Flight Lieutenant Edward Murray Frisby RAF

504 Sqdn Crest

Edward Murray Frisby Flight Lieutenant 90507 died on Friday 5th December 1941. He was the son of Joseph Rowley Frisby and Eleanor Brankin Frisby of Cropston, Leicester.

Edward, who was born 22nd April 1917, is buried in the family grave, with his mother and father, in Great Glen Churchyard (Ref E49)

DH82A Type Tiger Moth

He was a flying instructor in December 1941 and was flying on a cross country night training flight with a pupil in a Tiger Moth (N6968) of 6 EFTS from Denton, Northants. at between 800 and 1000 feet at approximately 23.00 hrs when they were in collision with a Wellington bomber (IcX9799) which was based at Harwell. Both aircraft crashed north east of Piddington Station near Denton and were both burnt out. The 8 man crew of the Wellington and Edward Frisby and his pupil LAC David Quaife May RAFVR, aged 20, of St Albans, were all killed.

Mk1 Hurricane in 504 Sqdn Markings

Before becoming an instructor Edward was a pilot with 504 (City of Nottingham) Squadron. The squadron was equipped with Mark I Hurricanes and was moved to Hendon on 1st September 1940 in order to take part in the Battle of Britain. Edward took part in this battle as one of ‘The Few’ and is remembered at the new Battle of Britain Memorial unveiled by Prince Charles in September 2005. The Squadron moved to RAF Filton (5 miles NW of Bristol) on 26th September 1940 and was re-equipped with Spitfires in January 1941.

Frisby Family Grave

In Memoriam
Joseph Rowley Frisby b.19th May 1879, died 14th July 1929
Edward Murray Frisby AAF, born 22nd April 1917, killed in action December 5th 1941
Eleanor Regina Frisby born 7th December 1882, died 3rd December 1953

Great Glen Churchyard

Edward’s mother was the lady mayoress of Leicester and lived with her family in Stackley House on Stretton Road, Great Glen. Edward also had 2 sisters. During WW2 an incendiary bomb dropped on Stackley House and the resultant fire was extinguished by the men of the Great Glen Fire Brigade who towed their pump to the fire by hand.

Battle of Britain Memorial