Brain, Kenneth George

Date of birth:: (Cheshire, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 171047
Nationality:: British

Biography

At the outbreak of WW2 Ken Brain was working as a Controller at a power station. He volunteered for flying duties and gained his wings in March 1943 after which he recieved further training on the Hawker Hurricane and then the Hawker Typhoon. However, regardless of his fighter training he was subsequently posted to 1685 Bomber Dence Training Flight which role was to provide targets for trainee crew flying the Wellington. After 12 months, just before D Day he was posted to 137 Squadron equipped with Typhoons and detailed with "Anti-Diver" patrols (intercepting V-1's), ship recces and ground strafing sorties ins upport of the Allied advance through France, Belgium and the Netherlands. On June 22 scored the unit's first victory when downing a V1.
He was demobbed in the summer of 1946.

20 December 1943: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
20 June 1944: Flying Officer on Probation
20 December 1945: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 137 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 8th, 1945

This officer has completed many attacks against gun positions, troop concentrations, tanks and trains in support of the army. In spite of intense anti-aircraft opposition Flying Officer Brain's fine leadership has been largely responsible for the successful completion of many operations.
Throughout this officer has set an inspiring example to the other members of his Squadron.