Further Info 2026 Family Lunch form - click on the Word icon below to download: Lunch Form 2026.docx LINKS Go To NEWS ARCHIVE Go To CONSTITUTION Go To CONTACT Go To

The initial idea to erect a monument in memory of Polish airmen killed in action was first mooted in 1943 by Polish airmen based at RAF Northolt. The suggestion was for a small tablet to be placed within the aerodrome boundary with the names of the 31 Polish Air Force fighter pilots, including the Czech pilot Sgt Josef František, killed during the Battle of Britain. However, as the war progressed with increasing casualties, this concept was abandoned in favour of exploring a suitable alternative to honour all Polish airmen killed in action while under the command of the Royal Air Force during the war. Shortly after the war in Europe ended, some senior Polish Air Force officers formed a committee in the early summer of 1945 to co-ordinate the project to erect a Memorial. Chairman of this ‘Committee for the Erection of the Polish Air Force Memorial’ and the last Commander of the Polish Air Force in the West, was Air Vice Marshal Mateusz Iżycki. He was joined and supported by secretary Wing Commander Stefan Łaszkiewicz, treasurer Flight Lieutenant Włodzimierz Osiatyński and members Group Captain Jerzy Bajan and Group Captain Aleksander Gabszewicz. The Committee invited RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Roderic Hill to become its Honorary Chairman and also co-opted RAF Northolt Station Commander Group Captain Richard Ford onto the Committee. Coincidentally the famous Polish sculptor Mieczysław Lubelski was in London at the time, having recently been liberated from a German forced labour camp. Mieczysław Lubelski had previously created several monuments in Poland and was also active in Poland’s Home Army during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The Committee engaged Mieczysław Lubelski to design and plan the Memorial, which was budgeted to cost around £3,000. The Committee needed to raise funds and a public appeal was launched in July 1946 by the British newspaper publisher William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose. This was supported by Marshals of the RAF 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford and 1st Viscount Trenchard of Wolfeton. They wrote separate letters of support, published in the newspaper The DailyTelegraph, appealing to the British people to show their gratitude to the Polish airmen who flew in the Battle of Britain and the Battle of Europe. The fund raising was a huge success and by the end of 1946 the Committee had collected over £8,172, which included contributions from Polish and RAF veterans. At the same time the Committee was faced with some unexpected issues. Northolt aerodrome was being redeveloped and transferring to civilian control and the original site for the Memorial on the airfield lost its importance. The Committee had difficulty finding an alternative site in London and eventually reverted to seeking a location close to Northolt aerodrome. Middlesex County Council came to the rescue and donated a site on a peppercorn rent for 999 years where the Memorial now stands. The Ministry of Civil Aviation insisted the planned height of the Memorial be reduced by 4 feet. Also the Committee adopted a suggestion to include the names of the Polish airmen killed in action during the war under British command. Mieczysław Lubelski adapted his original simple design to accommodate the required reduction in height and the additional names, to be engraved on a stonewall directly behind the monument. By the end of 1947 the Committee had received all the necessary approvals and permissions from Middlesex County Council, and the local Ruislip and Northwood Urban District Council generously agreed to take on the future care of the monument. The casting of Mieczysław Lubelski’s sculptured bronze eagle and all lettering on the Memorial, was assigned to Morris Singer Company Ltd, recognised as the oldest fine art foundry in the world. The Memorial foundations and the associated stonework were entrusted to the specialist horticultural, estate and garden contractor William Wood & Son Ltd. The supply of stone and construction of the main Obelisk was contracted to Bath and Portland Stone Firms Ltd. Further unexpected issues arose, as the construction cost had considerably increased beyond the original estimate. To compensate for the rise it was agreed to substitute the Portland stone in the base of the Memorial with York stone. Also at the end of 1947 the Committee chairman Air Vice Marshal Mateusz Iżycki retired from active service and left the country. His role temporarily passed to Group Captain Jerzy Bajan, who a few months later had to relinquish the post for health reasons. The chairmanship was then taken on by Air Commodore Stanisław Karpiński in June 1948. Construction of the Memorial started in May 1948 and the foundation stone was laid in the presence of the Committee and other former Polish Air Force dignitaries. It was blessed by the Polish Air Force Chaplain Reverend Rafał Gogoliński-Elston. He had originally suggested the inscription on the rear of the Memorial, while Group Captain Aleksander Gabszewicz suggested the prominent Polish and English inscriptions on the front. Three and a half years after the war ended the Polish Air Force Memorial was unveiled on 2 November 1948, All Soul’s Day. The unveiling was performed by RAF Chief of the Air Staff Sir Arthur Tedder in the presence of Marshal of the RAF Lord Portal, the President of the Polish Republic in Exile August Zaleski and various dignitaries from the British Government and Polish, British and American Armed Forces and around 3,000 guests. The Polish Air Force Chaplain Reverend Rafał Gogoliński-Elston led the prayers after which wreaths were laid. The Committee for the Erection of the Polish Air Force Memorial, having achieved its objective, was subsequently disbanded. The responsibility for the Memorial, and the organisation of the annual ceremony of homage to the fallen Polish airmen, passed to the Polish Air Force Association (Initially Samopomoc Lotnicza, later known as Stowarzyszenie Lotników Polskich). The Polish Air Force Association was also formed in the summer of 1945, separate from the Memorial Erection Committee, primarily to look after the interests of the former Polish Air Force personnel in Exile. The Polish Air Force Association worked closely with Ruislip and Northwood Urban District Council, who generously maintained the Memorial for the next 17 years. In 1965, after the reformation of local government in London, the ownership and care and maintenance of the Memorial transferred to the newly formed London Borough of Hillingdon, an amalgamation of local areas, which included the Ruislip and Northwood Urban District Council. In the 1970s the Memorial faced an uncertain future, as plans emerged for it to be dismantled and rebuilt in an unspecified location. The area occupied by the Memorial was required as part of a major road improvement scheme at the junction of the A40 and A4180. Public meetings were held and local residents strongly objected to removing the Memorial. The protests were eventually successful and the junction improvement scheme was redesigned, leaving the Memorial intact and in its present format. In 1994 the Polish Air Force Association formed a ‘Memorial Renovation Committee’ to oversee necessary repairs, improvements and the restoration of the Memorial under the chairmanship of Tadeusz Dziewulski. An appeal was made to the public to help fund the renovation. This included a drainage system, the replacement of crumbling sandstone walls with granite and the addition of the names of Polish airmen killed in non-operational flights, bringing the total to 1877. An inscription was also added on the outer wall with the names of the 23 Polish airmen killed during the French campaign of 1940. The restored Memorial was rededicated on 6 September 1996 at the annual ceremony of homage to the fallen Polish airmen. This was in the presence of HRH the Duke of Gloucester and numerous British and Polish civilian and military dignitaries. These included Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Grandy, Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Rosier, who was Northolt Station Commander between September 1943 and March 1944, Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Air Force, Divisional General Kazimierz Dziok, Air Vice Marshal Alexander Meisner, the Polish Ambassador in London, Ryszard Stemplowski and the last President of Poland in Exile Ryszard Kaczorowski. The Memorial was again refurbished in 2010 in time for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the annual ceremony to commemorate the fallen Polish airmen. The Polish Air Force Association Charitable Trust was disbanded in 2010 having fulfilled its obligation to look after the interests of former Polish Air Force personnel in Exile. The London Borough of Hillingdon retained ownership of the Memorial, while the responsibility for arranging the annual September ceremony passed to the new Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, which was formed by the Polish Air Force Association Charitable Trust as its designated and sole successor in this and other key remaining functions. In 2020 the London Borough of Hillingdon carried out further extensive refurbishment to the Memorial. This work included replacing the paved area around the ornamental pond with Yorkstone, major improvements to the drainage system and the restoration of many of the names of the fallen airmen engraved on the two granite walls. Also in 2020 Historic England amended and upgraded The Polish Air Force Memorial on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest from Grade II to Grade II* status. Photos and relevant extracts from the magazine Skrzydła (Wings) in the slide show below, can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. If anyone has photographs of the Memorial under construction or early ceremonies they would like to share and be included in the album, please contact the PAFMC via email on the Contacts page. This post has been compiled from references to the two books Destiny Can Wait and The Polish Air Force At War - The Official History. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee also acknowledges with thanks the considerable help of the London Borough of Hillingdon, Piotr Sikora, Wojtek Matusiak, Wojciech Zmyślony, Richard Kornicki, Nina Britton Boyle, RAF Northolt and Peter Devitt and Ewan Burnet at the RAF Museum, Hendon. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but if anyone identifies any errors please advise the PAFMC via the email on the Contacts page. The front of the Polish Air Force Memorial prior to its major renovation in 1996. (Piotr Sikora archive) Skrzydła (Wings) no 479 (1 Apr 1946) page 8. Group Captain Aleksander Gabszewicz’s son Stefan Gabszewicz laid the wreath for 316 Squadron at the 59th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen on 5 September 2019. Crown copyright. The front of the Polish Air Force Memorial prior to its major renovation in 1996. (Piotr Sikora archive) 1/44 The History of the Memorial

