Rupert Brabner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Commander
Rupert Brabner
DSO DSC MP
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| Born | 29 October 1911 Epping, Essex, England |
| Died | 27 March 1945 (aged 33) near Azores |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Commander |
| Commands held | 801 Naval Air Squadron (1941–42) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Service Cross |
| Other work | Member of Parliament for Hythe (1939–45) |
Rupert Arnold Brabner (born October 29, 1911 – died March 27, 1945) was a brave British Member of Parliament (MP). He was also a skilled pilot in the Royal Navy during World War II. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes.
A Life of Service: Rupert Brabner
Rupert Brabner was born in Epping, England. He went to Felsted School and then studied at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. Before joining the military, he worked as a banker.
Early Political Career
In 1937, Rupert Brabner became a member of the London County Council. This was a local government group for London. He was then elected to the House of Commons in 1939. The House of Commons is where Members of Parliament (MPs) make laws for the country. He represented the area of Hythe in Kent.
Later, he became a government "whip." A whip is like a team leader who makes sure all members of their political party vote together. In 1944, he was given an even bigger job. He became the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Air. This meant he helped manage the Royal Air Force.
Rupert and his sister, Jean Gwenneth, are remembered with a special blue plaque on their family home. Jean was a surgeon who sadly died during World War II from a German rocket attack.
War Hero: Flying Ace
During World War II, Rupert Brabner joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He became a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm. This is the part of the Royal Navy that uses aircraft. He flew with several squadrons, which are groups of aircraft. These included 806, 805, and 801 Squadrons. He served on famous aircraft carriers like HMS Illustrious, HMS Eagle, and HMS Victorious. He also served in places like Crete and North Africa.
From 1941 to 1942, Brabner was the commanding officer of 801 Squadron. They were based on HMS Eagle. This ship was sunk in August 1942. Rupert Brabner was very brave during a mission called Operation Harpoon. For his actions, he received the Distinguished Service Order. This is a very important military award.
After surviving the sinking of the Eagle, he helped with landings in North Africa. In 1943, he became a naval assistant. He was given another important award, the Distinguished Service Cross, for his actions during Operation Pedestal.
Rupert Brabner was a true "air ace." This means he was a highly skilled pilot who shot down at least five enemy aircraft. He was confirmed to have destroyed five enemy planes, shared in destroying one more, and probably destroyed another.
Tragic Loss
Commander Brabner sadly died at the age of 33. He was on a Liberator aircraft flying to Canada with another important officer, Air Marshal Peter Drummond. The plane was lost near the Azores islands. His name is remembered on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial, which honors those lost at sea.
