Brian Lane

Brian Lane joined the RAF in 1936 and flew with No. 66 and No. 213 Squadrons before the outbreak of war in 1939. Lane, originally from Middlesex, was commander of ‘A’ Flight, No. 19 Squadron at RAF Duxford by the time of the operations at Dunkirk in May 1940. During that period, 19 Squadron’s commanding officer was shot down and killed, and Lane took temporary command of the unit.

Photo courtesy of Imperial War Museum website

He proved to be a natural and popular leader. Those who served with him remembered that, although he was an officer, he was not elitist and that he ‘knew everyone under his command by their first name and had time for us all, no matter how lowly their rank’. Lane also had the ability to stay calm during tense moments of the battle, which helped to reassure those under his leadership.

Those who served with him remembered that, although he was an officer, he was not elitist and that he ‘knew everyone under his command by their first name and had time for us all, no matter how lowly their rank’

Lane took part in flying operations throughout the Battle of Britain and was put in charge of 19 Squadron after the death of its commanding officer on 5 September 1940. In December 1942, shortly after being given command of No. 167 Squadron, he was killed during combat over the Dutch coast.