2020 Coronavirus: Visits to the Museum in 2020 have been cancelled in accordance with Government advice. 17 Dec Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to repaint Hurricane in 303Sqn colours. The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has announced that its MkII Hurricane LF363 will be repainted as 303 Kościuszko squadron’s MkI Hurricane V6665, RF-J. The change of colour scheme will form part of the Hurricane’s major maintenance and servicing programme to be carried out during the winter by The Spitfire Company (Biggin Hill) Ltd. The BBMF said that it likes to keep LF363 in a Battle of Britain colour scheme to commemorate the massive part played by Hurricanes during the Battle. "After careful deliberation and research, it was decided that the aircraft will be painted to represent MkI Hurricane V6665, ‘RF-J’, of 303 Kościuszko (Polish) Squadron, during September 1940". Hurricane V6665 was delivered to 303 Tadeusz Kościuszko City of Warsaw Squadron at Northolt on 7 September 1940 and painted in the code of RF-J. Two days later ‘A’ flight commander Flt Lt Johnny Kent, flying this Hurricane, claimed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 destroyed and a Junkers Ju-88 probably destroyed. This Hurricane was also flown by Sgt Michał Brzezowski on 11 September when he claimed two Heinkel He 111s destroyed about 16.00. Brzezowski was the most successful pilot of V6665. Sadly he was shot down and killed four days later on 15 September flying P3577 with the code RF-E. On 26 September Sgt Tadeusz Andruszków flew V6665 and claimed a Dornier Do 17 destroyed. But the following day, flying the same aircraft, he was shot down at 16.30 over Horsham and killed and the Hurricane was destroyed. Sgt Tadeusz Andruszków was 19 years old and is buried in Northwood Cemetery, grave H-208. The BBMF said that Hurricane LF363 will not appear in the new colour scheme until the summer of 2021, but from then on it will allow the BBMF to tell the story of 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, its Polish pilots and its Canadian RAF flight commander Flt Lt Johnny Kent. 24 Oct 307 Squadron Project streams live The 307 Squadron Project has posted an open invitation to a series of video events ‘307 Squadron Day Live’ on Sunday 15 November. Due to Covid-19 the annual exhibition at Exeter Guildhall has been cancelled. However, the Polish flag will still be raised over the city, which 307 Squadron, known as the Lwów Eagle Owls, (Lwowskich Puchaczy) defended for two years during the war. The '307 Squadron Day Live’ online event includes: 09:45 - Raising of the Polish Flag. Live coverage from Exeter Guildhall with speeches from The Lord Mayor of Exeter, His Excellency The Polish Ambassador to Great Britain, Lord Lieutenant of Devon, RAF Brize Norton. 16:00 - 80 Years Ago. The story of 307 Squadron’s formation. 19:00 - 307 Squadron Day Live Semper Fidelis - the story of Exeter and 307 Squadron. Performances by singer Katy Carr Official Trailer of the film ‘The Navigator’ (produced by 307 Squadron Project) plus much more. The Facebook link for the event is available here www.facebook.com/307SquadronProject and scroll down to the live video. It will be able to be viewed even without a Facebook account. 30 Sept. Prime Minister praises Polish Air Force The Prime Minister Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, in his constituency role as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, was recently sent details of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee’s new film ‘The Polish Air Force in the Battle of Britain - An 80th Anniversary Tribute’. His response, addressed to the Trustee responsible for our Public Relations, is below: 28 Sept Book royalties donated to the PAFMC. Royalties from a new book about the Polish Air Force ‘Truly of The Few’ are being generously donated by its author Penny Starns to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. An article about the new book appeared in the July/August issue of ‘The 1940s Society’ and is available on page 36 by clicking this link. Penny Starns said: “Yes, all the royalties are going to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. I know it sounds really daft, but when I listen to all these pilots and I’ve got their laughter in my head, I’ve got their fears in my head. I’ve got the pilots telling me that sometimes their legs used to tremble before they went into a dive, but when they went into a dive their nerves were gone. I remember thinking that not enough people know about these pilots, they don’t know how important they are and I think if we can encourage people to understand that contribution it’s really important. So, by giving the royalties to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee I’m hoping that will help to keep their memory alive.” ‘Truly of The Few’ which is published by Sabrestorm Publishing, normally costs £20, but is on special offer from the PAFMC at £16 plus £2.98 postage and packing and can be purchased by contacting PAFMC chairman Richard Kornicki on email richardkornicki@gmail.com Link 16 Sept Amended status for The Polish Air Force Memorial The Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip, just outside the south east perimeter boundary of RAF Northolt, has been amended on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest to Grade II* status by Historic England. Historic England has concluded that after examining all the records, other relevant information and consultation responses, and having carefully considered the architectural and historic interest of this case, the criteria for listing at Grade II* are fulfilled. The designation decision in the List entry for The Polish Air Force Memorial, erected in 1948, should be amended and upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* for the following principal reasons: * Architectural and historic interest: to reflect the more than special interest of the memorial as a testament to the important role played by the Polish Air Force in the Second World War designed by an eminent Polish sculptor; * Clarity: to state clearly where the special interest of the monument lies and to aid future management and understanding; * Accuracy: to update the list description to the current format, and to correct the site name from Polish War Memorial to Polish Air Force Memorial. 14 Sept Battle of Britain tribute film launch The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee has spent the past few weeks producing a new film - ‘The Polish Air Force in the Battle of Britain – An 80th Anniversary Tribute’. This is now freely available from a link at the top of this website’s Home Page or direct on YouTube at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lhoytCWsEY&feature=youtu.be The PAFMC had to cancel the normal annual Commemoration ceremony at Northolt because of Covid-19, and this film is intended to provide an educational and symbolic tribute that will be of value for many years. The PAF played a critical role in the Battle of Britain. This film is the PAFMC’s tribute and by making it freely available it is hoped that the achievements in the air of Britain’s only ally in 1940 will become more widely known, among both British and Polish audiences, especially the young. Please feel free to pass the link on to colleagues, family, friends, social media and anyone else who will find it of interest. 10 Sept Polish Air Force Memorial Ceremonies video compilation Although Squadron wreaths have been laid privately at the Memorial, this year we have all missed the opportunity of publicly commemorating the Polish Air Force. To fill that gap, a video compilation of excerpts from Ceremonies between 2006 and 2018, has been kindly put together by Marek and Cornelia Borzęcki. It includes footage of many veterans, familiar to us for many years, but now sadly departed and is available at the following link. https://youtu.be/RvtXIYf40Eg 9 Sept BBC Antiques Roadshow The BBC TV programme Antiques Roadshow is schedule to broadcast this Sunday 13 September a special commemorative programme on The Battle of Britain. Carol Waluga Gradwell is scheduled to appear talking about her father Jerzy Waluga, a mechanic in 303 Squadron. We do not know the content of the material that may feature in the programme. 8 Sept Polish Air Force Memorial Wreaths. Although we were unable to hold our normal Commemoration ceremony at the Polish Air Force Memorial this year, we have placed the wreaths at the Memorial. These are shown in the attached photographs. Instead of the Commemoration we have been making a new film ‘The Polish Air Force in the Battle of Britain - An 80th Anniversary Tribute’ . This will stand as a permanent tribute to the role of the Polish Air Force in the Battle of Britain. We had hoped to release this film around the time we would have had the Commemoration at the beginning of September. However, we have been slightly delayed by the amount and quality of material that we have been able to gather, including a full reconstruction of events in the Sector Operations Room at RAF Northolt on 15 September 1940. The editing is nearing completion and we are aiming to release the film before the 15 September and will be available on our website and YouTube. 15 August "15 August - Centenary of Polish defeat of the Bolsheviks at the Battle of Warsaw, 1920" The Battle of Warsaw was the turning point in the Polish-Bolshevik war of 1920. Under Piłsudski's leadership, Polish forces inflicted what Lenin called 'an enormous defeat' on the Red Army, after which the Bolsheviks abandoned their plans to impose communism across Europe. In the air, the Kościuszko Escadrille (forerunner of 303 Sqn) played an extremely valuable role attacking Bolshevik ground troops. Often referred to as 'The Miracle on the Vistula', it has been long regarded as one of the decisive battles in the world's history. A bi-lingual presentation is available by clicking on this icon Also there is a video on YouTube at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMhXBympLyU&app=desk, both kindly provided by the Polish Embassy. 