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1/7 31 May Polish 304 Squadron airmen to be commemorated Polish airmen of 304 (Polish) “Land of Silesia” squadron, together with British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand aircrew, are to be commemorated on a new memorial to be dedicated on 1 September in the village of Bleasby, Nottinghamshire. The Memorial was conceived to honour airmen who were killed in operational and training accidents while flying from nearby RAF Syerston. Made from polished granite the Memorial is in the form of a Lancaster tail plane and separate propeller circle. The names of 40 airmen are engraved on the tail fins and propeller feature. This Bleasby Community project, led by Ken Ogilvie, involved the Bleasby Local History Society, Bleasby Parochial Church Council and Bleasby Parish Council. Over £15,000 has so far been raised by the village from organised events, talks and voluntary donations, together with a grant from Nottinghamshire County Council. Fundraising is ongoing to raise a further circa £1,000 to complete the foundations, landscaping and the possible construction of a backdrop wall, as well as for future maintenance. Donations can be made at this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xReF1jgInmwnAcjhK7WQsrOleFCaqm1c/view The concept for a Memorial came from a local Nottingham architect Keith Clark and Bleasby villager Derek McGrath. The detailed design and manufacture was assigned to Michael Wright of D & M Stonemasons in Nottingham. The granite was sourced from India where it was also cut and polished prior to final finishing, engraving and assembly by D & M Stonemasons. The names of the seven 304 Squadron aircrew, who are all buried in Newark upon Trent Cemetery, are engraved on the propeller circle feature of the Memorial. Pilot Sgt Stanisław Tofin, Observer Sgt Wojciech Lichota, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Sgt Jan Adam Cymborski and Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Sgt Józef Jończyk, were killed on 6 February 1941 when their Wellington 1c R1014 crashed at Station Farm, Bleasby, shortly after taking off from RAF Syerston. Pilot F/O Rudolf Christmann, Pilot U/T Sgt Wiesław Pietruszewski, and Wireless Operator/Air Gunner Sgt Antoni Berger, were killed on 15 April 1941 when their Wellington 1c R1212 crashed into Flintham Woods. It was attempting to overshoot its landing due to wind turbulence at RAF Syerston, having suffered problems with the aircraft’s port engine. Three other members of the crew P/O Zbigniew Gałczyński, Sgt Tadeusz Aranowski and Sgt. Jan Franciszek Jarosz, were injured, two very seriously. For further information please visit http://www.aircrewremembered.com/bleasby-aircrew-memorial.html Photos, courtesy of Kelvin Youngs, can be viewed in the slide show by clicking the image and then the arrows. 15 December 2018 Memorial to two Polish pilots unveiled in Kraków A memorial plaque was unveiled on 17 November on the Wall of Honour at Kraków Aviation Museum to honour the memory of two Polish pilots, Cpt Mieczysław Medwecki and 2nd Lt. Władysław Gnyś, participants of the first aerial combat on 1st September 1939 of the second world war. Cpt Medwecki was the first aerial casualty and 2nd Lt. Gnyś was the first victorious pilot against the Luftwaffe. It was designed and unveiled by Stefan Gnyś, the son of 2nd Lt. Władysław Gnyś. The bronze plaque in Polish and English is entitled: THE FIRST DEATH, THE FIRST VICTORY. It was constructed by renowned artisan Professor Jerzy Nowakowski. One special guest was 95 year old Professor Anna Medwecka-Kornaś, cousin to Cpt Medwecki. She is the only living relative who remembers him with clarity. The speech by Stefan Gnyś can be viewed by clicking on the icon. A YouTube video of the ceremony is available at this link www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPIAP30lIXU . Photos in the slide show can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. Polish and English inscription on the plaque KPT. MIECZYSŁAW MEDWECKI PPOR. WŁADYSŁAW GNYŚ 7.06.1904 – 1.09.1939 24. 08. 1910 - 28.02.2000 “PIERWSZA ŚMIERĆ, PIERWSZE ZWYCIĘSTWO” PAMIĘCI UCZESTNIKÓW PIERWSZEGO STARCIA POWIETRZNEGO II WOJNY ŚWIATOWEJ 1 WRZEŚNIA 1939 O GODZ. 6.34 KPT. MIECZYSŁAW MEDWECKI WRAZ Z PPOR. WŁADYSŁAWEM GNYSIEM ZE 121 ESKADRY MYŚLIWSKIEJ 2 PUŁKU LOTNICZEGO STACJONUJĄCY NA LOTNISKU POLOWYM W BALICACH, WYSTARTOWALI SAMOLOTAMI PZL P.11C NA PRZECHWYCENIE NIEMIECKIEJ WYPRAWY BOMBOWEJ POWRACAJĄCEJ Z ATAKU NA KRAKÓW. KPT. MIECZYSŁAW MEDWECKI ZGINĄŁ ZESTRZELONY PODCZAS STARTU, BYŁ PIERWSZYM PILOTEM POLSKIM I ALIANCKIM POLEGŁYM PODCZAS DRUGIEJ WOJNY ŚWIATOWEJ. JEGO OFIARA NIGDY NIE ZOSTANIE ZAPOMNIANA! PPOR. WŁADYSŁAW GNYŚ ZAATAKOWAŁ ODLATUJĄCE SAMOLOTY TYPU DORNIER I ZESTRZELIŁ DWA Z NICH. BYŁO TO PIERWSZE POLSKIE I ALIANCKIE ZWYCIĘSTWO W TRAKCIE DRUGIEJ WOJNY ŚWIATOWEJ. “THE FIRST DEATH, THE FIRST VICTORY” TO THE MEMORY OF THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE FIRST AERIAL COMBAT DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. ON 1 SEPTEMBER 1939 AT 6:45 A.M. CAPT. MIECZYSŁAW MEDWECKI ALONG WITH 2ND LT. WŁADYSŁAW GNYŚ OF 121ST FIGHTER SQUADRON, 2ND AIR REGIMENT, BASED AT A PROVISIONAL AIRFIELD IN BALICE, TOOK OFF ON PZL P.11C FIGHTERS TO INTERCEPT A GERMAN BOMBER FORCE RETURNING FROM AN ATTACK ON KRAKÓW. CAPT. MIECZYSŁAW MEDWECKI WAS KILLED ON TAKE-OFF. HE WAS THE FIRST POLISH AND ALLIED AIRMAN TO DIE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. HIS SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! 2ND LT. WŁADYSŁAW GNYŚ ATTACKED THE DEPARTING GERMAN DORNIER BOMBERS AND SHOT DOWN TWO OF THEM. THESE WERE THE FIRST ALLIED AERIAL VICTORIES DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. CZEŚĆ I CHWAŁAICH PAMIĘCI! HONOUR AND GLORY TO THEIR MEMORY! TABLICȨ UFUNDOWAŁ/FOUNDED BY STEFAN GNYŚ, 2018 1/8 14 December RAF Ingham Heritage Centre Newsletter RAF Ingham Heritage Centre has relaunched its quarterly newsletter Ingham White Eagle. The relaunch issue is available by clicking the icon. To be placed on the distribution list to receive future issues please email your request to rafingham@hotmail.co.uk or visit their website www.rafingham.co.uk . 17 November RAF Ingham Heritage Centre celebrations A report by LSJ News on Remembrance Day, Polish Independence and the Polish Air Force Centenary, at the RAF Ingham Heritage Centre in Lincolnshire on Sunday 11 November, is available on Facebook at the this link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2183954294950915&id=168262646520100 7 October Memorial to pilot F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron . The Shoreham Aircraft Museum in Kent unveiled a memorial stone to 303 (Polish) Kościuszko Squadron pilot F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz on Saturday 29 September at Crowhurst Farm, near Sevenoaks, Kent with the kind permission of the landowner. A congregation of around 100 gathered in the summer sunshine to honour the memory of F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz who paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for freedom. The memorial is close to the site where F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz was shot down and killed on 27 September 1940. His Hurricane I, L1696, RF-T crashed at Borough Green, Wrotham. He is buried at Northwood Cemetery, London, grave no. H 224. He was decorated with the Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari, the Cross of Valour and the British Distinguished Flying Cross. The replica Polish Air Force Wilno Standard was presented at the unveiling of the memorial followed by laying of wreaths. A flypast and salute was performed by a Hurricane from the nearby Biggin Hill Heritage Centre. F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz, who was the Polish Commander of B Flight, accounted for 303 Squadron’s first victory in the Battle of Britain on 30 August 1940. During a training sortie he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110. He went on to destroy a further five enemy aircraft. The squadron, flying Hurricanes from RAF Northolt, went on to be the most successful squadron in the Battle of Britain with 126 confirmed victories, achieved in less than half the Battle period. The Shoreham Aircraft Museum has been established for 30 years and in 2006 decided to erect permanent memorials to all those Battle of Britain pilots who lost their lives within a ten miles radius of Shoreham Village. Ten memorial stones, including this latest one for F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz, have so far been unveiled. The Museum is owned and managed by Geoff Nutkins and full details of previous memorials are available on its website http://www.shoreham-aircraft-museum.co.uk . Photos, kindly provided by Trevor Page, can be viewed and enlarged in the slide show by double clicking the image then the arrows. All photos are copyright of Trevor Page. 1/21 1 October Polish Air Force Museum Northolt tour dates 2019 RAF Northolt, which hosts the only Museum and exhibition dedicated to the Polish Air Force in Britain during WW11, has advised dates for organised tours to the Museum in 2019. These are all on Saturdays as follows: 2 February, 13 April, 1 June, 3 August, 5 October and 7 December. Tours start at 14.00. The Museum is open to anyone interested, but because RAF Northolt is an operational RAF Station, visits must be arranged in organised tours. 