The Airmen's Stories - F/O V M Bright

Vernon Maxwell Bright was born on 9th April 1916 in Warwick, the son of Arthur Sydney Bright (1878-1960) and Kate Elizabeth Bright (nee Carter 1877-1925).

He attended Westminster School from 1929 to 1932.

Bright joined the RAF on a short service commission in August 1938. After training he was posted to 229 Squadron at Digby when it reformed on 6th October 1939.

Over Dunkirk on 29th May 1940 Bright destroyed a Me109 and two days later he claimed a probable Me110. On 11th September he claimed a Me109, on the 15th he shared a He111 and on the 27th another He111 and a shared Ju88.

In October 1940 he married Monica Alin Theodosia Richards, a radiologist, in Marylebone, London.

 Above: 229 Squadron - L to R: DuVivier, Smith WA, Bright, Mitchell RR, Ravenhill, Bary, Linney, Brown RC, Merryweather.

On 24th September 1942 he was killed whilst flying in Beaufighter VIc EL329/G (below) of the AAEE, which rolled and crashed on return to Boscombe Down following rocket projectile trials over Compton ranges. LAC RF Brown was also killed.

It was found that low oil pressure had caused the trials to be aborted but on the flight back to Boscombe Down No.5 cylinder seized causing the aircraft to swing and roll into the ground at low altitude.

Bright was 26 and was cremated at Southampton Crematorium.