30 June Laguna Spitfire Project – latest news. The Laguna Spitfire project has appointed the airframe restoration and manufacturing specialist company Airframe Assemblies Ltd, as build partners for the restoration of the MKIIB Spitfire P8331, which was flown by Wg Cdr Piotr Laguna when it was shot down by flak on 27 June 1941. Airframe Assemblies, based in Sandown, Isle of Wight, is renowned worldwide for its restoration and repair of airframes for World War II aircraft, mainly Spitfires. For further information see this link: https://lagunasspitfirelegacy.org/appointment-of-build-partners-airframe-assemblies-for-spitfire-mkiib-p8331/ This Spitfire, in 303Sqn code RF-M, was also flown by Wg Cdr John Kent as part of the 1st Polish Wing at Northolt. His youngest daughter Alexandra Kent and Janek Laguna, the son of Wg Cdr Piotr Laguna, have accepted to be Honorary Patron’s of the Laguna Spitfire Project. For further information see this link: https://lagunasspitfirelegacy.org/news-blog/. Also see post below 29 April for additional information. 9 June Northolt Commemoration Ceremony Cancelled The annual Commemoration of Fallen Polish Airmen, scheduled for Saturday 5 September at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip, is just twelve weeks away. Although the state of the Coronavirus pandemic is easing, we still have no idea when it will be possible to have unrestricted public gatherings at which it will be safe for people of all ages to take part. An event such as our crowded public Ceremony would obviously be a high-risk setting. RAF Northolt, where we had planned to have lunch in the Officers' Mess is not anticipating hosting public events until later in the autumn. We have delayed our decision as long as possible, but given the long lead-in period and planning requirements for an event on this scale, we have to make a judgement now. Having consulted the Polish Embassy and RAF Northolt, we have decided, with much regret, that the only prudent course is to cancel the public ceremony this year. It will be replaced by a filmed virtual Commemoration. This film will particularly mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and we intend it to serve also as a permanent tribute to the airmen of that time. We are aiming to release the film on the PAFMC website and YouTube prior to the 15 September. We recognise the deep disappointment the cancellation will cause - which the Committee of course shares - but we hope that we can rely on your understanding in these exceptional times. We look forward to welcoming everyone in person at next year's Commemoration, which will be on Saturday 4 September 2021. 2 June 307 Squadron Project Streams Live The 307 Squadron Project will live stream a video event - The Polish D-Day Story Live! on Saturday 6 June at 16.00 British Summer time. More details are available at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/895236307648199/ The story of the Polish role during the invasion of Normandy, presented in English, includes interviews and details of how the Polish Air Force, Army and Navy played important roles during the D-Day Campaign. We will also include videos and photos, some of which have never been seen publicly before. You can watch this event, a first for our organisation, on our Facebook page facebook.com/307squadronproject. I f you do not have a Facebook account it will still be available to view by scrolling down to the live video link. 29 April Polish Air Force Memorial - temporary closure The Polish Air Force Memorial and the adjacent Memorial Garden at South Ruislip, will be temporarily closed for all public access from the 8 May. This is for essential routine maintenance work and reconstruction of paving to be carried out by the owner of the Memorial the London Borough of Hillingdon. The site will be totally locked down with external fencing until work is complete in 6 to 8 weeks’ time. LBC apologises for any inconvenience this necessary temporary closure may cause. 27 April 307 Squadron Project Streams Live. The 307 Squadron Project will stream for the first time a live video event 307 Squadron Live! on Sunday 3 May at 16.00 British Summer time. The story of the Polish 307 Squadron, presented in English, includes interviews with veterans and all are welcome to view on its Facebook page facebook.com/307squadronproject. I f you do not have a Facebook account it will still be available to view by scrolling down to the live video link. 307 Squadron Live! is part of Polish Heritage Day 2020 with the support of the Polish Cultural Institute. #PLHeritageDays #PolesinUK 22 April Polish Spitfire to fly again. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has issued the MKIIB Spitfire, serial number P8331 (Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory number 709) with its new civilian registration designated G-KOSC. This is the first step, by the recently formed Spitfire P8331 Restoration Project Ltd, towards producing an airworthy MKIIB Spitfire P8331, which served with 303 Kościuszko Squadron in the code of RF-M during 1941. The MKIIB Spitfire P8331 RF-M was flown by several 303Sqn pilots from 21 May 1941 until the 27 June 1941, when it was shot down during a raid on a Luftwaffe airfield near Coquelles, France. Its pilot, Wg Cdr Piotr Laguna, was killed and is buried in the military cemetery at Pihen-les-Guines, France, Row A Grave 9. At the time Wg Cdr Piotr Laguna, was commander of the 1st Polish Wing of 303Sqn, 306Sqn and 308Sqn at Northolt, and jointly led the fatal mission with Wg Cdr John Kent. The Spitfire P8331 Restoration Project Ltd is now seeking business leaders, companies and individuals interested in becoming serious partners in the estimated £3 million project, which is hoped to include any items that are deemed recoverable from the surviving wreckage. Only 170 MKIIB Spitfires were built at the Castle Bromwich factory and when complete P8331, in 303Sqn code RF-M, will be the world’s only airworthy MKIIB. The aim is to start on the project with a build partner within the next 6 to 12 months and be complete in time to fly to Poland for the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in 2025.

Plumetot Memorial WYDARZENIA Launch of the Plumetot Memorial Campaign 1st Feb 2019 Plumetot Memorial Unveiled 1st August 2019 Plumetot 1944 Booklet 29th June 2020 A 20 page illustrated booklet ‘Plumetot 1944’ commemorating the return of the Polish Air Force to the mainland of Europe in June 1944 is available from the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. The booklet costs £7, including postage, and can be purchased from the author and PAFMC Chairman Richard Kornicki at richardkornicki@gmail.com . A French translation of the Plumetot 1944 booklet is available at this link.

PAF Standard History of the PAF Standard The idea for a Standard for Lotnictwo (Aviation), the military air arm of the Polish Army, was conceived in France sometime in late 1939 by pilot F/Lt Jan Hryniewicz. This was at the Polish training base in Lyon-Bron, following his evacuation from Poland with other Aviation personnel. In France Aviation operated as separate Jednostki Polskiego Lotnictwa (Polish Aviation Units). However, in early 1940 Prime Minister of the Polish Government in Exile and Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces , Gen Władysław Sikorski, made the historic decision to make the Aviation division a completely independent member of the Polish Armed Forces. Thus on 1 March 1940 Aviation became the independent Polskie Siły Powietrzne (PSP) the Polish Air Force (PAF) under the overall command of General Józef Zając. F/Lt Hryniewicz came from Wilno, (now Vilnius, Lithuania) and before the war was the instructor and Commander of the Observers Training Unit at the Training Centre of Aviation No. 1, in Dęblin, Poland. At the Lyon-Bron base he engaged two Cadet officers, Zbigniew Wojda and Kazimierz Karaszewski, to each produce design sketches for each side of the Standard that would provide a symbol of unity between Polish airmen and their occupied homeland. The overall design followed the traditional colours and pattern of the Polish Armed Forces with a red cross on a white background on both sides. In the centre of the main side, designed by Zbigniew Wojda, is an image of Our Lady of Ostra Brama, the patron saint of Wilno, surrounded by a wreath. In the central upper part of the cross is the image of the White Eagle in the crown, a symbol of the Polish state, and at the bottom the inscription BÓG, HONOR I OJCZYZNA (God, Honour and Homeland). F/Lt Hryniewicz, assuming Polish airmen would continue their fight for freedom in France, requested that this side of the flag also carry a French Fleur-de-lis symbol in each of the four white corners. The reverse of the Standard, composed by Kazimierz Karaszewski, has a central image of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux supported on a sword and a cross. Above and central to this is the inscription WILNO 1940 and below it MIŁOŚĆ ŻĄDA OFIARY (Love Demands Sacrifice). In the upper left corner there is a Polish pilot’s wings, or Gapa, and in the upper right a white and red chequerboard, the national marking of Polish military aircraft. At the lower left is a badge of the cadet officer school of Aviation and on the right a Polish air observer’s or navigator’s Gapa. To ensure approval for the design F/Lt Hryniewicz sent copies of the proposed pattern to his long time commander W/Cdr Wacław Iwaszkiewicz and to retired Gen Lucjan Żeligowski. He asked Aleksandra Zasuszanka-Dobrowolska to write letters for him to his sister Katarzyna Sienkiewiczowa and the friends of his mother, Zofia Wasilewska-Świdowa and Józef Górski, enquiring if this request would be possible. Aleksandra Zasuszanka-Dobrowolska was the author of the lyrics of the Polish ‘Airmen’s March’ - the official march of Aviation (PAF) since before the Second World War. Zofia Wasilewska-Świdowa sought the advice of the priest Józef Kucharski and a committee ‘Towarzystwo Pomocy Obywatelskiej’ (Society for Citizens Assistance) was formed to oversee the project. Led by Jadwiga Oskierczyna, the committee estimated the cost of producing the Standard at around 3000 Lithuanian litas, (approximately £9,800 in 2024) which, with the incredible generosity of Wilno’s inhabitants, was reached on the first day of fundraising. The necessary damask material and gold and silver embroidery threads, needed