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 . Visits to the museum might also be possible on other dates for group bookings, subject to staff availability and operational requirements. For more information on the Museum and exhibition click on 'Museum' above. 22 September Northolt Commemoration Ceremony The annual and 58th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during World War II was held at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip on Saturday 1 September. The occasion marked the centenary of Poland regaining her independence, and the 70th anniversary of the unveiling of the Memorial. The significance of the occasion was marked by the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent, to whom a number of Polish Air Force veterans were presented. The ceremony opened with a Parade of Standards led by the replica Polish Air Force Wilno Standard. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki CBE DL, followed with his address, welcoming dignitaries, veterans, guests and the public and was accompanied by a flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota. 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; Prayers; the Last Post and a minute’s silence ended by Reveille. Invited dignitaries, representing national and local government, 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. The hour-long ceremony ended with the Polish and UK national anthems. Music was provided by the National Marching Band of the Air Training Corps. Guests then transferred to RAF Northolt for a reception and buffet lunch in the Station’s Officers’ Mess, 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. A surprise addition at RAF Northolt was a fly past from Duxford of the Historic Aircraft Collection’s former 315 and 317 Polish Squadron MK Vb Spitfire BM 597, which then landed and taxied to park in front of the Officers’ Mess. The Spitfire, piloted by Flt Lt Dave Harvey, was flown by 13 Polish pilots during the war, including the PAFMC Chairman’s father Col. Franciszek Kornicki. 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. Programme Speech Commendations NHT-Official-20180901-172-002 NHT-Official-20180901-171-213 John Carter receiving his commendation from RAF Northolt Station Commander Mike Carver for promoting the awareness of the role and contribution of the Polish Air Force over many years. NHT-Official-20180901-172-002 1/76 20 July “Hurricane” - a story of 303 Squadron. The feature film “Hurricane” will be released in Poland on 17 August and in the UK on 7 September. Distribution is currently being finalised and initially it will be limited to 100+ cinemas in the UK. If enough people go to see it, the following week it will be released in even more cinemas. International distribution is also currently being negotiated. For the Polish Air Force aficionados, “Hurricane” is NOT a documentary, but an interesting and enjoyable feature film based on the true story of the Polish pilots in 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain period. The central character is Jan Zumbach played by Iwan Rheon. The trailer to the film can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/IV5e2HA6XkU . 17 July ‘Polish’ Spitfire in RAF Centenary flypast. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Mk XV1 Spitfire, recently repainted in the personal colours of Polish pilot Gp Capt Aleksander Gabszewicz, formed part of the RAF’s Centenary flypast of 100 aircraft over Buckingham Palace on 10 July. The ‘Gabszewicz’ Spitfire was directly astern of the Lancaster, which was flanked and escorted by two further Spitfires and two Hurricanes. The entire flypast can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvtMxsYOj94 . Photos, kindly provided by the BBMF, can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. For more details of the BBMF’s Mk XV1 Spitfire, painted in the colours of Gp Capt Aleksander Gabszewicz, see the post of 7 June directly below. The BBMF’s clip winged Mk XV1 Spitfire, painted in the personal colours of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, on a training flight the day before the Centenary flypast. © Rich Cooper/COAP. The BBMF’s clip winged Mk XV1 Spitfire, painted in the personal colours of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, during the RAF Centenary flypast on 10 July directly astern of the Lancaster. © Crown Copyright. The BBMF’s clip winged Mk XV1 Spitfire, painted in the personal colours of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, on a training flight the day before the Centenary flypast. © Rich Cooper/COAP. 1/2 7 June Battle of Britain Memorial Flight honours Polish pilot The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has completed the flight testing of its Mk XVI Spitfire TE 311 ready for the 2018 display season. It has been repainted to represent the personal Mk XVI Spitfire, TD240, of Polish pilot Gp Capt Aleksander Gabszewicz VM KW DSO DFC. Polish Air Force historians Wojtek Matusiak and Piotr Sikora and artist Robert Grudzień provided the BBMF with photographs and artwork to ensure accuracy of the painting, which has been funded by Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association. Clive Denney, managing director of Vintage Fabrics, based at Audley End Airfield, Essex, applied the artwork, including Gabszewicz's famous personal 'boxing dog' emblem. The BBMF’s Mk XVI Spitfire, TE311, is a low back, bubble-canopy version with clipped wingtips and built at Castle Bromwich just after the war. Following service in various units it was grounded in the mid 1950s and transferred to RAF Tangmere as the gate guardian for 12 years. It was subsequently used in ground sequences for the film ‘Battle of Britain’. Afterwards it was allocated to the RAF Exhibition Flight and used at air shows for the next 30 years as a static exhibit. The Spitfire was subsequently delivered to the BBMF’s home base, RAF Coningsby, in January 2000. After a meticulous re-build to flying condition, lasting 11 years, TE311 was returned to an immaculate and extremely authentic standard. It took to the air again, for the first time in 58 years, on 19 October 2012. The Mk XVI Spitfire, TD240, was delivered to the 131 (Polish) Wing in mid April 1945 and assigned to Gp Capt Aleksander Gabszewicz, who was the Officer Commanding the Wing from 12 July 1944. The individual letter ‘G’ for Gabszewicz, was applied, as well as the ‘Group Captain’ insignia under the cockpit and the code letters ‘SZ’ for 316 Sqn, which Gabszewicz commanded from November 1941 until June 1942. Although 316 Sqn was not part of the 131 (Polish) Wing, all of Gabszewicz's personal aircraft had the ‘SZ’ code letters, as a sign of affection for his former unit. Also a ‘boxing dog’ emblem, and much bigger than on his previous Spitfire, was painted on the port side of the aircraft’s nose. The emblem was first introduced on Gabszewicz’s Mk IX Spitfire EN526 in 1943 and subsequently applied to all his personal aircraft. However, there are photographs taken around 1941 showing the emblem on his Mae West life jacket. The artist was Sgt Wojciech Milewski, who was also a talented boxer. At the time Gabszewicz received TD240 the 131 (Polish) Wing was stationed at Varrelbusch (B.113) airfield in occupied Germany. He flew six operational sorties in TD240, including four on dive bombing of enemy positions. When Gabszewicz left his command of 131 (Polish) Wing on 31 May 1945, and went to the head quarters of 84 Group, TD240 was taken over by Sq/Ldr Bolesław Kaczmarek, commander of 302 Sqn. Although the ‘SZ’ code letters were changed to ‘WX’ and individual code letter ‘G’ to ‘V’, the 302 Sqn badge replaced the ‘Group Captain’ insignia and was applied alongside the women's name ‘Janetka’. Gabszewicz's personal 'boxing dog' emblem remained. When the 302 Sqn code letters were changed to ‘QH’ in August 1945, TD240 still carried the letter ‘V’. On 10 October 1945 W/O Kazimierz Chomacki crash landed TD240 and was not repaired. Gp Capt Aleksander Gabszewicz was decorated with the Gold and Silver Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari, Polish Cross of Valour and three Bars, DSO and Bar, DFC and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. He died on 10 October 1983 and his ashes were subsequently dispersed over Warsaw and Dęblin in 1992. Thanks to Piotr Sikora and Wojtek Matusiak for providing the historical background information and original photo. The artwork of the Mk XVI Spitfire TD240, produced for the BBMF, is copyright and courtesy of Robert Grudzień. Photos in the slide show can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. The BBMF's Mk XVI Spitfire, in the personal colours of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, on test at RAF Coningsby. Photo ©Crown Copyright. The BBMF's Mk XVI Spitfire, in the personal colours of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, on test at RAF Coningsby. Photo ©Crown Copyright. The port side engine panel complete with 'boxing dog' emblem and Polish Air Force chequer. Photo courtesy BBMF. The BBMF's Mk XVI Spitfire, in the personal colours of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, on test at RAF Coningsby. Photo ©Crown Copyright. 1/13 4 June Polish pilot’s headstone amended The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has kindly amended the headstone on the grave of 302 (Polish) “City of Poznań” Squadron pilot Sgt Stanisław Wyszkowski in Northwood Cemetery. The ‘Z’ was missing from his surname on the original headstone. 1 February Plumetot Memorial Competition The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee is delighted to announce the launch of a £10,000 competition to design and produce a Memorial to the Polish Air Force on the site of the Normandy airfield that was the first home to the Polish Wing after the Invasion. Initial proposals must be submitted by the end of April with a view to the Monument being unveiled around the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019. Details of the competition in English, Polish and French are available in the attachments below. A fund-raising campaign will be launched shortly. Shortly after D-Day, 19 Advanced Landing Grounds were created in Normandy. One of these was ‘B 10’ Plumetot, a few miles behind Sword Beach. It was used by a range of RAF units from 10 June 1944 and from August to September it was home to 131 Polish Wing, comprising 302, 308 and 317 Squadrons, all of which had previously served at Northolt. Plumetot was a Commune with less than a hundred inhabitants on the 5 June 1944. Within a matter of days there were over 3,000. Local memories are strong: a former Maire, now in his 80s, standing by the fields which were formerly runways, well remembers being a five-year old boy taking fresh milk from the family farm to Polish pilots and returning with his pockets full of sweets. Unlike most other Advanced Landing Grounds, however, there is currently nothing to mark the existence of B 10, nor its special significance in the history of the Polish Air Force. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee approached the Mayor and Commune of Plumetot with a proposal for a joint project to create a Memorial in the village and to provide information at the site of the airfield, marking the role of the Polish Air Force among the Allied forces fighting for the liberation of Europe. Although only at an early stage, this collaborative project has received the warmest support from all local and regional authorities in Normandy, and the Polish Embassy in Paris is taking an interest. A competition will be held for an artist to design and create the Memorial, which will be at the heart of the village, between the Mairie and the Church. The goal is to have the formal unveiling around the 75th anniversary of D-Day in June 2019, so that the role of the Polish Air Force in supporting the Invasion can be given its proper place, alongside that of the Polish Navy and of the Polish Army, which played such a heroic part by holding the Falaise Gap. The monument will form part of a linked route of memorials commemorating the involvement of all branches of the Polish armed forces, which took part in the Allied Invasion. The Mayor will also take the opportunity to create an additional memorial to M. & Mme. Requis and their daughter, proprietors of the local estaminet and known for their friendship and generosity to allied troops. They were killed by a German bomb, their home being the only building in the village to be destroyed during the Invasion. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee was particularly pleased to welcome representatives of the Commune of Plumetot and its neighbourhood to the 2017 Commemoration Ceremony at the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt, reinforcing the links that bind Polish, British and French interests in our common heritage. Click on the icons for competition details. English Polish French Registration Form Polish airmen with captured enemy transport. 15 January RAF Swinderby Hangar Doors saved from demolition. The Hangar Doors at the former 300 Squadron base RAF Swinderby have been rescued from demolition by the RAF Ingham Heritage Centre at Fillingham, Lincolnshire. The camouflaged doors on the southern end of Shed 2, as the Hangar was known, were painted with the Polish Chequer and Eagle insignia. They formed the backdrop for the ceremonial presentation on 16 July 1941 of the Polish Air Force Standard by Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces, General Władysław Sikorski to Polish Air Force Commander in Chief Air Vice Marshall Stanisław Ujejski. He then handed it on to Wacław Makowski Commander of 300 Bomber Squadron, the first Polish Squadron formed at Bramcote on 1 July 1940. The Standard was then paraded for the assembled Polish and British dignitaries for the first time in Britain. Each of the 14 PAF squadrons then held the standard for three months in rotation. The doors were taken down and dismantled in sections prior to transport to the RAF Ingham Heritage Centre. The removal and preservation of the doors has been aided by a grant by the former Polish Air Force Association Charitable Trust. The doors have been repainted and repaired over the years, but it is the intention of the RAF Ingham Heritage Centre to restore the doors and try and discover and reinstate the hidden Polish Insignia. For more information on the RAF Ingham Heritage Centre click the following link. Photos, courtesy of Geoff Burton, Grzegorx Korcz and Wilhelm Ratuszynski, can be enlarged and viewed in the slide show by clicking the image then the arrows. The camouflaged doors of Shed 2, as the Hangar was known, were painted with the Polish Chequer and Eagle insignia and formed the backdrop for the ceremonial presentation of the Polish Air Force Standard to 300 Bomber Squadron. General Władysław Sikorski presented the Standard to Polish Air Force Commander in Chief Air Vice Marshall Stanislaw Ujejski RAF Swinderby 16 July 1941. The doors being unloaded at RAF Ingham Heritage Centre. The camouflaged doors of Shed 2, as the Hangar was known, were painted with the Polish Chequer and Eagle insignia and formed the backdrop for the ceremonial presentation of the Polish Air Force Standard to 300 Bomber Squadron. 1/6 8 January Polish Air Force Museum Northolt tour dates 2018 RAF Northolt, which hosts the only Museum and exhibition dedicated to the Polish Air Force in Britain, has advised dates for organised tours to the Museum in 2018. These are all on Saturdays as follows: 14 April, 2 June, 4 August and 17 September. 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 museum might also be possible on other dates in special circumstances, subject to staff availability and operational requirements. There are no charges for visiting the Museum. However, as the 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, Middlesex, 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 Museum and the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge, please click the ‘Museum’ page above.

Skrzydła We hope to index a number of back issues of Skrzydła (Wings) magazine. Coming soon.... 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

Who we are The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) is a registered charity (no. 1185691) formed “to commemorate for the public benefit the achievements of the Polish Air Force in the Second World War; to honour fallen Polish Airmen by the creation and maintenance of public memorials; and to educate and inform the public about the Polish Air Force and its history, including the operation of Polish Air Force Museums”. The PAFMC is the designated successor of the Polish Air Force Association (PAFA), who set it up to continue their work in the longer term. Its origins go back to the summer of 1945 and concern about the problems facing those Poles who decided to stay in exile in Britain rather than return to the Communist-ruled Poland or migrate to other countries. To meet their needs a veterans' organisation, originally named Samopomoc Lotnicza, (Aviation self-help) was established; this soon adopted the English title Polish Air Force Association. The Polish name was later changed to Stowarzyszenie Lotników Polskich (SLP). The PAFA made a great contribution to the welfare of those Polish Air Force (PAF) personnel who remained in exile in Britain. With its headquarters at Collingham Gardens in London, the PAFA set up branches with clubs in major cities throughout Britain. It published the periodical magazine Skrzydła (Wings) and later in 1991 commissioned the definitive The Polish Air Force At War The Official History by Jerzy Cynk, published in 1998. Following the unveiling of the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip in 1948, the PAFA took on the organisation of the annual commemoration ceremony of homage to the fallen Polish airmen. In 1968 it initiated the installation of the Polish Air Force Memorial slab in the floor of the RAF St. Clement Danes Church, Strand, London and in 1981 it was responsible for the unveiling of the PAF stained glass window in St. Andrew Bobola’s Church, Hammersmith, London. In 1990 the PAFA was also responsible for installing the Memorial plaque commemorating the PAF in St Paul’s Cathedral which was unveiled by HRH The Duke of Kent. After the first free elections in Poland in 1989, PAFA escorted and returned its most cherished war relic - the Polish Air Force Standard - to Poland during a PAFA World Reunion in Warsaw in 1992. This is now on display in the Polish Air Force Museum, Dęblin. A replica of the original Standard, created on the authority of the then Commander in Chief of the Polish Air Force, Lt Gen Lech Majewski, is held in Britain and is on display at the Polish Air Force Museum at the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitor Centre at Uxbridge. It is paraded at the annual commemoration ceremony at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip and at the annual Battle of Britain service at Capel-le-Ferne, Kent. In 1987 the PAFA sold most of its property and used the proceeds to create the PAFA Charitable Trust (PAFACT). In 1999, as the numbers of surviving veterans declined, the PAFA dissolved and transferred all remaining assets to the PAFACT. At the same time all PAFA’s former local branches and clubs either closed or became totally separate private and independent organisations and ceasing affiliation to the PAF. The PAFACT, together with the Polish Air Force Benevolent Fund, which it had absorbed, continued until the end of 2010, when it also dissolved and distributed its assets, including a substantial donation to the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum. The PAFACT also provided funding to enable the continuation of its most important functions, including the annual commemoration ceremony of homage to fallen Polish airmen at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip. This was accomplished in early 2011 by the PAFACT’s creation of a simpler body, the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC). To maintain governance and continuity the PAFACT’s Honorary Secretary Richard Kornicki was appointed PAFMC Chairman and the PAFACT’s Chairman Eugeniusz Borysiuk appointed a founder committee member. The PAFACT also transferred ownership of all art works and memorabilia, including the PAFA Standard, to the PAFMC for safekeeping. The PAFA Standard should be displayed in the PAF Museum at RAF Northolt when not in ceremonial use at the annual Polish Air Force Memorial ceremony or other similar events. The PAFA Standard is currently in illegal and unauthorised possession elsewhere from the PAFMC. The PAFMC was formed with the explicit agreement of the Commander in Chief of the Polish Air Force, Lt Gen Lech Majewski, and of the Chief of the Air Staff for the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton. It remains to this day the direct formal successor of the Polish Air Force active in Britain during WWII, and the organisations that represented it here after the war. The speech by PAFAT chairman Eugeniusz Borysiuk at the dissolution lunch on 4 November 2010 can be viewed by clicking this link In 2019 the PAFMC became a charitable registered organisation number 1185691. Speech

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2014 August We are very pleased to announce that Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, formerly Chief of the Air Staff, has accepted the position of Patron of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. 30 August Memorial plaque to Wing Commander Ronald Kellett DSO DFC VM and 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron A memorial plaque to Wing Commander Ronald Kellett DSO DFC VM AE* and the 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron that he formed and commanded during the Battle of Britain, was unveiled at a service held at St George’s Church, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4DL, at 12 noon on Saturday 30th August 2014. The plaque has been designed and carved by Geoffrey Aldred who is a member of the charity Memorials by Artists. The shape of the Nabresina stone tablet reflects the wing of a Hurricane aircraft, which 303 Sqn flew during the Battle of Britain, and the carving at the top of the plaque depicts a Hurricane flying past the Fairlight Cliffs, East Sussex. On 19th July 1940 the 30 year old Sqn/Ldr Kellett was posted from 249 Squadron to RAF Northolt where he was to jointly form and command the legendary 303 Sqn with his Polish counterpart Sqn/Ldr Zdzisław Krasnodębski. The Poles had started arriving in England in December 1939 after the defeat of France and placed in camps where they were taught English; following this they were sent on to Operational Training Units. However, they were not permitted to go into combat, which they found extremely frustrating, as they were already experienced in aerial combat and they were determined to fight for the freedom of Poland. Britain was their “Last Hope Island”. Kellett had his work cut out, on the one hand there was the language problem, the English that the Poles had picked up was colloquial and was not useful for flying. Kellett, however, was fluent in French and he could, therefore, communicate with some of the officers. On the other hand because the Poles were desperate to fight the Germans they wanted to go into combat immediately despite the fact that certain aspects of the Hurricane were different to those of the aircraft they had flown in Poland and France. For instance they weren’t used to retractable undercarriages, the throttle operation was different and their radios had been more primitive. Kellett and Krasnodębski, worked together in training and disciplining the unit. Ingenuity and creative thinking were used to get the results required. Kellett and Krasnodębski were also supported by two English speaking Flight Commanders, F/Lt John Kent (Canadian) and F/Lt Athol Forbes. On 30th August 1940 Kellett was leading 303 Sqn’s ‘B’ Flight on a routine practice interception of a formation of Bristol Blenheims north of London when F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz spotted a Luftwaffe bomber formation flying eastward and covered by a fighter escort. Paszkiewicz broke ranks and intercepted a Messerschmitt Bf 110, which he shot down. Despite Paszkiewicz disobeying orders, it proved to Kellett that the Squadron was combat ready and he pressed Northolt Station Commander Group Captain Stanley Vincent and Fighter Command Head Quarters for full operational status. Permission was granted and 303 Sqn became fully operational on 31st August 1940. The Squadron, serving in 11 Group, went on to become the most successful fighter unit during the 16 weeks of the Battle of Britain. In only six weeks of combat 303 Sqn claimed 126 victories for the loss of eight of its pilots. "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 the battle would have been the same." - Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Kellett was born in Eldon, County Durham on 13th September 1909. He moved with his family to Benenden in August 1948. Some members of his family live in Benenden to this day. Those attending the service were members of the Kellett family, Cllr David Elliott, Deputy Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Air Vice Marshall Sir Frederick Sowrey, Consul Ms Ines Czajczyńska-da Costa (Embassy of the Republic of Poland), Colonel Ryszard Tomczak, Polish Defence Attaché, 303 Sqn relatives, Group Captain P Tootal OBE DEL RAF (Ret'd), the Hon Secretary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Richard Kornicki CBE, Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee and Battle of Britain Historians. The Service was led by Rev Rosemary Kobus van Wengen and by RAF Northolt Station Chaplin, Revd (Sqn/Ldr) Philip Corrigan.

