'The Boy Slade' The RAF's Youngest Bomber Pilot of World War Two

About

Just before turning 16 in 1940, Brian Slade lied about his age to become a pilot. By his 17th birthday he had earned his wings and was flying Wellington bombers, quickly gaining the nickname "The Boy Slade." Before he was even 18, he had flown 34 operations and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for bringing a damaged aircraft home from Bremen.

Brian went on to complete 59 operations as a Pathfinder pilot with 83 Squadron, marking targets over the Ruhr, Hamburg and Peenemünde—making him the youngest bomber pilot of World War Two.

Join his nephew, Graham Waterton, for a fascinating daytime talk at the Museum, sharing Brian's extraordinary story and the remarkable crews he flew with—some tragic, all inspiring.