F/Lt Brinsden's wedding guests - who were they?

[VoyTech]

The attached photo was taken on 21 February 1941 at the wedding of F/Lt Frank Brinsden, who had flown with No. 19 Sqn until late into the Battle of Britain, and then was the RAF flight commander in No. 303 (Polish) Sqn. I received the scan from Frank's son, Paul. I was able to identify the two officers on the left: they are both Poles from No. 303, F/O Wojciech Kolaczkowski (far left) and F/Lt Jerzy Jankiewicz. But who are the other three? Any clue as to their identities will be welcome.

[gedburke3]

Hi Voytech,

Great picture!

The pilot on the far right could be Wallace Cunningham who also flew with 19 Squadron. He was awarded the DFC in August '40.

I'm not sure about the other airman.

gerry

[VoyTech]

Thanks a lot! I think you're right, he looks like Wallace Cunningham.

Any bets on the other two, anyone?

[timothy]

Can't answer but can add!!

Lovely chap.

= Tim

[VoyTech]

Thanks for that!

Would you like to tell us more?

[timothy]

MSFU 1942

List is not complete I find recently. And I didn't include myself.

= Tim

[VoyTech]

Now that's interesting!

But, am I right to think that Frank Brinsden was a Port Loading Officer and did not take any operational trips with the MSFU fighters?

[timothy]

I never saw Frank as Admin, but John Greenwood, now in Australia, confirms your view.

"Frank Brinsden was not “one of us”, he was administrative staff of some sort. I was in MSFU from May to Nov 1940 and do not remember him at all. Only met him over here, long after the War ~ really nice man. He went on a world trip from here some years ago and died after a heart attack at his brother’s place in New Zealand. "

Next week I have to talk to the chaps who are involved in the making of a film about MSFU. The main one (pilot) did the Colditz film.

= Tim

[VoyTech]

According to my data Frank Brinsden was posted to MSFU from 485 Sqn on 22 July 1941. In mid-August 1942 he was reposted to take command of 3 ADU at High Ercall. He then converted as a night fighter, ending up in German captivity in August 1943.
My main interest is the period he spent with the Polish 303 Sqn (1940-1941). Do you recall him telling any stories from his 'Polish' service?

[timothy]

Sadly, no.

Chatter was geared very much to the present.

= Tim