Crash Sites of Fallen Polish Air Force airmen during the Battle of Britain

Northolt Commemoration Ceremony 29 August 2025 11.00 at the Polish Air Force Memorial, South Ruislip, HA4 6QX The annual and 64th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during the Second World War will be held at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip on Saturday 29 August at 11.00. The ceremony will open with a Parade of Standards led by the replica Polish Air Force Standard and the Silk Ensign of the RAF. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Krzysztof de Berg will make an address welcoming dignitaries, veterans, guests and the public. All members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony. For those travelling by public transport the nearest Station to the Memorial is South Ruislip, about a 1,100 metre walk. Invited dignitaries, representing national and local government, Polish and Royal Air Forces and various organisations and associations will lay wreaths on the Memorial. These will be followed by veterans and descendants of the Polish Squadrons and Units commemorated on the Memorial that flew alongside the RAF from 1940 to 1945. The ceremony will be streamed live on the PAFMC Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/PAFMemorialCommittee.

2017 28 November Polish 317 Squadron pilot remembered. Polish pilot P/O Stanislaw Kurowicki from 317 (Polish) City of Wilno Squadron was honoured at the Remembrance service on 11 November at Fairlop Waters Country Park, Essex, the former home of RAF Fairlop. Wreaths were laid accompanied by the Polish Flag and Polish National Anthem. P/O Stanislaw Kurowicki was killed in action on 11th September 1943. P/O Stanislaw Kurowicki was posted to 317 Sqn at RAF Fairlop on 21st August 1943. On 11th September he was in one of the squadron’s 11 Spitfires that took off at 18.00 as part of the Polish Wing fighter escort to a target at Rouen, France. Over the target P/O Stanislaw Kurowicki shot down a Focke Wulf FW 190 before announcing on the radio that he had been hit. He was last seen fighting with four FW 190s south west of Rouen. P/O Stanislaw Kurowicki was the only pilot from 317 Sqn killed during its stay at Fairlop. His grave is in St. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. Information and some photos supplied by Robert Pliszka. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. Fairlop Waters Country Park, Essex, the former home of RAF Fairlop and 317 City of Wilno Squadron. Robert Pliszka St. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France Fairlop Waters Country Park, Essex, the former home of RAF Fairlop and 317 City of Wilno Squadron. 1/9 22 November Polish 'Lego' Spitfire A model of a Spitfire in the colours of 303 Polish Squadron is available as a brick construction kit from the RAF Museum shop. The MkVb Spitfire, which has 290 pieces compatible with Lego, has a retractable undercarriage, rotating propeller and a pilot figure. A stand is also included in the set which is suitable for age 6 and above. It is priced at £22.99 and is available via this link. Spitfire 29 October Polish Air Force Museum Northolt tour dates 2018 RAF Northolt, which hosts the only Museum dedicated to the Polish Air Force in Britain, has advised dates for organised tours to the Museum in 2018. These are on Saturdays as follows: 14 April, 2 June, 4 August, 17 September. 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 600 metres from the White House Gate security office. Visits to the museum might also be possible on other dates in special circumstances, subject to staff availability and operational requirements. There are no charges for visiting the Museum. However, as the 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 Northolt and the nearby Northwood Cemetery, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1HR, which is just a 20 minute drive from the Northolt Memorial. The Orchard, Ruislip, HA4 7DR, - now a Beefeater restaurant - is also on route to the cemetery. For information on the Museum and the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge, please click the ‘Museum’ page above. 29 September Kraków honours Polish pilot A street in Kraków has been named Majora Pilota Stefana Janusa (Major pilot Stefan Janus street) after Wg/Cdr Stefan Władysław Janus DSO, DFC, VM, KW and three bars. Stefan Władysław Janus was born on 22 March 1910 in Wola Duchacka, near Kraków. He had three brothers and all became airmen. In 1931 Janus joined the Polish Artillery Cadet Officers Reserve School at Włodzimierz Wołyński, and on graduation went to the Polish Artillery College in Toruń. He was commissioned in 1934. At the same time he completed a flying training course at the Air Force Officers Training Centre in Dęblin. Janus was posted to 22nd Light Bomber Squadron of the 2nd Air Regiment in Kraków. After completing an advanced flying course at Grudziądz, he joined the 122nd Fighter Squadron in Kraków. Later he was appointed a flying instructor in Dęblin. In September 1939, together with a group of cadet officers, Janus crossed the Hungarian border. He continued through Yugoslavia and Greece to France and from there was posted to a training unit in North Africa. After arriving in Britain, on 22 September 1940 Janus was posted to the newly formed 308 (Polish) City of Kraków Squadron. From 22 June 1941 he commanded ‘A’ Flight. On 17 November 1941 he took command of 315 (Polish) City of Dęblin Squadron. In May 1942 Janus was appointed Commander of the 1st Polish Wing at Northolt. On 26 January 1943 Janus collided with another pilot over France and was captured. He remained in the POW camp Stalag Luft III in Zagan until the end of the war. After returning to Britain he was an operations officer at RAF 11 Group Head Quarters at Uxbridge. In 1953 Janus joined the RAF, where he stayed until his retirement in 1965. Janus died on 11 November 1978 in East Farleigh near Maidstone, Kent. His ashes were taken to Poland and are buried at Rakowicki Cemetery in Kraków. Janus is credited with destroying six enemy aircraft and damaging one. Information provided by Peter Sikora. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. The grave of Wg/Cdr Stefan Władysław Janus and his wife Jadwiga in Rakowicki Cemetery, Kraków. Photo copyright Michal Slizowski. 1/9 22 September Northolt Commemoration Ceremony The annual and 57th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during World War II was held at the Polish Air Force Memorial, Northolt on Saturday 2 September. The Ceremony opened with a Trumpeter and Drummer from the RAF Auxiliary Air Force Band sounding the Assembly prior to the Parade of Standards led by the replica Polish Air Force Wilno Standard. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki CBE DL, followed with his introductory address, welcoming dignitaries, veterans, guests and the public. Richard Kornicki said that we come together again to commemorate the achievements of the Polish Air Force in the West and to honour the memory of the Polish airmen whose names are engraved on the granite walls behind the Memorial. He added that Polish airmen created remarkable bonds and links with communities, which are now stronger than ever and cited several examples. These included the Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło’s first engagement, on her inaugural UK-Poland Intergovernmental Consultations visit last year, to lay wreaths and meet veterans with the British Prime Minister Theresa May at the Memorial, followed by a reception at 10 Downing Street. 