The student documentary that brought a World War II veteran back to the skies
By: Communications
Fin Brown, a BA Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism graduate, has been soaring to new heights in the world of journalism and documentary filmmaking.
His latest work, Bomber Ray: The Last Mission, was nominated in both the ‘Factual – Short Form’ and ‘Craft – Writing’ categories for this year’s Royal Television Society East Student Awards 2025. Louise Graham, another graduate of the journalism course, had her film ‘Domestic Abuse: The Fight for Life’ nominated for the ‘Factual – Short Form’ category.
These nominations are recognition of the dedication and hard work that went into bringing their powerful stories to life.
Ray Parke, the World War II veteran who embodied the heart of Fin’s documentary, sadly died aged 99 this January – though not before Fin’s fundraising efforts made his final flight in a Lancaster Bomber possible. Find out more about the story behind the screen:
A story worth telling
Fin’s inspiration for the documentary came from a deep-rooted interest in World War history and a desire to make these stories more accessible to younger audiences: “I'd always been interested in the World Wars and realised that I was in the minority of people my age who shared that interest.
“A lot of war documentaries are presented by older people about older people, which can make them feel less relatable to younger generations. I wanted to create something to show people that these stories are interesting, emotional, and can connect to anyone of any age.”
Images L-R: Fin’s visit to Ray Parke on his birthday; Ray meeting with two other World War II veterans
Memorable moments behind the camera
The filmmaking process for Bomber Ray: The Last Mission was one-of-a-kind for Fin, with one standout moment being an invitation to the Netherlands, for filming at the site of the battle that Ray’s story is based on.
Another was the emotional experience of taking Ray back onto a Lancaster Bomber in Lincolnshire and being on board while he taxied in the plane, accompanied by national TV media and a supportive crowd of cheers from onlookers.
Fin even got the chance to speak to ITV Anglia about his role in making the veteran’s final flight possible.
Images L-R: Fin Brown and Ray Parke under the Lancaster Bomber; Ray aboard the aircraft
By far the most impactful moment though?
“The best part of the whole filming process was, without a doubt, the friendship I formed with Ray,” Fin shares.
“It was an off-screen bond between two guys, 80 years apart, and that was truly special.”
UEA’s role in shaping the film
Fin credits his success to the Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism course: “The project wouldn’t have taken the shape it did without the course – everything I did in the documentary was built on skills I developed at UEA.
“From the multi-camera sequences and piece-to-cameras to the editing process – it was a culmination of all the skills and practices I learnt there.”
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What’s next for Fin Brown?
“What's next is a good and exciting question. Currently, multiple things are all in the works at the same time!”
Now a freelancer for Radio Suffolk and Norfolk, Fin is also developing a new podcast in collaboration with Help for Heroes, interviewing people with different combat experiences from all eras: “We've got some exciting guests on, from D-Day veterans to rugby legend Rory Underwood and TV presenter JJ Chalmers.
"I'll also be completing a summer of fundraising for Help for Heroes, with three expeditions across this summer all turned into a mini documentary series – so lots of exciting plans on the horizon.”