to make the Standard, were not available in Wilno. However, the city’s Roman Catholic Archbishop, Romuald Jałbrzykowski, used his connections to secretly source all the materials from the German capital Berlin. The main embroidery was done by the Sisters of Mercy in the Church of St. Casimir in Wilno and then finished off by the Benedictine Sisters in the City’s church of St. Michael the Archangel. The Standard was completed in June 1940 and consecration followed in secrecy in the Ostra Brama Chapel by priest Kazimierz Kucharski. This was under the cover of darkness and in the presence of some members of the church. It was decided to use a single courier to deliver the Standard to the new independent PAF in France. Sadly her name has not been recorded, but the Standard was wrapped round her body during her lone journey through the Soviet Union, Poland and Germany. On her arrival in Belgium she learned that France had capitulated so she returned to Wilno, tracing the same route home. After the fall of France Polish airmen were evacuated to Great Britain and arrangements were then made to send the Standard to ‘wyspa ostatniej nadziei’, The Island of Last Hope. The Standard was initially taken from Wilno about 65 miles west to Kaunas by a local Polish community activist Eugenia Stankunowiczówna. It was then transferred by Polish intelligence officer Lt Stanisław Daszkiewicz to the Japanese attaché's office in Kaunas under the close supervision of the sympathetic Japanese Consul Chiune Sugihara. From there it was despatched in diplomatic luggage to the Japanese Embassy in Berlin. Here Polish intelligence officers F/Lt Jerzy Jakubianiec and courier Mjr Michał Rybikowski took over arrangements for its onward travel. In October 1940, Mjr Rybikowski, accompanied by a Japanese diplomatic courier, delivered the Standard to the Polish Diplomatic mission in Stockholm, Sweden. From Stockholm it was subsequently sent to Great Britain and arrived in London on 4 March 1941. Before the Standard could be handed to the PAF it was attached with dome-headed nails to a wooden staff, which was sponsored by F/Lt Krzysztof Dobrowolski. He was the husband of Aleksandra Zasuszanka-Dobrowolska, who wrote the three letters for F/Lt Hryniewicz. A gold and silver eagle, perched on a silver box inscribed with the initials P.S.P., was mounted on the top of the staff. This was designed by the treasurer of the Inspectorate of the PAF Zofia Wisznicka-Kleczyńska, a painter, artist and graduate of the Academy of Arts, Warsaw. The eagle was cast by the London goldsmith and collectables company Spink & Son from gold and silver jewellery donated by Polish airmen. Spink had already been producing PAF brevets and other insignia. The Standard was taken to RAF Swinderby for the official handover ceremony on 16 July 1941. Small silver shield shaped plaques, engraved with the names of Polish and British dignitaries and individual squadrons, were ceremonially pinned to the staff in six rows just below the Standard. These are clearly visible in photographs and film taken at the time. There is no apparent record of the original list and some plaques are missing. Those remaining are listed below. W imię Trójcy Przenajświętszej (In the name of the Holy Trinity), Prezydent R.P. W. Raczkiewicz (The President of Republic of Poland W. Raczkiewicz), Naczelny Wódz Gen. Broni W. Sikorski (Commander-in-Chief General W. Sikorski), The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, Rt. Hon. Sir Archibald Sinclair, Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, Air Marshal Richard Peirse, Air Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas, Air Marshal Sir Arthur Barratt. Gen. Broni (General) K. Sosnkowski, Prezes Rady Narodowej (The Chairman of National Council) S. Mikołajczyk, Gen. Broni (General) L. Żeligowski, Gen. Dyw. (Lieutenant General) M. Kukiel, Gen. Bryg. (Major General) T. Klimecki, Minister Prof. S. Kot, DCA. 300 Dyonu Bombowego (Commander of 300 Bomber Squadron), DCA. 301 Dyonu Bombowego (Commander of 301 Bomber Squadron), DCA. 302 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 302 Fighter Squadron), Gen. Bryg. (Major General) J. Modelski, A. Dobrowolska, DCA. 303 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 303 Fighter Squadron), DCA. 304 Dyonu Bombowego (Commander of 304 Bomber Squadron), DCA. 305 Dyonu Bombowego (Commander of 305 Bomber Squadron), DCA. 306 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 306 Fighter Squadron), DCA. 307 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 307 Fighter Squadron), DCA. 308 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 308 Fighter Squadron), DCA. 309 Dyonu Współpracy (Commander of 309 Cooperation Squadron), DCA. 315 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 315 Fighter Squadron), DCA. 316 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 316 Fighter Squadron), DCA. 317 Dyonu Myśliwskiego (Commander of 317 Fighter Squadron), Kpt (F/Lt) J. Hryniewicz *The Polish Air Force historian and author Jerzy Cynk in his book ‘The Polish Air Force At War The Official History’ indicates a plaque was included for Air Marshal Walsh. There is no plaque for Air Marshal Walsh or a gap where it may have been and no one of that name and rank can be indentified in the RAF at that time. In the presence of the President of the Republic of Poland Władysław Raczkiewicz and other Polish and British dignitaries, the honour of initially delivering the Standard was given to its creator F/Lt Hryniewicz. He handed it to retired Gen Żeligowski for passing to Prime Minister of the Polish Government in Exile and Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces Gen Władysław Sikorski. Following a short speech Gen Sikorski formally presented the Standard to the Commander-in-Chief of the PAF Brig.Gen Stanisław Ujejski, so finally completing its journey from Wilno to the PAF. He then handed it to the commander of 300 (Polish) Land of Masovia bomber squadron W/Cdr Wacław Makowski, who in turn presented it to a 300 Squadron Standard bearer for parading at the ceremony. The Standard was initially held by 300 Squadron and then successively passed in turn to the majority of the Polish squadrons that served alongside the RAF until the end of the war. It is believed that the plaques for all the squadrons that existed in 1941 were added at that time. There is no plaque for 318 Squadron, which was formed in 1943, and as far as can be ascertained the Standard was never transferred and held by either 317 or 318 Squadrons. There was no freedom for Poland at the end of the war, only the exchange of German occupation for an imposed Soviet communist regime, and Wilno had become part of the Soviet Union. Some Polish airmen returned home, only to find themselves tried and imprisoned as traitors. Most stayed in the West. The Standard was initially placed in the Polish Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa and St Casimir in Devonia Road, London. On the 10 July 1947 it was transferred to the General Sikorski Historical Institute, London, renamed in 1965 the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum, until such time as Poland should be free again. In 1992, after the fall of communism in Poland and the first free elections, the Standard was at last returned to Poland. On 4 September, during the first world reunion of Polish Airmen on Polish soil, the Standard was handed back in a ceremony in Piłsudski Square, in front of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the heart of Warsaw. This transfer was performed by a colour guard and delegation from the UK’s Polish Air Force Association of its Chairman AVM Aleksander Maisner and members Sq/Ldr Tadeusz Andersz, F/Lt Andrzej Jeziorski, F/Lt Mieczysław Sawicki and W/O Tadeusz Ruman. AVM Maisner handed the Standard to Commander of the PAF and Air Defence Gen Jerzy Gotowała in the presence of the first legally elected President of the Republic of Poland after the war Lech Wałęsa. According to the wishes of F/Lt Hryniewicz, (who died in July 1989) the Standard was then taken and placed in the Hall of Traditions at the PAF Academy, Dęblin. After the sixth world reunion of Polish Airmen in 2012 the Standard was transferred from the Hall of Traditions to the PAF Museum in Dęblin. From January 2016 to May 2017 the conservation studio, in the Polish Army Museum, Warsaw, carried out a major and complex restoration of the Standard. The fabric and embroidery conservation was completed by Jadwiga Kozłowska and Justyna Miecznik; the leatherwork by Aleksandra Surmak and the metal restoration by Piotr Kołaciński. Following the restoration the Standard was returned to the PAF Museum, Dęblin, where it is on display, being too fragile for future parading. In 1985 a replica was made for the Polish Army Museum by Maria Cedrowicz in Warsaw, using colour photographs provided by the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London. In January 2012 the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) approached the Commander of the PAF, Lt/Gen Lech Majewski, with a request for a replica to be commissioned to maintain the links between Poland and the PAF community in Britain. The proposal was warmly endorsed, and three replicas were produced: one was to be kept in the Polish Army Museum, Warsaw, one in the Airmen’s Chapel of the church of Pope St Pius V in Dęblin, and one entrusted to the PAFMC in the UK. On the 27 August 2012, twenty years after the original Standard was returned to Poland, the replica, destined for the UK, was handed over by Lt/Gen Majewski to PAFMC chairman Richard Kornicki at a ceremony in Warsaw. It was marched off the parade ground by a colour party of the Queen’s Colour Squadron and taken to the UK. This replica Standard is kept in the PAF Exhibition at the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitor Centre, Uxbridge. It is paraded at the annual commemoration of fallen Polish airmen at the PAF Memorial at South Ruislip, and at other commemorative events. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by double clicking the image then the arrows. There is also a short video extract from 'Diary of a Polish Airmen' by clicking on the Play button and then to full screen. Photos courtesy of Wojtek Matusiak and Jacek Zagożdżon. This post has been compiled from reference to the book ‘The Polish Air Force at War The Official History’ by Jerzy Cynk. The PAFMC also acknowledges with thanks the considerable help of Jacek Zagożdżon, Executive of Education, Exhibition Organization and Facilitating Department, PAF Museum, Dęblin, Poland, Paweł Żurkowski, director, Polish Army Museum, Warsaw, Richard Kornicki and PAF historian Wojtek Matusiak. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but if anyone identifies any errors please advise the PAFMC via the email on the Contacts page. Rodney Byles In the centre of the main side is an image of Our Lady of Ostra Brama, the patron saint of Wilno. The reverse of the Standard has a central image of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. The replica PAF Standard is kept on display in the Polish Air Force Exhibition at the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitor Centre, Uxbridge. In the centre of the main side is an image of Our Lady of Ostra Brama, the patron saint of Wilno. 1/33