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; Prayers; the Last Post and a minute’s silence ended by Reveille. Invited dignitaries, representing national and local government, 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. The hour-long ceremony ended with the Polish and UK national anthems. Unfortunately the flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was cancelled due to engine problems. In his closing remarks Richard Kornicki thanked all those involved with the Ceremony for their help, in particular Air Cadets from Middlesex Wing, 308, 315, 316 and 317 Squadrons for without them this Ceremony simply could not take place. Music to an exceptionally high standard was provided by the National Marching Band of the Air Training Corps. He then called on Alexsander Smaga and colleagues representing the Ribbon of Memorial project in Kraków, to take a sample of Northolt earth to be buried in Kraków, representing the support provided by the Polish Air Force for the work of the Home Army throughout the war. Following the Ceremony guests transferred to RAF Northolt for a reception and lunch in the Station’s Sword and Wheel Club, while being entertained by Polish dancers. RAF Northolt Station Commander, Group Captain Mike Carver and Acting Republic of Poland Defence Attaché, Lt Col Artur Miśkiewicz, awarded PAFMC Commendations to people who, with no personal connections with Poland, have made an exceptional contribution to preserving the memory of Polish Airmen. The Memorial programme, speeches and commendations can be viewed by clicking the relevant icons below. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. All photos Crown copyright unless otherwise stated. An amateur video of the Ceremony, by Thomas Ozel, can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlwOXAq9ufo Programme Introduction Closing remarks Commendations Next year's ceremony will take place on Saturday 1st September, 2018 at 12.00. NHT-Official-20170902-163-002 NHT-Official-20170902-163-003 Charlea Bright receiving the PAFMC Commendation on behalf of Kelly-Ann Donaldson and the Mess Team from RAF Northolt Station Commander, Group Captain Mike Carver and Acting Republic of Poland Defence Attaché, Lt Col Artur Miśkiewicz. Photo copyright Marek Borzecki, NHT-Official-20170902-163-002 1/130 21 September New Station Commander RAF Northolt Group Captain Mike Carver has taken over as Station Commander of Royal Air Force Northolt. He officially took command of the Station on 28 July, taking over from Group Captain David Manning. A highly experienced Pilot, Mike Carver was commissioned into the RAF in 1986 and served the majority of his flying career on the Hercules transport aircraft of Number 24 and 47 Squadrons. A veteran of operations flying in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans, he has also served in a number of staff roles in both Permanent Joint Headquarters and Air Command. These experiences will be a perfect background given Northolt’s role as the Royal Air Force’s strategic site in London, and home to 32 supported units from across Government and Defence including 32 (The Royal) Squadron, which provides Air Transport to the UK’s Governmental and military leaders. “I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Royal Air Force Northolt’s Station Commander, particularly with RAF100 next year,” said Mike Carver. “It’s already very clear to me what a professional, spirited and dedicated team Northolt possesses. Northolt is both a highly diverse and key strategic airbase for the United Kingdom and I am very much looking forward to playing my part in maximising the opportunities that these will offer.” For further information please contact RAF Northolt Media & Communications Officer, Sq/Ldr James Tenniswood via email:NOR-BSWMCO@mod.uk Click image to enlarge. Group Captain Mike Carver (right), is handed the Station Commander’s pennant by outgoing Station Commander David Manning. Photo Crown copyright. Group Captain Mike Carver (right), is handed the Station Commander’s pennant by outgoing Station Commander David Manning. Photo Crown copyright. 1/1 14 September Polish records appointment. The Army Personnel Centre (APC) has appointed Monika Helman as Administrative Officer at the APC Disclosures 5 (Polish) office at RAF Northolt. Monika replaces Barbara Kroll, who has retired and is working alongside Executive Officer Margaret Goddard. Monika can be contacted via email NOR-PolishDiscOfficeAsst2@mod.uk . The APC Disclosures 5 (Polish) has access to the approximate 300,000 service records of ex-servicemen and women who served in the Polish Army, Navy and Polish Air Force under British command during WWII. For enquiries please contact: Ministry of Defence APC Disclosures 5 (Polish) Building 1 (Ops) RAF Northolt West End Road Ruislip Middlesex HA4 6NG UK. T: +44(0)208 833 8603 E: NOR-PolishDiscOffice@mod.uk 28 August Memorial to pilot F/O Bolesław Józef Sawiak 315 Polish City of Deblin Squadron. A memorial to 315 (Polish) City of Deblin Squadron pilot F/O Bolesław Józef Sawiak was unveiled at a dedication service outside Ratoath Community Centre, near Dublin, The Republic of Ireland, on Wednesday 23 August, the 75th anniversary of his death. Over 100 Polish and Irish local residents and dignitaries gathered to pay tribute to F/O Bolesław Sawiak. Prayers were offered by Father Gerry Stuart and Father Janusz Lugowski, Chaplin to the Polish community in the Diocese of Meath. The Polish Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, Ryszard Sarkowicz, together with Government Minister Regina Doherty unveiled the memorial and laid a wreath in honour of F/O Bolesław Sawiak, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for freedom. The memorial is close to the site where F/O Bolesław Sawiak’s Mk Vb Spitfire, BL959 PK-T crashed landed. He was mortally wounded and was taken to the military hospital, Saint Bricin's in Dublin, where he died a few hours later. He was 23 years old and is buried in Formby, Merseyside. On 23 August 1942 F/O Bolesław Sawiak was in aerial combat with a Junkers Ju88 4U+KH from 1 Staffel Aufklarungsgruppen 123 with its crew of Lt Paul Störmer (pilot), Hauptmann Gottfried Berndt (observer), Oberfelwebel Karl Hund (wireless operator) and Unteroffizier Josef Reiser (air gunner). It was shot down following combined action by F/O Sawaik, 504Sqn Sgt Hawkins and Sgt Francis and 152Sqn F/Lt Sizzer and F/Sgt McPherson. The Ju 88 crashed landed near Carriglong, Co. Wexford and all the crew were captured. The Commemoration and Exhibition was organised by Ratoath Community Centre's Exhibition Team led by Community Centre chief executive Leo Cummins. It was based on earlier initial research by the Ratoath Heritage Group and new added research from Michael O'Reilly, Tony Kearns and Anna Krawiec and supported by Polish Air Force historians and joint authors Piotr Sikora and Łukasz Gredys of "Polish Wings over Ireland" published in 2015. Details are available in the ‘Publications’ page above. Both authors conducted extensive research into F/O Boleslaw Sawiak's last flight and the results can be found in the book. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. A memorial to 315 Polish City of Deblin Squadron pilot F/O Bolesław Józef Sawiak was unveiled at a dedication service outside Ratoath Community. Centre, near Dublin, The Republic of Ireland, on Wednesday 23 August, the 75th anniversary of his death. Photo copyright Łukasz Gredys. 315 Polish City of Deblin Squadron pilot F/O Bolesław Józef Sawiak with MkVb Spitfire. Photo courtesy P.Sikora archive. F/O Bolesław Józef Sawiak is buried in Formby, Merseyside. A memorial to 315 Polish City of Deblin Squadron pilot F/O Bolesław Józef Sawiak was unveiled at a dedication service outside Ratoath Community. Centre, near Dublin, The Republic of Ireland, on Wednesday 23 August, the 75th anniversary of his death. Photo copyright Łukasz Gredys. 1/5 16 August Polish Air Force Memorial Committee sponsors floral display. