In 1944 Brian served with 164 Squadron near Bayeux, under Belgian Squadron Leader Remi (Mony) Van Lierde, flying a Typhoon MN-862. On Saturday October 7, 1944, he was on a sortie over Belgium supporting the 3rd Canadian Infantry in ‘Operation Switchback’ — dislodging remaining pockets of German Resistance in the area. Following engine failure and probably being hit by German anti-aircraft fire he crashed near Damme and the plane exploded.
His body was found a month later as the Allies advanced, and buried in Bruges.