“Winkle – A Life at Full Throttle” – Royal Aeronautical Society Lecture

“Winkle – A Life at Full Throttle” – Royal Aeronautical Society Lecture

No.4 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7BQ (and via internet live-stream) at 1800 on Wednesday 16 March 2016

Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown Royal Navy was arguably Britain’s greatest pilot, with a slew of World records to his name.  In this free lecture, Air Power commentator Paul Beaver looks back on the extraordinary career of this famous Fleet Air Arm pilot. 

This Royal Aeronautical Society lecture will be delivered by noted Air Power writer, historian and broadcaster Paul Beaver FRAeS.

The lecture will look back at the life of Captain Eric Brown Royal Navy – universally known as ‘Winkle’ who sadly passed away earlier this year. Paul had had the privilege of knowing Eric for more than 35 years.  During this time, Paul developed a deep understanding of the great aviator’s life and personal history – and a great affection for the Nation’s Greatest Aviator.

Eric held world records - including the most types of aircraft flown, escaped death at least 20 times and at 96 years old was called upon by Her Majesty The Queen to accompany her on a trip to Germany.

Paul will tell Eric’s story from riding the ‘wall of death’ to flying German rocket planes; from surviving the sinking of HMS Audacity to the liberation of Bergan-Belsen concentration camp; 2407 deck landings to his friendship with the late Neil Armstrong.  Paul will also highlight some of the lesser known aspects of Eric’s enormous contribution to aviation and the 20th Century.

All Royal Aeronautical Society Lectures are free to attend and we welcome both Members and Non-Members.  The lecture will take place at the Society’s Headquarters at No. 4 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7BQ.  Free refreshments will be available from 1730, with the lecture commencing at 1800. Full details can be found at www.aerosociety.com/winkle. 

The Royal Aeronautical Society are also offering a live internet stream of this lecture.  Further details on how to sign up for the live stream are available on the RAeS website at www.aerosociety.com/winkle.