7

JC/NF

41521: Flight Lieutenant Brian Minden MADDEN.
PARENTS: Mr. & Mrs. J. Madden of Auckland.

Brian Madden was born at Wellington on the 2nd November, 1919. He was educated at the Otago Boys High School and at Wellington College, where he gained his University Entrance. He also studied at the Victoria University College, where he gained part of the LL.B. Degree. He was a keen athlete, playing for the second XV and the first XI at Wellington College. He also played rugby for the Victoria University and was a member of the Wellington College Old Boys Football Club. At the date of his entry into the Army in September, 1939, he was employed by Mazengarb, Hill and Macalister, Wellington as a law clerk.

He applied for aircrew training in December, 1939, but did not enter camp until January, 1941, whe he reported at the Ground Training School, Levin. He commenced his flying training at No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School, New Plymouth on the 1st March, 1941. On completion of his training in New Zealand he proceeded to Canada in April for further training under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

On arrival in Canada in May, 1941, he was posted to No. 32 Service Flying Training School, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, for further training on Harvard aircraft. He was awarded his flying badge on the 8th August and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 9th August. He was granted a commission in the rank of Pilot Officer the following day.

F/Lt. Madden embarked for the United Kingdom on the 25th August, 1941, arriving at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, on the 22nd September, 1941. A few days later he commenced operational training on Miles Master and Hurricane aircraft at No. 59 Operational Training Unit, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumberland. On completion of the course in October he was posted to No. 56 (Punjab) Squadron, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, and was engaged on combat training for the next two months. On December 10, 1941, he