12th. He was posted away to 7 OTU Hawarden on 16th August.

On 21st September he was caught in an air raid in London, near Shepherd Market, Mayfair and was buried in rubble from a building, but seems to have suffered no significant injury.

He married Patricia Morgan in January 1942 in Bridgend, Glamorganshire.

His subsequent service, possibly as an instructor, is currently undocumented until he was released from the Reserve of RAF Officers on 5th September 1957.

He worked as an advertising account executive postwar.

Brett died in Chepstow on 28th May 1983.