He was a truly great man, not over-endowed with ego despite his extraordinary achievements. On learning of the U.K. government intention to cancel the Miles M-52, he begged for the project to be allowed to continue post war regardless of any personal risk. The M-52 project had begun in 1943 & would have seen Britain being the first through the sound barrier ~ the target was 1000mph by the end of 1946 ~ and that was with a Whittle jet engine with reheat, not 4 rocket motors like the Bell X-1. In a fairly typical tale, the Brits exchanged their high-speed research with the USA ~ who promptly reneged on their side of the bargain but happily took the M-52’s all-flying tail. Brown had proved the concept of such a tail by flying a Spitfire fitted with one to M0.86 in a controlled dive ~ the controlled bit being most pertinent. The USA fitted an all flying tail to their X-1 which immediately solved their existing controllability issues & enabled Yeager to break the sound barrier. What Eric Brown thought of all this typical U.K. government prevarication & USA subsequent actions I’m not sure ~ but I have a pretty good idea! We shall not see his like again.
This video deserves far more views, especially by anyone interested in aviation history and WW2. Glad YT "recommended" it to me. Marvelous flier, Capt. Brown.
I met this great aviator in person at his home in around 2004 when with another historian we interviewed him specifically about his time with aircraft carrier landings etc. He was a most gracious host. He took us into his study which had a fine display of model aircraft and later in his lounge room I observed a small drinks bar tucked in the corner of the room where he know doubt served good friends and fellow pilots with a good tipple. It was not hard to imagine whilst I sat there the conversation around that bar in evenings past with pilots from all nations who had the privilege of experiencing his great hospitality and their shared loved of flying.
Cat. Brown told a story about being in a hospital of some kind where Hanna Reotsch was being treated for a heart condition that may or may not have been simulated. Up until then nobody knew who she was He recognised her at once and she was taken into custody. She must have been so happy to see him LOL
Keep in mind the various marks of an aircraft were only counted as 1 type of aircraft. As an example, Captain Brown flew all marks of the Spitfire, but it only counted as 1 Spitfire aircraft. The 487 types of aircraft would be greatly increased in he included all of the different marks for each type
Eric Brown is the only exception I know of to the axiom - "There are Old pilots and there are Bold pilots, but, there are no Old, Bold pilots." Brown is the only man in his class.
I met Captain Brown once a year at this event called BROPH. The last of those events was about 15 years ago though. He was a fascinating individual and incredibly modest too.
He probably wouldn’t have done it because he was to modest, but I could imagine him visiting air museums throughout the world looking at the exhibits, and saying to himself, flown that, flown that, flown that.
Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what/whom capt. Brown other guest speakers were describing. Class A research project!!!
Amazing pilot, Amazing man. Yet his boots always remained on the ground. Years could never dampen his enthusiasm and love of all things flying. He was born to fly.
My fathers ship, HMS Thane probably ferried Browns first helicopter flight to England in Jan 45. The Thane had the misfortune of being attacked by U1172 via an acoustic torpedo, and was subsequently damaged/disabled in the Irish Sea at some loss of life. Once towed by the frigate Loring into Greenock her cargo of 68 aircraft, which included 9 Hoverfly helicopters, were flown off to Speke airfield near Liverpool, which I heard elsewhere was the site Browns first helicopter flight.
Love this man !! History right from his lips?? I WOULD like to thank him for sharing his story and his experiences with the planes he flew!! He was a valuable man for History alone?? Talking with high ranking NAZI party members?? Amazing!! HERO' among HERO'S !!! A true treasure!! His stories should be told and preserved for the future generations?? God bless him 🙏!!! And all combat vets!!! Politicians should lead on the Frontline and then they. Might not want to be so eager for WAR?? THEY NEED TO LISTEN TO THE MEN WHO HAD TO FIGHT FOR THEIR LIFE AND THEIR FRIENDS AND LIVE WITH THE HORROR OF LOSING THEIR BUDDIES?? IF YOU HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED IT THEN YOU WILL NEVER KNOW?? AND THAT'S WITH ANYTHING IN LIFE?? THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE?? CAN'T LEARN IT FROM A BOOK????
We've all heard of the Messerschmidt ME262 but I'm very surprised that I've never heard of the Heinkel He 280, a German twin turbojet flying in 1940 at 467.0 mph up to 37,390 ft.