2019 5 Dec Polish Airmen honoured Three Polish airmen have been honoured by the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and the Minister of National Defence of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak, during a special ceremony at the Polish Embassy in London on 3 December. Colonel Franciszek Kornicki was posthumously promoted to the rank of Brygadier General. This was received from President Andrzej Duda by his son Richard Kornicki CBE DL, Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. Brygadier General Franciszek Kornicki was a fighter pilot serving with 303, 308, 315 and 317 Squadrons. He commanded 308 and 317 and was the last surviving Polish Air Force Squadron Commander until his death in November 2017, a month short of his 101st birthday. Former 304Sqn wireless operator Warrant Officer John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz) was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and presented with the Siberian Exiles' Cross by President Andrzej Duda. John Franklin was also awarded the Gold Medal of Merit for National Defence by the Minister of National Defence of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak. Former 300Sqn air gunner Warrant Officer Jan (Black) Stangryciuk was presented with the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta by President Andrzej Duda. Following the presentations, President Andrzej Duda addressed the Embassy audience of over 100. This was followed by a short address by the Minister of National Defence of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak and a speech by 2nd Lieutenant John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz.) The full proceedings were streamed live and can be viewed on YouTube by clicking the icon. Photos, courtesy of the Polish Embassy, London, can be viewed in the slide show by clicking the image then the arrows. Richard Kornicki CBE DL, received the posthumous promotion of his father Colonel Franciszek Kornicki to Brygadier General from the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. The President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda promoted John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz) to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and awarded him the Siberian Exiles' Cross. The Gold Medal of Merit for National Defence was presented by the Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak. L-R: The Minister of National Defence of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak, Chairman Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Richard Kornicki, John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz), Jan (Black) Stangryciuk, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. Richard Kornicki CBE DL, received the posthumous promotion of his father Colonel Franciszek Kornicki to Brygadier General from the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. 1/5 28 Nov Detailed crash report identifies 300 Squadron Wellington The identity of a Vickers Wellington bomber, which crashed on 15 October 1942 near Zevenbergen, Holland, has been identified as Z1475 from the Polish 300 Mazovian Bomber Squadron. This is the conclusion of an exhaustive and detailed investigation and analysis of available information by Dutch aviation enthusiast Willem van Dranen. According to the squadron’s Operations Record Book Z1475, with its crew of Pilot Sgt Czesław Szymen, Observer F/O Piotr Sobolewski, Wireless operator Sgt Stanisław Piątek, Air gunner Sgt Michał Mielnik, and Air gunner Sgt Lech Józef Biały, took off on its near six hour sortie from its base at RAF Ingham at 18.40. The purpose of the sortie was: “To cause maximum damage to aiming point at Cologne. This aircraft failed to return from the operation.” It would appear from later reports that Z1475, believed to have the squadron code letter BH-X, had dropped its bombs and was shot down on its return journey at 23.15 and about an hour from its RAF Ingham base. Willem van Dranen concludes that four graves in the British War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom, each marked ‘An unknown airman of the 1939-45 war 15th October 1942’, contain four Polish airmen. Who is in which grave is, without DNA research, impossible to determine. The location of the burial site of the fifth crew member is currently unknown. Willem van Dranen's full and detailed 30 page report is available by clicking the following icon. 19 Nov Polish Heritage Flight formation The Historic Aircraft Collection has announced the formation of the new Polish Heritage Flight to commemorate next year’s 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The Historic Aircraft Collection's MKVb Spitfire BM597, which served with 315 and 317 Polish Squadrons, and its Hurricane, currently painted as P3700 in the Polish 303 Squadron code of RF-E, will operate as ‘The Polish Heritage Flight’. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee hopes to have both aircraft present at RAF Northolt next September during the annual Commemoration of the Polish Air Force. Further details are available in a Press Release by clicking on this icon. 18 Nov Polish pilots’ Commemoration Service. A Commemoration service was held on 9 November at a Memorial in Watchwood Plantation, near Calverton, Nottinghamshire for three Polish airmen from 300 Mazovian Bomber Squadron killed during the Battle of Britain. Pilot F/O Jan Gębicki, Observer Sgt Edward Morawa and Wireless Operator Sgt Tadeusz Egierski took off from RAF Swinderby in Fairey Battle L5499 BH-Y at 17.40 on 13 October 1940 as part of a raid to destroy German invasion barges and docks on the French coast. It is believed the aircraft could not land on its return to Swinderby, as the airfield was being bombed, and ran out of fuel. The 300 Squadron Operations Record Book states: “This aircraft crashed at Oxton, near Nottingham. Aircraft burnt out. All crew killed.” They are buried side by side in Wilford Hill Cemetery, Nottingham. The Commemoration service was taken by the Chaplain to the British Legion Reverend Michael Taylor, accompanied by representatives from the Polish Scout group and the Polish Armed Forces Association and Royal British Legion Standards. Wreaths were laid by F/O Jan Gębicki's grand children Jan and Ania Gębicki, the Mayor of Gedling Sandra Barnes, Nottingham Councillor Boyd Elliot, Calverton Parish Councillor Pat Bosworth, the Calverton Methodist Church and the Calverton Royal British Legion. A short video is available on YouTube at this link https://youtu.be/1VzMdbA7TJg Photos in the slide show, courtesy of Nick Bereznyckyj, can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. F/O Jan Gębicki's, grand children Jan and Ania Gębicki. 1/6 3 Nov ‘Lest We Forget’: Exeter’s Polish 307 Squadron 307 Squadron Project has posted an open invitation to Exeter’s Guildhall for its special event ‘Lest We Forget’. It will take place between 15-16 November 2019, 10:00-16:00 to remember the Polish 307 Squadron. At 10.00 on Friday 15 November, ‘307 Squadron Day’, the Polish flag will be raised above Exeter Guildhall by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter in remembrance of the Polish airmen from 307 Squadron, known as the Lwów Eagle Owls (Lwowskich Puchaczy). During the Second World War 307 Sqn was the only Polish night fighter squadron and defended the South West of England. The Lwów Eagle Owls airmen fought the Luftwaffe over the skies of Britain and prevented Exeter from being totally destroyed during the blitz on the city in 1942. The event will also mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, by commemorating Poles who took part in D-Day. The ‘Lest We Forget’ event includes: The story of the Polish 307 Squadron. The History of Exeter Airport where 307 Squadron were based from 1941-1943. ‘The Polish D-Day Story’ exhibition which shows the role of the Polish military during D-Day. meeting with authors of the graphic novel ‘Dog Fight: Airdogs’ and much more. The Facebook link is available here: https://www.facebook.com/events/704168813417806/?__mref=mb 8 Oct Warsaw Air Bridge Commemoration Ceremony Newark The annual ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the ‘Warsaw Air Bridge’ of dropping supplies to support the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, was held at the Warsaw Air Bridge Memorial in the British Commonwealth and Polish War graves Cemetery in Newark on Trent on Sunday 29 September. The ceremony opened with a parade of Standards followed by a service and the laying of wreaths by invited dignitaries and various organisations. Also in attendance was Jim Auton MBE, a veteran of the Warsaw Air Bridge flying in Liberators in RAF 148 Squadron from Brindisi, Italy. He founded the Warsaw Air Bridge Association and created the Warsaw Air Bridge Memorial, which was unveiled by Air Chief Marshal Fred Roser in 1989. Photographs of the ceremony, supplied by Irena Maryniak, can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. 