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee has sponsored a floral display at the site of the RAF Bunker and 11 Group Operations Room at Uxbridge, best known for controlling RAF fighter operations during the Battle of Britain. The display is in front of the replica Mk1 Hurricane that commemorates the aircraft P3901 RF-E of 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron. Hurricane P3901 was the Polish Air Force’s most successful fighter aircraft during the war and 303 Sqn’s most successful during the Battle of Britain. It was flown by several 303 Sqn pilots, including Acting Sqn/Ldr Witold Urbanowicz who claimed nine of his 15 Battle of Britain victories in this aircraft. His son, also named Witold Urbanowicz, unveiled the Hurricane memorial on 4 September 2010. P/O Franciszek Kornicki, the last surviving commander of the Polish squadrons in the West, also flew this aircraft after the Battle of Britain in late 1940. The red and white display of geraniums, in the form of the Polish Air Force Chequer, was organised and planted by RAF Bunker volunteer and retired Brent Council Director of Cemetery and Mortuary Services Bob Langford. He was assisted by fellow RAF Bunker volunteer Richard Darby who made and installed the red and white wooden framed boarder. It is expected that the geraniums will be replaced in the winter, possibly with red and white pansies. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. 1/7 23 July Battle of Britain Memorial Trust - Memorial Day The replica of the Wilno Polish Air Force Standard was paraded by Sqn/Ldr James Tenniswood at the annual Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s Memorial Day, Capel-le Ferne, Folkstone on Sunday 9 July. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee by its chairman Richard Kornicki. The Polish Embassy in London was represented by the Polish Consul, Krzystof Grzelczyk and Acting Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché Lt/Col Dorota Kawecka. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. The replica Wilno Polish Air Force Standard was paraded by Sqn/Ldr James Tenniswood. Richard Kornicki CBE DL laid a wreath on behalf of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. The replica Wilno Polish Air Force Standard was paraded by Sqn/Ldr James Tenniswood. 1/2 The Historic Aircraft Collection's MkVb Spitfire BM597 in the colours of 317Sqn at the Duxford Flying Legends air display. Photo © Tom Dolezal / www.fcafa.com The Historic Aircraft Collection's MkVb Spitfire BM597 in the colours of 317Sqn at the Duxford Flying Legends air display. Photo © Tom Dolezal / www.fcafa.com 1/1 22 July Polish Air Force Spitfire at Duxford Airshow. The Historic Aircraft Collection’s MkVb Spitfire BM597, a combat veteran of Polish 315 and 317 Squadrons, took part in the recent Flying Legends airshow at Duxford on 8/9 July. Currently in the colours of 317Sqn, BM597 was first assigned to 315Sqn on 7 May 1942 and later to 317Sqn on 5 September 1942, both at RAF Woodvale, Merseyside. Several Polish pilots flew this aircraft, including W/O Jan Adamiak, Sqn/Ldr Tadeusz Andersz, F/Lt Stanislaw Blok, W/O Aleksander Chudek, Sqn/Ldr Ludwik Martel, Sqn/Ldr Walerian Jasionowski, Sqn/Ldr Franciszek Kornicki, F/Lt Bruno Semmerling, F/O Marek Slonski-Ostoja, F/O Mieczyslaw Widziszewski, F/Lt Ksawery Wyrozemski, F/Lt Wladyslaw Zajac and F/Lt Jerzy Zbrozek. In July 2000 Sqn/Ldr Ludwik Martel and Sqn/Ldr Tadeusz Andersz were reunited with BM597 at Old Hay airfield, Kent. The last surviving Polish Squadron Commander Sqn/Ldr Franciszek Kornicki, also had the opportunity in 2004 at RAF Chailey, East Sussex and sat in the cockpit once again. Their three signatures are on the inside of the cockpit door. In 1967 Spitfire BM597 was taken to Pinewood film studios and used as the master mould for the fibre glass replica Spitfires that featured in the film ‘Battle of Britain’. Click photo to enlarge. 30 June Northolt Commemoration Ceremony The annual and 57th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during World War II will be held at the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt on Saturday 2 September. The ceremony will be conducted in both English and Polish and everyone is welcome. A Flyer is available by clicking on the following icon. Following the Ceremony guests will transfer to RAF Northolt for a reception and buffet luncheon in the Station’s Sword and Wheel Club. An application form for the lunch is available by clicking the icon. Please note applications should be received by 30 July. Due to the high demand for places it cannot be guaranteed that all applications will be successful and additional guest numbers may have to be limited. If the event is over-subscribed cheques will be returned. 28 June Armed Forces Day The annual Armed Forces Day was celebrated and commemorated throughout the UK on Saturday 24 June, including a wreath laying ceremony at the Royal Air Force Commonwealth and Allied Air Forces Monument in Plymouth, Devon. Wreath laying was led by RAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee was represented by Michael Parrott from the 307 Squadron Project. Lt/Col Dorota Kawecka, Acting Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché for the Republic of Poland represented the Polish Embassy in London. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. RAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier Lt/Col Dorota Kawecka, Acting Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché for the Republic of Poland represented the Polish Embassy in London. The Royal Air Force Commonwealth and Allied Air Forces Monument in Plymouth, Devon. RAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier 1/6 8 June Polish and Czech fighter pilots exhibition. The Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in Sussex is running an exhibition on the Polish and Czech Fighter Pilots in the Second World War, particularly focusing on the pilots and squadrons that fought from the Sussex airfields. The exhibition is open each day from 22 July until 3 September (except 6 August - Family Day) between 11.00 and 16.00. It will include stories of the heroism of Polish and Czech pilots, models of their aircraft, medals of some of the aces, art work and a film of their time in Britain, For more information click on the following link. Exhibition 26 May Launch of Educational Programme For Your Freedom and Ours C.I.C. Educational Programme has been launched in Northern Ireland focusing on providing shared history and accredited programmes between Poland and Northern Ireland. The campaign is available for youth and adult groups across Northern Ireland, including schools, youth programmes, community groups and residents' associations. More information is available by clicking this link. Details can also found at these Twitter and Facebook links. Alternatively contact Project Coordinator Maciek Bator via email: maciek@foryourfreedomandours.com FYFO Twitter Facebook 9 May RAF Northolt completes pedal to Poland The team of cyclists from RAF Northolt has completed a gruelling 807 mile, 10-day journey from RAF Northolt to Poznan Air Base in Poland. The ride was part of the unit’s rigorous training and development programme, designed to develop the physical, mental and military skills of the personnel taking part. With the team completing 53 hours and 34 minutes in the saddle, and climbing over 19,500 feet, it was an extremely arduous event requiring everyone to dig deep, both physically and mentally. The most brutal day covered 126 miles with an ascent of 5,900 feet. The Project Officer, Squadron Leader Neill Gowans explains: “This was the toughest physical and mental challenge I have faced in my career, and I say that as a former Marine. Everyone in the team has learned a great deal about how to push past their limits both as individuals and as a team. We also stopped on the way to develop our military knowledge by stopping along the route in places like Arnhem and Berlin to learn lessons about the historic air operations that took place there. But the reception we received from the Polish Air Force in particular was amazing and it was an honour to celebrate the shared links between our nations and Armed Services. From the cyclists to our superb logistics team we have learned and experienced so much that we can use in our day-to-day jobs and on operations. That we were able to raise so much money for the RAF Benevolent Fund was a superb bonus.” In addition to the training value, the ride has been a great vehicle to celebrate and cement further the close ties between RAF Northolt, Polish veterans and the Polish Air Force whilst raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, an independent charity that provides assistance to RAF personnel, veterans and their families when they are in need. So far over £7,500 and counting has been raised for the charity. Donations can be made on the Virgin Money Giving website or directly at this link Pedal2Poland The Pedal to Poland team cross the border into Poland. Paying respects in Poznan cemetery with Polish Armed Services. RAF Northolt Station Commander Group Captain David Manning meeting the Station Commander of Poznan Air Base The Pedal to Poland team cross the border into Poland. 