@@keithorbell8946 Aerodynamically it was, the Meteor was rather old fashioned in comparison. The British engines were superior to the German ones as we had access to alloys that the Germans didn't. Adolf Galland flew both operationally, the 262 with the Luftwaffe & the Meteor with the Argentine Air Force & he said the 262 was the superior machine. Although he would say that, wouldn't he!
@@peterhammond1186 I'd always thought that the Meteor was relatively underrated and the 262 relatively overrated, due to the latter's "sexy" (and advanced, admittedly) swept-wing look. The Meteor's engines' installation was better aesthetically as well (merged into the wings rather than just slung under)..... But what do I know. Basically just talking out of my arse here.....
@@britishamerican4321 I’m with you though the 262 was probably influenced by the very short lifespan of the engines and the need to swap then out very regularly.
Brown tested the top speed of the ME262 at Farnborough and found it 125mph faster than the fastest allied aeroplane the Griffin engined Spitfire. It could engage or disengage air combat at will, leaving it’s opponents standing said Brown.
I have seen the Heinkel 162 in IWM, and E.B. named it a very fine plane. Though the glue used wasn't of any top quality. But the Horten Brothers were people originally making gliders (One brother missed the Eastern Front, because he was claimed to be needed as test pilot at home in the factory) and it needed skills to fly the pure wing, so it sadly never was tested by people who knew how to fly it.
Yes it is sad that Captain Brown never received more official merit for his service to the country and now today knighthood s and peerages are given out like sweeties.A sad reflection on our country. Being a modest man he probably didn't even think that way.In a way his legacy will live on through history that is more than any Knighthood or peerage.
Eric Brown gets my vote as the "Most Interesting Man in the World."
He was a guest at the 1936 Olympics. Had a personal relationship with Urnst Udet.
And he chased a UFO over Wales in his Vampire jet in the 50’s. He couldn’t catch it and believed it was not of this Earth.
I don't always vote on the Most Interesting Man In The World, but when I do, Eric gets my vote too.
I'm currently reading Brown's book "Wings on my Sleeve" for the third time.
He was a true hero of his time.
*Writes that title down* Cheers man!...
A great read, I've read it a couple of times!!😁
Good tribute to a brilliant man RIP Eric Brown not only a star pilot but also a gifted writer and speaker a treat to listen to
He was never knighted? And yet every fifth actor and singer is Sir So-and-so. WTAF?
UPDATE: He was awarded the MBE in 1944, but this is a lower-ranking honor that does not entitle the bearer to be referred to as "Sir." (smh)
You make a very good point. The man is a legend. His accomplishments will never be equalled.
When you look at the sports and media non entities who get knighted these days it makes your point more valid and the so called honour more devalued.
He was Scottish
Shows you being a knight is no big deal. I'm not a knight and I don't feel bad about it.
He was a truly great man, not over-endowed with ego despite his extraordinary achievements. On learning of the U.K. government intention to cancel the Miles M-52, he begged for the project to be allowed to continue post war regardless of any personal risk. The M-52 project had begun in 1943 & would have seen Britain being the first through the sound barrier ~ the target was 1000mph by the end of 1946 ~ and that was with a Whittle jet engine with reheat, not 4 rocket motors like the Bell X-1.
In a fairly typical tale, the Brits exchanged their high-speed research with the USA ~ who promptly reneged on their side of the bargain but happily took the M-52’s all-flying tail. Brown had proved the concept of such a tail by flying a Spitfire fitted with one to M0.86 in a controlled dive ~ the controlled bit being most pertinent. The USA fitted an all flying tail to their X-1 which immediately solved their existing controllability issues & enabled Yeager to break the sound barrier.
What Eric Brown thought of all this typical U.K. government prevarication & USA subsequent actions I’m not sure ~ but I have a pretty good idea!
We shall not see his like again.
This video deserves far more views, especially by anyone interested in aviation history and WW2. Glad YT "recommended" it to me. Marvelous flier, Capt. Brown.
I met this great aviator in person at his home in around 2004 when with another historian we interviewed him specifically about his time with aircraft carrier landings etc. He was a most gracious host. He took us into his study which had a fine display of model aircraft and later in his lounge room I observed a small drinks bar tucked in the corner of the room where he know doubt served good friends and fellow pilots with a good tipple. It was not hard to imagine whilst I sat there the conversation around that bar in evenings past with pilots from all nations who had the privilege of experiencing his great hospitality and their shared loved of flying.
How fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Cat. Brown told a story about being in a hospital of some kind where Hanna Reotsch was being treated for a heart condition that may or may not have been simulated. Up until then nobody knew who she was He recognised her at once and she was taken into custody. She must have been so happy to see him LOL
Keep in mind the various marks of an aircraft were only counted as 1 type of aircraft. As an example, Captain Brown flew all marks of the Spitfire, but it only counted as 1 Spitfire aircraft.
The 487 types of aircraft would be greatly increased in he included all of the different marks for each type
👍
I picked up his autobiography a few years ago in Glasgow ... in a Pound Shop.
It's a brilliant read.
R.I.P. Eric "Winkle" Brown
Greatest pilot to ever sit in a cockpit!
It is a disgrace that he was not more highly honoured.
Was privileged to meet him twice. On both occasions he was giving a lecture to the Gatwick Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
I love his understatement, "it was a little dangerous". What a guy! They don't make them like that anymore!
Fantastic. A brilliant pilot and fascinating man. As many others have said, his flying record will never be equalled.
Eric Brown is the only exception I know of to the axiom - "There are Old pilots and there are Bold pilots, but, there are no Old, Bold pilots."
Brown is the only man in his class.
I met Captain Brown once a year at this event called BROPH. The last of those events was about 15 years ago though. He was a fascinating individual and incredibly modest too.
What a wonderful and eloquent raconteur, so precise in his recollections. I could listen to him all day. R.I.P😁🇬🇧
No knighthood. Baffling beyond belief.
He is without a doubt the best pilot the world has ever seen.
What a guy! RIP sir!
Absolute bloody legend. He alone advanced the RAF more than any other pilot. Landing a bomber on an aircraft carrier takes very big dangling bits!...
Even the master has a model of the B1 Spirit on his shelf. I could have talked to him for days. A great man. Thanks uploader.
Thank you too
He probably wouldn’t have done it because he was to modest, but I could imagine him visiting air museums throughout the world looking at the exhibits, and saying to himself, flown that, flown that, flown that.
Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job enabling viewers to better understand what/whom capt. Brown other guest speakers were describing. Class A research project!!!
Many thanks.
I met Captain Brown once a year at this event called BROPH. He was a fascinating individual and incredibly modest too.
Amazing pilot, Amazing man. Yet his boots always remained on the ground. Years could never dampen his enthusiasm and love of all things flying. He was born to fly.
Is this the single most fascinating video on RUclips?
Superb. Many thanks for the upload.
Truly a legend. Get hold of his book, it's a fascinating read.
My fathers ship, HMS Thane probably ferried Browns first helicopter flight to England in Jan 45.
The Thane had the misfortune of being attacked by U1172 via an acoustic torpedo, and was subsequently damaged/disabled in the Irish Sea at some loss of life.
Once towed by the frigate Loring into Greenock her cargo of 68 aircraft, which included 9 Hoverfly helicopters, were flown off to Speke airfield near Liverpool, which I heard elsewhere was the site Browns first helicopter flight.
This is so real for you and your family. Thanks for input.
Love this man !! History right from his lips?? I WOULD like to thank him for sharing his story and his experiences with the planes he flew!! He was a valuable man for History alone?? Talking with high ranking NAZI party members?? Amazing!! HERO' among HERO'S !!! A true treasure!! His stories should be told and preserved for the future generations?? God bless him 🙏!!! And all combat vets!!! Politicians should lead on the Frontline and then they. Might not want to be so eager for WAR?? THEY NEED TO LISTEN TO THE MEN WHO HAD TO FIGHT FOR THEIR LIFE AND THEIR FRIENDS AND LIVE WITH THE HORROR OF LOSING THEIR BUDDIES?? IF YOU HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED IT THEN YOU WILL NEVER KNOW?? AND THAT'S WITH ANYTHING IN LIFE?? THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE?? CAN'T LEARN IT FROM A BOOK????
We've all heard of the Messerschmidt ME262 but I'm very surprised that I've never heard of the Heinkel He 280, a German twin turbojet flying in 1940 at 467.0 mph up to 37,390 ft.
Excellent video of a great man. I love those test pilots. I enjoyed hearing him talk about the German aircraft. 😊👍
'was a bit sobering...'
Typical Brit understatement...
Thank goodness we had chaps like him. Read his book. 👍🏻🏴
Read it. Love it. Been lending it to friends for ages.