20190929_143020 20190929_143034(0) 20190929_143826 20190929_143020 1/3 26 Sept Polish Air Force Exhibition Northolt tour dates 2020 RAF Northolt, which hosts the only exhibition and museum dedicated to the Polish Air Force in Britain, has advised dates for organised tours to the museum in 2020. These are as follows and all on Saturdays except 12 June: 15 February, 4 April, 12 June, 15 August, 10 October and 12 December. Each tour will be limited to 20 people and applications should be made to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee chairman Richard Kornicki via email: richardkornicki@gmail.com . Tours will start at 14.00 and if over subscribed additional tours will run on the same dates at 11.00 after checking in beforehand at the security office, which is accessed via the White House Gate. This is the first gate on the A4180 West End Road, when approaching from the A40 Polish Air Force Memorial roundabout and is on the left just before a Shell garage. As RAF Northolt is an operational base visitors attending by car will need to confirm, prior to the visit, vehicle make, model, colour and registration. Photo ID will also be required to access the base. For those attending by public transport the nearest Underground Station is South Ruislip, approximately 800 yards from the White House Gate security office. Visits to the exhibition might also be possible on other dates in special circumstances, subject to staff availability and operational requirements. There are no charges for visiting the exhibition. However, as the exhibition and museum is housed at RAF Northolt by kind permission of the Station Commander, funding for exhibits and conservation is all met privately through the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee and guides give up their time voluntarily. Donations to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee are appreciated. Visitors may also wish to perhaps use the opportunity to visit the Polish Air Force Memorial and adjacent Memorial Gardens at South Ruislip and the nearby Northwood Cemetery, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, HA6 1HR, which is just a 20 minute drive from the Memorial. The Orchard, Ruislip, HA4 7DR, - now a Beefeater restaurant - is also on route to the cemetery. For information on the exhibition and museum and the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker, with its new Visitor Centre at Uxbridge, please click the ‘Museum’ page above. 24 Sept Northolt Commemoration Ceremony The annual and 59th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during World War II was held at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip on Saturday 7 September. The ceremony opened with a Parade of Standards led by the replica Polish Air Force Standard. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki CBE DL, followed with his address, welcoming dignitaries, veterans, guests and the public The full address can be view by clicking the appropriate icon below. His address was followed by the Polish Roll-Call of the Fallen, carried out by the Officer Cadets of the Polish Air Force Academy, Dęblin and Prayers led by Ks Stefan Wylężek, Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales. Invited dignitaries, representing national and local government, Polish and Royal Air Forces and various organisations and associations laid wreaths on the Memorial. They were followed by veterans and descendants of the Polish Squadrons and Units commemorated on the Memorial that flew alongside the RAF from 1940 to 1945. Concluding Prayers were led by Rev Sq/Ldr Neil Galloway followed by the Last Post and a minute’s silence ending with Reveille. The hour-long ceremony ended with the Polish and UK national anthems and withdrawal of the Standards followed by the trumpeter playing ‘White Roses’. Personal wreaths were laid after the ceremony ended. Music was provided by the RAF Central Band with the kind permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council. The planned flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster was unfortunately cancelled due to strong crosswinds at its base at RAF Coningsby. Guests then transferred to RAF Northolt for a reception and buffet lunch in the Station’s Sword and Wheel Club, while being entertained by Polish dancers. PAFMC Commendations were awarded to people who, with no personal connections with Poland, have made an exceptional contribution to preserving the memory of Polish Airmen. The Commandant of the Polish Air Force Academy, Dęblin Brig. Gen. Piotr Krawczyk addressed guests with a moving speech, which can be viewed by clicking the appropriate icon below. Three donated prints were auctioned, raising a combined total of £790 towards PAFMC funds. The Memorial programme, speeches and commendations can be viewed by clicking the relevant icons below. Photos in the slide show can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. All photos Crown copyright unless otherwise stated. An amateur video of the ceremony by Thomas Ozel is available on YouTube at this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkS-G7cl-UA . Next year’s Commemoration will take place on Saturday 5 September at 12.00 marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Programme Kornicki speech Krawczyk speech Commendations NHT-Official-20190907-144-007 NHT-Official-20190907-144-003 NHT-Official-20190907-144-171 NHT-Official-20190907-144-007 1/74 2 Sept Joint British and Polish commemoration The Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) and the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) are jointly commemorating the British and Polish cooperation during the Second World War on Sunday 22 September at 17.00 in the Jazz Café at POSK, 238 – 246 King Street, London, W6 0RF. The PAFMC film ‘Polish Airmen Fighting for Freedom’ about the remarkable story of the Polish Air Force, will be shown and complemented with contributions by PAFMC Chairman Richard Kornicki and PAF historian and author of ‘The Polish Few’ Peter Sikora. 21 July Polish Air Force Exhibition film launch The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee has made a short film 'Polish Airmen Fighting for Freedom' about the Polish Air Force exhibition housed in the Polish Lounge at RAF Northolt. The film tells the story of Polish airmen and their achievements during the Second World War in Poland, France and England, which they called wyspa ostatnej nadzieji, ‘The Island of Last Hope’. It highlights artefacts, personal memorabilia, artworks, aircraft models, original photographs, display panels in English and Polish and a replica of the war-time Polish Air Force Standard, which is paraded annually at the Northolt Memorial Commemoration and at the Battle of Britain Service at Capel le Ferne. The film, at 21 minutes long, recently had its premiere at the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitor Centre, Uxbridge, followed by a screening at the Polish Embassy in London. The PAFMC is now making the film freely available and can be viewed by clicking this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBivxlTPpTE . Alternatively it can be accessed on YouTube from this website by clicking on the icon at the top of the Home page, or the red YouTube icon at the bottom right of any page. This will take you to the PAFMC YouTube channel where you can click on the film link 'Polish Airmen Fighting for Freedom'. Please forward to family, friends and social media contacts. The Ambassador of Poland, His Excellency Arkady Rzegocki, commented: “The film made a huge impression on myself, as well as our guests. I see this film as a most valuable educational tool. The Embassy would be delighted if the film [were] shown in British primary and secondary schools as part of their Second World War lessons”. The Polish Educational Society http://www.polskamacierz.org/en/ has already determined to use the film as an educational aid in all its Polish supplementary schools. 20 July Polish pilot’s headstone restored free of charge The headstone on a Polish Battle of Britain pilot’s grave has been restored, thanks to generous support from HAVEN Funeral Services and stonemason Made On Earth. Wing Commander Walerian Żak, who died in 1969, and his wife Jeanne are buried in Northwood Cemetery. Their eroded marble headstone has been extensively restored, free of charge, to recognise the Polish airman’s service to the United Kingdom. HAVEN Funeral Services Northwood Branch Manager Karen Petersen explains: “The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee approached us for an estimate to restore the headstone of Walerian Żak and his wife Jeanne. “After discussing this with our head office and our monumental stonemason and sculptor Francis Sancisi, from Made On Earth, we agreed to waive the £1200 cost and restore the headstone free of charge, as a gesture to someone who fought for our country during the war.” Francis Sancisi removed the marble headstone for the extensive and complex restoration at his Made On Earth workshop in Denham, Buckinghamshire. This involved skimming and cleaning, removal and replacement of the lead inscription, polishing and reinstallation in Northwood Cemetery. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee chairman Richard Kornicki said: “The Committee is extremely grateful to HAVEN Funeral Services and Made On Earth for their kindness, generosity and expertise in restoring Walerian Żak’s headstone and contributing towards maintaining the memory of the Polish Air Force in the West.” The Committee awarded HAVEN Funeral Services and Made On Earth one of its coveted Commendations: “For their extreme kindness and generosity in waiving the £1200 cost and carrying out the restoration of the headstone on the grave of Wing Commander Walerian Żak, and his wife Jeanne, in Northwood Cemetery free of charge as a gesture to someone who fought for our country.” This was presented in front of RAF Northolt’s Officers’ Mess by Station Commander Group Captain Mike Carver. The poor condition of the headstone was first brought to the attention of the PAFMC by Nina Britton-Boyle. She has been visiting Northwood Cemetery at least twice a year for over 20 years to place flowers on the graves of Polish airmen. Nina received a PAFMC Commendation in 2014 for her work over many years sending information about Polish airmen who died back to their families in Poland, tending their graves, and erecting memorial plaques. She is the author of Blood on their Wing Tips: A Second World War Timeline of the No. 303 Kościuszko Polish Squadron at RAF Northolt. History Walerian Żak arrived in England in June 1940 and in late August, with the rank of Flying Officer, was posted to 303 (Polish) Tadeusz Kościuszko Squadron at Northolt flying Hurricanes. During the Battle of Britain he claimed two enemy aircraft destroyed, a Dornier Do 215 and a Heinkel He 111 and damaged another Heinkel He 111. Żak was shot down on 27 September 1940 in Hurricane V7289 RF-S, which crashed near Leatherhead, Surrey. He bailed out, but was seriously injured and did not return to operational flying with 303 Squadron until mid 1941 as a Flight Commander. The control column from his Hurricane V7289 is on display in the Visitor Centre at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge. A year later, after a break as a flying instructor at an Operational Training Unit, he returned to 303 Squadron as its overall Commander. He then went on to command 308 (Polish) City of Cracow Squadron and also commanded Nos 3 and 133 (Polish) Wings. Żak also served in the headquarters of the RAF’s No 11 and No 12 Groups and the Air Defence of Great Britain. In 1945-1946 he was the Wing Leader of the 2nd Polish Wing at RAF Coltishall. Walerian Żak was demobilised in 1947 having risen to the rank of Wing Commander. He died on 14 March 1969 and is buried in Northwood Cemetery, Grave B475. He was decorated with the Polish Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari and the Cross of Valour and two bars and the British Distinguished Flying Cross. Photos in the slide show can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. The eroded marble headstone on the grave of Wing Commander Walerian Żak and his wife Jeanne in Northwood Cemetery. The marble headstone has been extensively restored and reinstated free of charge, to recognise Walerian Żak's service to the United Kingdom. F/O Walerian Żak was shot down on 27 September 1940. He bailed out and was seriously injured. The control column from his Hurricane V7289 is on display in the Visitor Centre at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge. (Photo courtesy Battle of Britain Bunker) The eroded marble headstone on the grave of Wing Commander Walerian Żak and his wife Jeanne in Northwood Cemetery. 