The American Pilot
Sometimes, the stories we seek out in our research are fascinating, but sometimes, the stories find us. One such story found me in the most unexpected of places— my home town of Nantwich in Cheshire, England. Now, you might be wondering what connection I have to an American fighter pilot who tragically lost his life during World War II.
It all started when I happened upon a memorial tucked away behind Shrewbridge Road in Nantwich. Hidden among the trees and along the banks of the River Weaver, I found a small but poignant tribute to a man I had never heard of before: 1st Lt. Arthur Leslie Brown.
Arthur Brown was an American fighter pilot during World War II, part of the United States Army Air Force. His story, however, is not one you’ll often hear in history books. The memorial, installed by The Royal British Legion, commemorates his sacrifice and heroism, but also reminds us of the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
The plaque reads:
“On 14th January 1944, 1st Lt. Arthur Brown of the United States Army Air Force was flying in a Thunderbolt P47D plane. He crashed near to the River Weaver behind Shrewbridge Road in Nantwich. Unfortunately, his body has never been found.”
The plaque left me with more questions than answers. Who was Arthur Leslie Brown? What led him to crash in Nantwich? Why had his body never been recovered?
Want to find out more of what I discovered? See the article below.
Another terrific story and also another example of how research can sometimes alter the story, but more so add meaning. To the people of the town, he was and will always be a hero. God bless them.
Such a remarkable story… and now a friend just reminded me of it again and the compelling power of such storytelling.