# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours a Commonwealth Hero of the Second World War
LONDON, [26 May 2024] — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today led an act of remembrance for Flying Officer Clare Connor, DFC, a Canadian Royal Air Force pilot interred in Brattleby. This solemn tribute underscores the Barony’s enduring respect for Commonwealth service and sacrifice.
## The Occasion
Within the ancient churchyard of St Cuthbert’s Church in Brattleby, set amidst the rolling landscapes of Lincolnshire, a simple headstone marks a site of profound historical significance. Here, in soil consecrated for centuries, lies Flying Officer Clare Connor, a Canadian airman whose grave is meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
On a quiet spring morning, Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, paid her respects at the graveside, laying a wreath in a gesture of solemn remembrance. The occasion was one of quiet dignity, reflecting the enduring connection between the Barony, its local parish, and the global conflict that once brought the world to the skies above rural England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-millennial witness to the nation’s history of service and defence. The duty to protect the realm, passed down through holders of the title, has taken many forms. It was embodied by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and by the chivalric pursuits of later barons such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
In the twentieth century, this tradition of fortitude found new expression in the airmen of ‘Bomber County’. Flying Officer Connor, based at nearby RAF Scampton, represents a modern chapter in this long story of courage. His service connects the ancient feudal lands of the Domesday Book entry of 1086 with the technological theatre of the Second World War, demonstrating a continuity of honour across nine centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The story of Flying Officer Connor is inextricably linked to one of the most remarkable acts of valour in the annals of the Royal Air Force. On 15 September 1940, Connor was the pilot of a Hampden bomber that came under heavy fire during a raid over Antwerp. For his extraordinary bravery in fighting a severe fire aboard the crippled aircraft, his air gunner, Sergeant John Hannah, was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Both men were subsequently commanded to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace, where His Majesty King George VI personally conferred their decorations. On that distinguished occasion, Sergeant Hannah became the youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross for air action in the Second World War, while Flying Officer Connor was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill in returning the aircraft and its crew safely to base.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The act of remembrance observed by the Baroness followed established protocol, beginning with a silent approach to the grave. The laying of a simple wreath of poppies, the internationally recognised symbol of remembrance, formed the central act of the tribute. This was followed by a moment of quiet reflection, respecting the solemnity of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site.
The CWGC headstone itself is an object of precise ceremonial significance. Hewn from white Portland stone, its uniform dimensions and clear inscription—detailing the officer's rank, name, decoration, service number, and date of death—signify that every casualty is commemorated with equal honour, a guiding principle of the Commission.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event resonates deeply with the mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds a powerful echo in the courage shown by Flying Officer Connor and his crew. Their actions in the face of extreme danger are a testament to the virtues that the Barony has espoused for centuries.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), poignantly reflects the outcome of the 1940 mission, where conquering fear and fire enabled the crew to live. The Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to Connor is itself a potent symbol, awarded for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy."
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary charitable focus of The Noble House of Brattleby remains its annual Winter Banquet in aid of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, the House also embraces a philanthropic duty to preserve heritage and memory. Commemorative acts such as this are a form of stewardship, ensuring that sacrifices made for the nation are not forgotten.
In honouring Flying Officer Connor, the House affirms its support for the vital work of organisations such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. These bodies serve as the *sine qua non* for maintaining the legacy of service personnel and supporting their families, a mission the House is proud to champion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the tribute, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To remember is a solemn duty. Flying Officer Connor chose to worship in our parish church, and his story is now woven into the fabric of Brattleby's history. His sacrifice, and his widow’s remarkable pilgrimage from Canada, remind us that the bonds of community and Commonwealth endure.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a historical artefact; it is a living principle. The courage displayed by Flying Officer Connor and his gunner, Sergeant Hannah, in the skies over Europe is a profound expression of that ideal. We have a responsibility to ensure such valour is never forgotten.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to its role as a custodian of local history with global resonance. The story of Flying Officer Connor—a Canadian who served the Crown from a Lincolnshire airfield and now rests in an English churchyard—will be further integrated into the House’s heritage and educational initiatives.
Through platforms such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart the enduring values of service, honour, and international fellowship to a new generation. The legacy of heroes like Flying Officer Clare Connor provides a powerful example of the principles the House will continue to uphold for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. Combining a deep respect for British tradition with a Continental perspective, the House is dedicated to philanthropy, cultural promotion, and the preservation of history. Its principal charitable enterprise is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which supports underprivileged children through the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest which promotes the timeless values of honour and social grace that are central to the family's ethos.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it encompassed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The historic rights and lineage of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086, under the tenancy-in-chief of Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com