Sgt G Brochocki

[alieneyes1]

Jerzy is the Polish version of George.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks guys but the question remains is Sgt G Brochocki of 605 Sqn the same as Fg Off J Brochocki of 307 Sqn. I believe I saw a note that he was called George for reasons of simplicity!

[Phil L.]

Could be. Sgt G. Brochocki disappeared from 605 ORB at the time a Sgt Brochocki appears in 307 ORB during spring/summer 1943. But the main issue remains the service number. While with 605 Brochocki had 1312885 as NCO service number, meaning that he had enlisted in the RAF. The other Brochocki had NCO service number 705664, part of range reserved for PAF NCO enlistments. Did he switch to the PAF after he left 605 that's possible but that needs confirmation.

[Greg S.]

In official documents Sgt Brochocki posted to 307 Squadron on 23 May 1943 from Blackpool but there are some mistakes im Polish evidency. There is no information of his coming to this squadron in ORB. He made his first operation task in 307 Sqn. on 12 June 1943.

[Phil L.]

In 605 Sqn, Sgt G. Brochocki is referered as a Pole. Last trace in April 1943 and had made his Mosquito conversion from the Boston at that time so that fits. However just wonder why he chose to enlist first in the RAF instead of the PAF which was formed as early as the summer of 1940 and has used an English first name. Spring 1943 seems to be a late transfer. Possibly born to a British mother and a Polish father.

[Greg S.]

I found the after-war document signed by Jerzy Brochocki. He wrote he was a pilot of 605 Squadron in 1942/43 so the puzzle is solved, I think.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Greg & Phil.