1/4 27 April Polish Air Force Museum Northolt tour dates RAF Northolt, which hosts the only Museum dedicated to the Polish Air Force in Britain, has advised dates for organised tours to the Museum. These are on Saturdays as follows: 27 May, 5 August, 30 September and 2 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 after checking in 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 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 500m from the White House Gate security office. Visits to the museum might also be possible on other dates in special circumstances, subject to staff availability and operational requirements. There are no charges for visiting the Museum. However, although the 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 Northolt and the nearby Northwood Cemetery, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1HR, which is just a 5 mile, 20 minute drive from the Northolt Memorial. The Orchard, Ruislip, HA4 7DR, - now a Beefeater restaurant - is also on route to the cemetery. For information on the Museum and the nearby Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge, please click the ‘Museum’ page above. 20 March RAF Northolt to pedal to Poland A team of cyclists from RAF Northolt will participate in a fund raising 750 mile ‘Pedal to Poland’ bike ride from the Polish War Memorial to the Poznan Airbase in Poland, with all proceeds going to the RAF Benevolent fund. Leaving on 23 April, the ride will also form part of the unit’s rigorous training and development programme and provide an opportunity to celebrate and cement further the close ties between RAF Northolt, Hillingdon, the local Polish community and the Polish Air Force. A Polish military cycling team will join the RAF Northolt cyclists at the German border and ride the final leg to arrive at the Poznan Air base on 3 May, Polish Constitution Day, a national holiday. The group, led by RAF Northolt Station Commander, Group Captain David Manning, also an experienced triathlete, will stop off at places of military significance on route. He said: "The route has been chosen so that we will have the opportunity to reflect and remember those who fought in both World Wars while building, further, the strong links between RAF Northolt, the Polish Air Force and our local Polish communities. We are also taking the opportunity to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund who allocated charitable support to Northolt worth over £80,000 over the last two years to bolster the welfare support to my personnel. I must thank Councillor Ray Puddifoot and his team at Hillingdon Council for their support of this activity and their overall continued support of RAF Northolt." Regular updates will be available on Twitter (@RAFNortholt) and Facebook (rafnortholtoff) and local news outlets, such as GetWestLondon. Donations can be made on the Virgin Money Giving website http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/pedal2poland or directly at this link. The full press release from RAF Northolt can be viewed by clicking the icon. Centre, RAF Northolt Station Commander Gp/Cpt David Manning with the pedal to Poland team. Pedal2Poland 10 March Short films The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recently produced a series of short films for the British Embassy in Poland. They portray the stories of Polish people and people of Polish heritage in the UK and two have a Polish Air Force interest. One features Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman, Richard Kornicki and RAF Northolt Station Commander Gp/Cpt David Manning, and can be viewed by clicking this link. The other features former 300 Sqn air gunner, Jan Black-Stangryciuk and can be viewed by clicking this link. Film Film 10 January Battle of Britain Memorial Flight recognises Polish pilot for 2017 season The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has confirmed for the 2017 season that its Mk XVI Spitfire, TE311, will be painted to represent the personal Mk XVI Spitfire, TD240, of Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz VM KW DSO DFC. Polish Air Force historians Wojtek Matusiak and Piotr Sikora and artist Robert Grudzień have provided the BBMF with photographs and artwork to ensure accuracy of the painting, which will be funded by Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association. The BBMF’s Mk XVI Spitfire, TE311, is a low back, bubble-canopy version with clipped wingtips and built at Castle Bromwich just after the war. Following service in various units it was grounded in the mid 1950s and transferred to RAF Tangmere as the gate guardian for 12 years. It was subsequently used in ground sequences for the film ‘Battle of Britain’. Afterwards it was allocated to the RAF Exhibition Flight and used at air shows for the next 30 years as a static exhibit. The Spitfire was subsequently delivered to the BBMF’s home base, RAF Coningsby, in January 2000. After a meticulous re-build to flying condition, lasting 11 years, TE311 was returned to an immaculate and extremely authentic standard. It took to the air again, for the first time in 58 years, on 19th October 2012. The Mk XVI Spitfire, TD240, was delivered to the 131 (Polish) Wing in mid April 1945 and assigned to Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz, who was the Officer Commanding the Wing from 12th July 1944. The individual letter ‘G’ for Gabszewicz, was applied, as well as the ‘Group Captain’ insignia under the cockpit and the code letters ‘SZ’ for 316 Sqn, which Gabszewicz commanded from November 1941 until June 1942. Although 316 Sqn was not part of the 131 (Polish) Wing, all of Gabszewicz's personal aircraft had the ‘SZ’ code letters, as a sign of affection for his former unit. Also a ‘boxing dog’ emblem, and much bigger than on his previous Spitfire, was painted on the aircraft’s nose. The emblem was first introduced on Gabszewicz’s Mk IX Spitfire EN526 in 1943 and subsequently applied to all his personal aircraft. However, there are photographs taken around 1941 showing the emblem on his Mae West life jacket. The artist was Sgt Wojciech Milewski, who was also a talented boxer. At the time Gabszewicz received TD240 the 131 (Polish) Wing was stationed at Varrelbusch (B.113) airfield in occupied Germany. He flew six operational sorties in TD240, including four on dive bombing of enemy positions. When Gabszewicz left his command of 131 (Polish) Wing on 31st May 1945, and went to the head quarters of 84 Group, TD240 was taken over by Sq/Ldr Bolesław Kaczmarek, commander of 302 Sqn. Although the ‘SZ’ code letters were changed to ‘WX’ and individual code letter ‘G’ to ‘V’, the 302 Sqn badge replaced the ‘Group Captain’ insignia and was applied alongside the women's name ‘Janetka’. Gabszewicz's personal boxing dog emblem remained. When the 302 Sqn code letters were changed to ‘QH’ in August 1945, TD240 still carried the letter ‘V’. On 10th October 1945 W/O Kazimierz Chomacki crash landed TD240 and was not repaired. Gp/Cpt Aleksander Gabszewicz was decorated with the Gold and Silver Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari, Polish Cross of Valour and three Bars, DSO and Bar, DFC and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. He died on 10th October 1983 and his ashes were subsequently dispersed over Warsaw and Dęblin in 1992. Thanks to Piotr Sikora and Wojtek Matusiak for providing the historical background information and photo. The artwork of the Mk XVI Spitfire TD240, produced for the BBMF, is copyright and courtesy of Robert Grudzień.

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

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