1/18 23 June The Aircrewrembered website adds new database Aircrewrembered has added the new Archiwum database to its extensive website. This database has assembled as much information as had been available by Andrzej Mielnik, former bomber crew, who has lived in Australia for the past few decades. The hope is that people with more information or corrections will contact the website and contribute what they know. It is important that everyone is acknowledged, from the office orderly to the commander. Here is the link. http://www.aircrewremembered.com/ArchiwumPSP1939-1947/?q=belgia. Aircrewrembered is also in the process of adding thousands of images, along with KW, ML and other medal information. 27 May Donation to Polish Air Force Exhibition A wedding gift of a silver tray from members of 303Sqn to the squadron’s RAF Liaison officer F/Lt Frank Brinsden and his wife Cynthia has been kindly donated to the Polish Air Force Exhibition housed in the Polish Lounge at RAF Northolt. The silver tray, engraved with the names of 31 Officers and NCOs of 303Sqn, was presented at their wedding on 25 February 1941. Their son Paul Brinsden travelled from Australia and presented the tray at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge to PAFMC Chairman Richard Kornicki and Bunker Military History Curator Dr Rachael Abbiss, prior to its display at Northolt. F/Lt Frank Brinsden, from Auckland, New Zealand, flew with 19Sqn during the Battle of Britain prior to his posting as ‘A’ flight commander of 303Sqn at Leconfield on 7 November 1940. He was subsequently appointed the British Liaison Officer of 303Sqn from 1 January until 26 March 1941, when he was posted to 485Sqn. Photos in the slide show can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. This website program does not allow for long captions attached to photographs so a separate caption for the group of 303Sqn pilots is included as follows: Left to right: Sgt Edward Paterek, F/O Zbigniew Kustrzyński, Sgt Marian Bełc, F/O Wiktor Strzembosz, F/O Eugeniusz Fiedorczuk, F/O Wojciech Kołaczkowski, F/O Włodzimierz Miksa (partially obscured by Kołaczkowski), S/Ldr Adam Kowalczyk (Squadron Commander), P/O Jerzy Radomski, (obscured by Kowalczyk), F/Lt Witold Żyborski, G/Cpt Stefan Pawlikowski (Polish liaison officer, RAF), F/O Wieńczysław Barański, F/O Bohdan Grzeszczak, F/Lt Francis Brinsden, P/O Józef Czachowski, unrecognized F/Lt RAF (presumably F/Lt Ian Hallam), F/O Jerzy Jankiewicz, P/O Franciszek Kornicki, S/Ldr Witold Urbanowicz (at that time, a Polish liaison officer at RAF 11 Group, F/O Tadeusz Arentowicz, F/Lt Zdzisław Henneberg, F/O Jan Zumbach, F/O Aleksander Gabszewicz, F/O Mirosław Ferić. Kneeling, left to right: Sgt Władysław Wieraszka, Sgt Eugeniusz Szaposznikow, Sgt Stanisław Karubin, Sgt Kazimierz Wünsche, Sgt Jozef Káňa, Sgt Jan Kowalski. Paul Brinsden, on the right, presented the tray at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge to PAFMC Chairman Richard Kornicki and the Bunker Military History Curator Dr Rachael Abbiss, prior to its display at Northolt. The silver tray with the 31 names of Officers and NCOs of 303Sqn. (Photo courtesy Paul Brinsden.) Guests at the wedding on 25 February 1941. (Photo courtesy Paul Brinsden.) Paul Brinsden, on the right, presented the tray at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge to PAFMC Chairman Richard Kornicki and the Bunker Military History Curator Dr Rachael Abbiss, prior to its display at Northolt. 1/4 30 April Polish Air Force Memorial flypast At 11.00 on Monday 15 April five Apache helicopters of 663 Squadron, from their base at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk, performed a flypast over RAF Northolt and the Polish Air Force Memorial on route to their deployment in Estonia. The flypast was a celebration of the Squadron's Polish heritage as 663 Sqn was initially created as a Polish artillery observation unit from former artillerymen within the 2nd Polish Corps in Italy in 1944. They were trained to fly unarmed Taylorcaft Austers. The unit became operational in mid-December 1944 under the initial Command of S/Ldr Edward Pawlikowski and made its first operational flight on 8 January 1945. The pilot and passenger acted as observers identifying targets on the ground, or as forward observation officers directing the artillery fire by radio as well as calling in tactical ground-attack aircraft. Distinguished guests attended the flypast, including the leader of Hillingdon Council Ray Puddifoot, South Ruislip Councillor Alan Kaufmann and members of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. (Photo copyright Marek Borzecki) 23 January Launch of the Plumetot Memorial Campaign. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee’s launch of the Plumetot Memorial Campaign will be held on Thursday 31 January, at The Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge, ( http://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/ ) in the presence of His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Arkady Rzegocki, and the Mayor of the Commune of Plumetot, M. Tarlet. (Due to limitations of space, the event is by invitation only.) The event will cover the importance of the Normandy village of Plumetot, as the place which marked the return to the mainland of Europe of the Polish Air Force in the wake of the D-Day landings in 1944. The Polish 302, 308 and 317 fighter squadrons operated from the temporary Plumetot landing ground during August and September 1944. There will be a presentation by Alexander Smaga, the architect of the Memorial, as well as details of the crowd-funding campaign. Among the guests will be the family of Tadek Kwissa, a member of the Polish Air Force ground crew whose diary describes how he reached Plumetot and serviced aircraft while still within range of enemy fire. An extract from the diary will be read by his son. The Memorial will be unveiled in Plumetot on Sunday 9 June 2019, as part of events surrounding the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. The Memorial will be linked in a trail of memorials and sites marking the Polish contribution to the Invasion. The cost of the Memorial will be around £40,000 of which £15,000 has already been raised or pledged. We are now appealing for funds and those wishing to add their support to the Plumetot Memorial Project can make a contribution at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/a-polish-air-force-memorial-in-france [Please note: the Crowdfunder site will not be operational before 31 January] We would be most grateful if you would forward these details to friends and colleagues who may be interested in adding their support. If contributions exceed the Project costs, any excess will be used to support the work of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee in maintaining the memory of the Polish Air Force in the West. 1 January Polish Air Force Exhibition Northolt tour dates 2019 RAF Northolt, which hosts the only exhibition and museum dedicated to the Polish Air Force in Britain, has advised dates for organised tours to the museum in 2019. These are all on Saturdays as follows: 2 February, 13 April, 18 May, 3 August, 5 October and 7 December. Each tour will be limited to 20 people and applications should be made to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee chairman Richard Kornicki via email: richardkornicki@gmail.com . Tours will start at 14.00 and if over subscribed additional tours will run on the same dates at 11.00 after checking in beforehand at the security office, which is accessed via the White House Gate. This is the first gate on the A4180 West End Road, when approaching from the A40 Polish Air Force Memorial roundabout and is on the left just before a Shell garage. As RAF Northolt is an operational base visitors attending by car will need to confirm, prior to the visit, vehicle make, model, colour and registration. Photo ID will also be required to access the base. For those attending by public transport the nearest Underground Station is South Ruislip, approximately 800 yards from the White House Gate security office. Visits to the exhibition might also be possible on other dates in special circumstances, subject to staff availability and operational requirements. There are no charges for visiting the exhibition. However, as the exhibition and museum is housed at RAF Northolt by kind permission of the Station Commander, funding for exhibits and conservation is all met privately through the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee and guides give up their time voluntarily. Donations to the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee are appreciated. Visitors may also wish to perhaps use the opportunity to visit the Polish Air Force Memorial and adjacent Memorial Gardens at South Ruislip and the nearby Northwood Cemetery, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, HA6 1HR, which is just a 20 minute drive from the Memorial. The Orchard, Ruislip, HA4 7DR, - now a Beefeater restaurant - is also on route to the cemetery. For information on the exhibition and museum and the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker, with its new Visitor Centre at Uxbridge, please click the ‘Museum’ page above.

