The Airmen's Stories - P/O J Lawson-Brown

John Lawson-Brown, from Roundhay, Leeds, was born on 15th May 1912, the son of Frederick Lawson-Brown (1881-1956) and Hannah Lawson-Brown (nee Hutchinson 1881-1971).

He attended Leeds Grammar School. After leaving he worked at William Hudson & Company, the family firm of paint manufacturers.

He joined the RAFVR about December 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 10 FTS and joined 64 Squadron at Leconfield on 14th September 1940.

Above: from the group photo of Course 21 - 10th June to 7th September 1940 at 10 FTS Tern Hill.

Image courtesy of Kenley Revival.

He shared a Do17 on 16th December 1940. He is recorded as making a forced landing at Hawkinge on 14th February 1941.

Lawson-Brown died on 12th May 1941 in Southend Hospital while being operated on for appendicitis. He was cremated at Lawns Wood Crematorium, Leeds after a funeral at St. Johns, Moor Allerton, Leeds.

His portrait was made by Cuthbert Orde (above).