Gems of history! Thank you.
Oh man, I am so proud dear Eric was a Scot. Lord bless this most humble & excellent human being . Just a Superbious lovely man. 🏴💙
I wonder whether he asked Goering about Udet’s death?
I can’t think of a better bloke to have a few pints with! 👍
my right ear very much enjoyed this video.
We have fixed the dual channel problem. Hope you enjoyed the content though.
Great, thank you. In my view, the Messerschmitt 262 is a very beautiful looking plane. It was way ahead of it’s time in styling and performance.
Way ahead of anything else at the time Brian.
@@OldFliersGroup the Gloster Meteor was in development at the same time, was the 262 really that much more technologically advanced?
@@keithorbell8946 Aerodynamically it was, the Meteor was rather old fashioned in comparison. The British engines were superior to the German ones as we had access to alloys that the Germans didn't. Adolf Galland flew both operationally, the 262 with the Luftwaffe & the Meteor with the Argentine Air Force & he said the 262 was the superior machine. Although he would say that, wouldn't he!
@@peterhammond1186 I'd always thought that the Meteor was relatively underrated and the 262 relatively overrated, due to the latter's "sexy" (and advanced, admittedly) swept-wing look. The Meteor's engines' installation was better aesthetically as well (merged into the wings rather than just slung under)..... But what do I know. Basically just talking out of my arse here.....
@@britishamerican4321 I’m with you though the 262 was probably influenced by the very short lifespan of the engines and the need to swap then out very regularly.
this man holds the record for the most recods talented pilot smart and analytical can I have a beer with this chap?
that went by too fast -- I could listen to him talk all day
The 262 was how much faster? Than the Meteor? Or than the fastest piston allied fighter?
He said any !
Brown tested the top speed of the ME262 at Farnborough and found it 125mph faster than the fastest allied aeroplane the Griffin engined Spitfire. It could engage or disengage air combat at will, leaving it’s opponents standing said Brown.
Its all been said.What a bloke !
12.14. All those lovely German aircraft. Where are they all now?
I have seen the Heinkel 162 in IWM, and E.B. named it a very fine plane. Though the glue used wasn't of any top quality. But the Horten Brothers were people originally making gliders (One brother missed the Eastern Front, because he was claimed to be needed as test pilot at home in the factory) and it needed skills to fly the pure wing, so it sadly never was tested by people who knew how to fly it.
5*MUST WATCH!
That this man died in bed is one of the least believable things on the internet. And yet it’s true.
Where was he kept when war broke out? I think I must have heard it wrong 🙀
Yes it is sad that Captain Brown never received more official merit for his service to the country and now today knighthood s and peerages are given out like sweeties.A sad reflection on our country. Being a modest man he probably didn't even think that way.In a way his legacy will live on through history that is more than any Knighthood or peerage.
Pity he was not Oxford or Cambridge or we would be reading the fascinating hisory of Sir Eric Brown.
Why is your sound out of sync and only coming through one channel ? And, why rather weird noise gate-ing?
Yes, I have had sound issues for which I apologise. Now rectified after consultation with TV engineer.
Interesting then at the beginning of the war the Nazis let him leave the country. I wonder if Udet had any influence on that?
Tough man.
Respect!
To many Gs,couldnt raise my arms to eject "nothing to do but sit back and think of England" .True englishman ,take everything in stride!!!
This gentleman was Scottish! He was using the term semi humorously
@@stevemills9982 Scottish and British and proud of both
Thank you for this I'm reading his book right now
This great pilot should have been knighted and well looked after by a grateful country ! If he was German he would have been !!
sharp as a tack
Love this vdo ty
That will hurt many a Scot ... A Scot saying..." .....all I could do was sit back and think of England" : )
Captain Brown was far above childish petty squabbles about Scotland v England etc, he was British, enough said.
Perhaps he was thinking, "Buggered again!"
Pre-Scottish-nationalism?
United against external enemy ?
He was still Scottish though.
‘England’ meant the UK during the war. M
Legend!
What a man!
Nerves of steel.
Cldnt move your arms because of 4g to pull escape hatch all ya cld do is sit and think 🤔 of England 😊
Of course he was not allowed to ask Göring anything political because than he would have heard the truth.
Wodda guy.
after three days in castration, ?
Incarceration? Diction!
Scottish!
🇺🇸