Plumetot Memorial

A new series of three ‘photo album’ books covering the history of one of the most famous flying units in history. Tracing its journey from the roots that formed in the Polish-Russian war, through the invasions of Poland and France, to England and ultimate victory. 303 Squadron. The Complete Illustrated History. Author Wojtek Matusiak. vol. 1 ISBN 978-1-906592-22-6 Link A new series of three ‘photo album’ books covering the history of one of the most famous flying units in history. Tracing its journey from the roots that formed in the Polish-Russian war, through the invasions of Poland and France, to England and ultimate victory. 303 Squadron. The Complete Illustrated History. Author Wojtek Matusiak. vol. 3 ISBN 978-1-906592-24-0 Link Publications 2021 2023 Polish fighter pilots received their baptism of fire over their own country in September 1939, when they were overwhelmed by the aerial might of Germany and the Soviet Union. Despite this, they claimed over 120 enemy aircraft destroyed. When the Polish Air Force was reborn in France, the same men fought against the same enemy, yet with more experience and with better understanding of their opponents’ tactics – though, as the author reveals, the aircraft they flew were, in most cases, quite different Link A new 96 page book about the Lancasters flown by Polish and Commonwealth crews in 300 Squadron during 1944-1946 by Grzegorz Korcz. Polish Wings No. 31 Avro Lancaster I/III. Author Grzegorz Korcz. ISBN 9788366549456. Publisher MMP Books, Zeromskiego 4, Sandomierz 27-600, Poland. Link A Polish edition of the illustrated biography of Polish pilot Władysław Gnyś, who shot down the first two German aircraft of World War II on 1 September 1939, It is also available from bookstores. Pierwsze Zwycięstwa: Podniebne walki i wojenne losy polskiego myśliwca Władysława Gnysia. Author Stefan Gnyś, ISBN 978-83-66790-97-1. Publisher Replika. Link 2022 Chris Ward and Grzegorz Korcz have followed up their immensely popular 300 Squadron Profile with a combined volume covering the three other Polish bomber units. As ever the book contains many photographs and full statistics. Hardback, 11 in x 8 1/4 in, 466 pages, £25 Link 2020 A new edition of Group Captain Johnny Kent's autobiography ‘One of the Few’ , augmented with an introduction and epilogue by his youngest daughter Alexandra Kent. These additions present new material that sheds light on Johnny Kent's story in the broader context of his life as a son, husband and father. This edition will also include previously unpublished photographs from the family archive. Facebook link Link A new book about the Polish Air Force in the defence of Britain is now available from Sabrestorm Publishing. Truly of the Few -The Polish Air Force in the Defence of Britain. Author Dr Penny Starns. ISBN-978-1-78122-019-1. Publisher Sabrestorm Publishing. Link In this superb collection of photographs, the story of the Polish Few is told from their hazardous journey from Poland to the UK and in the great struggle for control of the skies above Britain during that memorable summer of 1940. Poles in the Battle of Britain: A Photographic Album of the Polish 'Few' (Hardback). Author Peter Sikora. ISBN: 9781526782410. Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Link A Polish language edition of Blood on their Wing Tips: A Second World War Timeline of the No. 303 Kościuszko Polish Squadron at RAF Northolt, by Nina Britton Boyle and translated by Łukasz Golowanow, is now available. SKRZYDŁA WE KRWI: Dywizjon 303 w bazie RAF Northolt. ISBN. 978-83-66217-51-5. Publisher Replika, Poland. Link 2018 A biography about Polish Air Force physical training instructor Sgt Gerard Wodarz . This is a story of a pre-war Polish national team football player who participated in the Olympics in 1936 and World Cup in 1938 and was one of the top Polish players in pre-war Poland. He was a physical training instructor at RAF Newton in 1945. Z boiska na wojnę (From the pitch to the war). Author Wojtek Zymslony. ISBN 978-83-64424-46-5. Publisher Wydawnictwo Gretza, Poland. Link A new illustrated book about the Polish airmen who flew during the Battle of Britain is now available to pre-order from the bookshop Pen & Sword. Details are available by clicking this link. The Polish ‘Few’. Author Peter Sikora. ISBN: 9781526714855. Publisher Frontline Books. Link 2017 An illustrated biography of Polish pilot Władysław Gnyś, who shot down the first two German aircraft of World War II on 1 September 1939, is now available from the online book shop Wordery. Details are available by clicking the link. First Kills: The Illustrated Biography of Fighter Pilot Władysław Gnyś. Author Stefan Gnys ISBN-13: 9781612005560. Publisher Casemate Books Link The supersonic fighter in the Polish Air Force of the MiG-21MF are described in the unparalleled details. Many unpublished photos from the private collections. Colour schemes and markings are described and illustrated in a series of specially commissioned colour profiles. Authors Adam Gołąbek Illustrator Artur Juszczak ISBN978836654969 MMPBooks Link 2016 A new book about 300 Polish Bomber Squadron is now available through Amazon. Details are available by clicking the link. 300 Squadron: Volume 4 (RAF Bomber Command Squadron Profiles) Paperback. Authors Chris Ward and Grzegorz Korcz. ISBN-10: 1911255142, ISBN-13: 978-1911255147. Publisher Mention the War Ltd, UK Link A new book about 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron at RAF Northolt. This unique book is the culmination of Nina’s extensive and meticulous research over the past 30 years. It is a true life timeline of 303 Sqn and combines the personal memories and photographs from surviving pilots, the families of those who gave their lives, and official combat records and war diaries. Blood on their Wing Tips: A Second World War Timeline of the No. 303 Kościuszko Polish Squadron at RAF Northolt. Author Nina Britton Boyle ISBN 978-0-9934924-0-2 (paperback); Publisher BookTower Publishing, Redditch, UK Link A new book relating to the Polish Air Force is now available in Polish book shops and online. Battles of the Polish Air Force 1939-1945 (Bitwy polskiego lotnictwa 1939-1945). Author Piotr Sikora. ISBN: 978-83-7020-626-0. Publisher Alma-Press, Warsaw, Poland. Link A booklet 303 Kościuszko Squadron is now available from the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. It was compiled and researched by Louise Pemberton, a daughter of Wing Commander Ronald G Kellett DSO DFC VM AE, the British Commanding Officer of 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron, when it was formed in July 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Link 2015 Grzegorz Sologub, six days of Polish ace (Grzegorz Sologub. Szesc dni polskiego asa). Author Piotr Sikora. ISBN 978-83-89450-56-2. Publisher: Stratus, Sandomierz, Poland Link One of the Few. Pawel Niemiec, fighter pilot from Cieszyn (Jeden z niewielu. Pawel Niemiec mysliwiec z Cieszyna). Author Piotr Sikora. ISBN 978-83-62913-81-7. Publisher: Finna, Gdansk, Poland. Link Aces of the Polish Air Force (Asy polskiego lotnictwa). Author Piotr Sikora. ISBN 978-83-7020-560-7. Pubisher: Alma-Press, Warsaw, Poland. Link Polish wings over Ireland (Polskie skrzydla nad Irlandia). Authors Piotr Sikora and Lukasz Gredys. ISBN 978-83-7020-607-9. Publisher: Alma-Press, Warsaw, Poland. Link A new series of three ‘photo album’ books covering the history of one of the most famous flying units in history. Tracing its journey from the roots that formed in the Polish-Russian war, through the invasions of Poland and France, to England and ultimate victory. 303 Squadron. The Complete Illustrated History. Author Wojtek Matusiak. vol. 2 ISBN 978-1-906592-23-3 Link Polish Spitfire Aces. Authors Wojtek Matusiak with Robert Grudzień. ISBN 978-1-4728-0837-0. Publisher: Osprey Publishing, Oxford, UK Link 80. rocznicę powietrznej Bitwy o Anglię, która odwróciła bieg wydarzeń drugiej wojny światowej, znani historycy lotnictwa Robert Gretzyngier i Wojtek Matusiak uczcili nową książką „Wyspy Brytyjskie 1940”, wydaną w ramach popularnej serii Bellony "Historyczne Bitwy Link Dzięki pracy Józefa Zielińskiego, Wojtka Matusiaka i Roberta Gretzyngiera możemy poznać biogramy tych polskich pilotów, którzy przyczynili się do odparcia niemieckiej inwazji na Wielką Brytanię. Link There is a new film available which tells the story of 303 Polish squadron, the most successful fighter unit during the Battle of Britain, through the eyes of two former 303Sqn pilots Franciszek Kornicki and Stanislaw Socha, as well as children of three 303Sqn pilots Witold Urbanowicz, John Kent and Miroslaw Feric. Link

Thanksgiving Service 86th anniversary of the Battle of Britain 20 September 2026 11.00 at Westminster Abbey, London, SW1P 3PA. Applications for tickets, stating all names, addresses, place and date of birth, Passport or Driving Licence number and email addresses and/or phone numbers of individuals wishing to attend, should be made in writing and are to be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope. Applications should reach Mrs Michèle Small, SO3 RAF Ceremonial Events, RAF Ceremonial Office, Bentley Priory Building, RAF Northolt, West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG by the 17th July. The congregation should be seated by 10.30 and to assist with seating, applicants are requested to state which of the following categories is appropriate: * relatives of aircrew who lost their lives in the Battle of Britain or since; * past or present members of the Royal Air Force and its Reserve Forces; * members of the general public. Please state if a wheelchair user. Tickets, and a note on dress and timings for the occasion, will be issued two weeks before the Service. Please note that applications are NOT to be made to Westminster Abbey. Representatives of the Polish government, the Polish Air Force, the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee and Polish squadron descendants are expected to attend. The 147 fighter pilots in the Polish Air Force engaged in the Battle of Britain played such a vital role in the conflict. They represented 5% of the 2,936 aircrew that took part, but at the time were officially credited with 8% or 216 of the RAF’s overall 2,692 aerial victories for the loss of 31 pilots, 5.5% of the 544 aircrew lost during the Battle. The 303 Polish Kościuszko City of Warsaw Squadron, flying Hurricanes from RAF Northolt, became by far the most successful fighter unit during the 16 weeks of the Battle. In the six weeks it was operational 303 Sqn was credited with 126 victories for the loss of eight of its pilots; six in actual combat. The Czech pilot Sgt Josef Frantiŝek, a member of the Polish Air Force flying with 303 (Polish) Kościuszko Squadron, was the most successful pilot in the Battle, credited with 17 aircraft destroyed and one probably destroyed. "Had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of battle would have been the same." - Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.

All Souls' Ceremony in remembrance of the Polish Airmen who gave their lives in WW2. 26 October 2025 British Commonwealth and Polish War Graves Cemetery, London Road, Newark, Notts. 14.30. Guests and Standard Bearers assemble at the Thoresby Avenue entrance for the procession to the Polish War Graves Cemetery. Wreaths and lanterns will be laid by representatives of the Polish government, local authorities, the Polish Air Force, the Royal Air Force and veterans and their descendants. The service will conclude at approximately 15.15. Please note there is no vehicular access to the Market Place and charges apply in car parks on a Sunday. The Friends of Newark Cemetery are expected to open the cemetery’s Chapel Interpretation Centre with its General Sikorski exhibition. For further information please contact: SimonPElmer@hotmail.co.uk

Constitution Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose only voting members are its charity trustees (‘Foundation’ model constitution) Date of constitution (last amended): 9th December 2019 1. Name The name of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“the CIO”) is: THE POLISH AIR FORCE MEMORIAL COMMITTEE 2. National location of principal office The principal office of the CIO is in England: 15 Kings Avenue Ealing London W5 2SJ 3. Objectives The objectives of the CIO are: To commemorate for the public benefit the achievements of the Polish Air Force in the Second World War and to honour fallen Polish Airmen by the creation and maintenance of public memorials; To educate and inform the public about the Polish Air Force and its history including by operating the Polish Air Force Museum; Nothing in this constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the CIO for purposes which are not charitable. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Constitution is available in full DOWNLOAD Trustees LINK

Paszkiewicz Memorial