Brian Lane (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Lane
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Brian Lane (centre) after a sortie during the Battle of Britain, 1940
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| Nickname(s) | Sandy |
| Born | 18 June 1917 Harrogate, England |
| Died | 13 December 1942 (aged 25) North Sea |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1942 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Commands held | No. 19 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Brian John Edward "Sandy" Lane (born June 18, 1917 – died December 13, 1942) was a brave fighter pilot and a "flying ace" for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. He was also an author who wrote about his experiences.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the RAF
Brian Lane was born in Pannal, near Harrogate, England. He grew up in a town called Pinner. Before joining the Royal Air Force, he went to St Paul's School in Hammersmith. After school, he worked as a factory supervisor for a short time.
In 1936, Brian decided to join the RAF. He started his training in March 1936. By June, he was at RAF Wittering for more flight training. He officially became an officer in the RAF on May 18, 1936.
Becoming a Fighter Pilot
After finishing his training, Brian joined No. 66 Squadron RAF in January 1937. He was a Pilot Officer at this time. Later that year, he moved to No. 213 Squadron RAF. He was promoted to Flying Officer in December 1938.
Just before World War II began, Brian joined No. 19 Squadron RAF. He became the Officer Commanding "A" Flight. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He flew the famous Supermarine Spitfire fighter planes.
In June 1940, Brian Lane married Eileen Ellison. She was a well-known racing car driver.
Bravery in Battle
In May 1940, during the Dunkirk evacuation, Brian showed great courage. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery. This award is given for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air." He was officially called an "exceptional" fighter pilot.
On May 25, 1940, the commander of his squadron was shot down. Brian became the acting squadron commander.
By September 1940, during the main part of the Battle of Britain, Brian's skills as a pilot and leader were clear. He was promoted to Squadron Leader. This is a higher rank in the RAF.
Brian's No. 19 Squadron RAF often flew with No. 242 Squadron RAF. These squadrons were led by Squadron Leader Douglas Bader. They worked together as part of the "Big Wing" formation. This was a large group of fighter planes that flew together to attack enemy aircraft.
After the Battle of Britain, Brian continued flying with 19 Squadron. In June 1941, he moved to a staff job at RAF Hucknall. This meant he was working in an office, helping to plan operations.
Later Missions and Disappearance
In November 1941, Brian was sent to the Middle East for another staff job. In June 1942, he returned to England. He commanded No. 61 Operational Training Unit (OTU). This unit helped train new pilots.
In December 1942, Brian joined No. 167 Squadron RAF. He was a "supernumerary" Squadron Leader. This means he was an extra officer, flying Spitfire Mk. V planes.
On December 13, 1942, Brian went on his first mission with this new squadron. He was last seen chasing two German Focke-Wulf 190 fighter planes. He never came back from this mission. He was listed as "missing in action". This means he disappeared during the war and his body was never found.
Brian Lane most likely crashed into the North Sea. He has no known grave. During his time as a pilot, he was credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft, and possibly more.
His Book: Spitfire!
Brian Lane was also an author. He wrote a book called Spitfire!. It was first published in 1942. He used the pen name B.J. Ellan.
The book tells the story of Brian's own experiences. It describes what it was like to be a Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain. It is one of the few books written by a pilot during the war itself.
A historian named Dilip Sarkar later edited and researched the book. He replaced the secret code words used during the war with the real names of people and places. The updated book was published again in 2009 and 2011.
What Others Said About Brian
Here is what some of the pilots and crew from 19 Squadron thought of Brian Lane:
- Flight Sergeant George "Grumpy" Unwin said: "He was completely calm, no matter what happened. His voice was always steady and reassuring. His orders always seemed to be the right decisions."
- Sergeant David Cox said: "Brian Lane was simply the best Commanding Officer I ever worked for. When it was my turn to lead, I tried to be like him."
- Corporal Fred Roberts said: "...he was an absolutely wonderful man. Early in the war, some officers could be a bit snobbish. But not Brian Lane. He knew everyone in his command by their first names, no matter their rank."
Memorial Plaque
A special memorial plaque was put up at Brian Lane's old home in Pinner, London. This happened on September 25, 2011. It was 69 years after he went missing.
About 400 people came to the ceremony. Flt Lt K A Wilkinson RAF and Mr John Milne unveiled the plaque. Flt Lt Wilkinson flew under Brian's command in 19 Squadron. Mr Milne was Brian's Rigger. A Rigger was responsible for refuelling Brian's Spitfire and fixing its body.
See also
- List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea
