Aviation hero Arthur Whitten Brown's long-lost granddaughter, Judy Bain, has uncovered a secret family history that spans generations and includes the first nonstop transatlantic flight. The 81-year-old Australian woman learned she is the granddaughter of the legendary aviator who, alongside John Alcock, completed the historic 1919 crossing from Canada to Ireland.
The Secret Past of a WAAF and a Pilot
In 1944, Elsie Barber, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, had a clandestine romance with RAF pilot Arthur "Buster" Brown, the son of Arthur Whitten Brown. Buster, who was married at the time, died on D-Day when his Mosquito fighter plane crashed in the Netherlands. Elsie, pregnant and single, gave birth to a daughter and placed her for adoption. That daughter grew up unaware of her origins until decades later, when she began investigating her roots and uncovered the tale of family secrets, heartbreak, and aviation glory.
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Judy Bain: The Living Link
Judy Bain, now 81, is the child of that adopted daughter. Through meticulous research, she pieced together her lineage and discovered that her grandfather was none other than Sir Arthur Whitten Brown, the co-pilot of the first nonstop transatlantic flight. "One of the things that saddens me is that when he died, and his son died, there was no other family," Judy said from her home in Perth, Australia. "Neither of them knew about me and there were no other relations at all."
The Historic Transatlantic Flight
On 23 July 1886, Arthur Whitten Brown was born. He and John Alcock flew a modified Vickers Vimy bomber from St. John's, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in 1919, covering 1,950 miles in 16 hours and 12 minutes. This feat earned them knighthoods and demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel. Below is a comparison of that flight with a modern transatlantic journey:
| Flight | Year | Distance | Duration | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcock & Brown | 1919 | 1,950 miles | 16h 12m | Vickers Vimy |
| Modern Commercial | 2024 | ~3,000 miles | ~6h | Boeing 787 |
Key Takeaways from This Story
- Aviation hero Arthur Whitten Brown's bloodline continued through a secret adoption.
- Judy Bain, aged 81, is the granddaughter and living descendant of the famous pilot.
- The Alcock and Brown flight paved the way for modern air travel.
- Family secrets can remain hidden for decades but eventually come to light through genealogy.
- The story highlights the personal sacrifices made by wartime families.
FAQ
Who was Arthur Whitten Brown?
Arthur Whitten Brown was a British aviator who, with John Alcock, made the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919. He was knighted for his achievement.
How did Judy Bain discover her connection to the aviation hero?
Judy Bain's mother was adopted, and decades later Judy began investigating her family history. Through genealogical research, she uncovered the secret that her grandfather was Arthur Whitten Brown.
Are there any other descendants of Arthur Whitten Brown?
Yes. Judy Bain has two children and four grandchildren, making seven living descendants in total. Previously it was believed Brown had no surviving family after his son Buster died in WWII.
This remarkable story of family secrets and aviation legend continues to captivate. Judy Bain's journey from anonymity to a living link of a historic flight shows how the past can resurface in the most unexpected ways. For aviation enthusiasts and genealogy lovers alike, it is a tale of love, loss, and legacy.
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