Family Cross the Atlantic to Visit Museum Where Their Grandfather’s World War One Service Is Now Commemorated

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome opened 2026 with a brand-new exhibition based on the life of Royal Flying Corps Captain Lindop Evans Brown. Now, the Captain's USA and Canada-based family have visited the museum to view the displays which commemorate his life and service.

The visit was the culmination of an emotional journey for the family, who have always been keen to bring Captain Brown's story alive for a new generation. After visiting several UK museums that could potentially hold an exhibition about his life, the family decided that Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, the best-preserved WW1 aerodrome in Europe and an ACE-Accredited Museum, was the best place to host his historical legacy.

The family loaned their collection of papers and objects associated with Captain Lindop Evans Brown and his Royal Flying Corps service, including his Sam Browne belt, flying hat and goggles, forage cap, leather face mask (to protect against the elements while flying in open-cockpit aircraft) and iconic RFC Wings. Visitors to the exhibition can also see Captain Brown's photograph on his original Pilots Licence from 1 October 1913, which he passed in a Wright Brothers biplane.

James Lindop Brown, the Captain's grandson, travelled from his home in Arizona to visit the exhibition, along with his wife Beverly. Also present were James' cousins (the Captain's grandchildren) Ann and Mark Latham, and James' England-based cousin Kathie Arundell, whose father served in WW2 as a pioneering Canadian tail hook naval pilot. They were greeted by Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trustee John Aldridge and local historian Stephen Nunn for a tour of the Museum and lunch – and of course to view the Lindop Brown mini-exhibition.

Museum Ambassador Stephen Nunn said: "The family were absolutely thrilled with the exhibition and thought that Lindop would have heartily approved. We are so lucky to be displaying this unique collection of his photographs, insignia, equipment and medals, all originals relating to this incredible flyer of yesteryear. Every time visitors cross the threshold at the Aerodrome, Lindop is remembered. But then that is only right for what he and all those other young pilots did for us all those years ago."

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "It was a real honour that our museum was chosen by the family of Captain Brown to host this exhibition – and an even greater honour to meet them and show them around the finished displays in person."

Captain Lindop Evans Brown, known to his grandchildren as "Pappy", was born in Sussex then moved first to Canada, then Montana as a rancher. It was there that he met his wife Ethel White – a teacher (like Lindop's parents in Slinfold) and daughter of Glasgow area sheep ranchers. He qualified as a pilot at the Wright Brothers school of aviation in Ohio. When war broke out, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, and the newly-weds returned to England.

2/… Lindop first served as an air mechanic and then qualified as a pilot flying with 24 Squadron. Recognised as having a rare natural flying ability he became a "night flying and test pilot" and served as a flight instructor in Hounslow before becoming Flight Commander with 11 Squadron. It was while based at Hounslow that their first child Dorothy (mother of Mark and Anne) was born. He was twice wounded in flying accidents, and due to ongoing issues with his health he was honourably discharged in 1918, returning to Canada where he continued his life as a rancher and raised his family.

Throughout his life he spoke proudly of his wartime service and carefully kept his mementos of the period. He died in 1973, aged 92, and ever since then it had been his family's dream to bring the story of his life to a wider audience. The family credits Ethel, daughter Dorothy, and then James' father William with preserving the Captain's flying memorabilia for future generations.

The mini-exhibition can be seen at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Friday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Admission to the Museum on standard opening days costs £12 for adults, £9 for concessions and children 0-10 free. Please note that admission prices vary on event days.

For more information visitwww.stowmaries.org.uk.