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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

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

Photos The launch of the Plumetot Memorial Campaign was 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 Deputy Mayor of the Commune of Plumetot, Mme Marie. The event covered 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 was a presentation by Alexander Smaga, the architect of the Memorial. 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 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. Plumetot Memorial Campaign launch

The Polish Air Force Memorial The Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip, in the London Borough of Hillingdon, was unveiled in 1948 to honour and commemorate the Polish airmen killed during the Second World War while under British Command. The simple design of the Memorial depicts the Polish Air Force emblem of a large bronze eagle, with its wings spread wide, ready to take off from the top of a tall Portland stone Obelisk. The fourteen wartime Polish Air Force squadrons, and the battles in which they took part, are embossed in bronze letters on the front face. The base of the column is supported either side by two large stone plinths. One is inscribed: TO THE MEMORY OF FALLEN POLISH AIRMEN and the other POLEGŁYM LOTNIKOM POLSKIM. The rear of these blocks has the inscription: I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT. I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. -II TIM.IV.7- Also to the rear is a sunken semi-circular walkway flanked by two walls of granite. These are engraved with the names of 1877* Polish airmen lost while under British Command, together with the insignias of the individual Polish Air Force wartime squadrons. There is also an inscription of the names of the 23 Polish airmen lost during the French campaign of 1940. The Memorial is fronted by a shallow ornamental pond surrounded by a paved walkway and adjacent grassed area and flower beds within a gated iron boundary fence. The Memorial is close to the southeast perimeter corner of RAF Northolt, the home of seven Polish fighter squadrons at different times during the war, including the 1st Polish Wing. The main entrance, through a cast iron gate on stone posts, is on the corner of the A4180 West End Road at the junction with the A40 Western Avenue roundabout. There is provision for restricted free parking on the adjacent access road. The nearest Underground and Mainline railway station is South Ruislip, a distance of approximately 1,200 yards and about a 14 minute walk. This prominent local heritage landmark has its own “Polish Air Force Memorial” sign beside the A40 trunk road in and out of London and regularly features in traffic reports on the radio. The London Borough of Hillingdon has been the owner and custodian of the Memorial since 1965 and keeps it in pristine condition with regular cleaning and maintenance. In 2015, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the London Borough of Hillingdon, in partnership with the Polish Embassy in London, developed and created the Polish Air Force Memorial Remembrance Garden on an area of land on the west side of the Memorial boundary. This ornamental garden, with bench seating, includes trees, native hedges and wildflower meadows and a natural pond, all creating a diverse habitat for many different species of wildlife. The garden was officially opened on 5 September 2015 by the Leader of the London Borough of Hillingdon Raymond Puddifoot MBE and the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Witold Sobków . The Memorial Garden, which has a national Green Flag Award, is regularly maintained by the Council’s own in-house maintenance team. *The official statistics for Polish airmen lost under British command reveal 1234 killed in action, 104 missing in action, now assumed killed in action, 394 killed training in operational units and 199 killed training in non-operational units, making a combined overall total of 1931.

Archiwum 2019 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014

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.

2015 15 November For Your Freedom and Ours: Exeter's Polish 307 Squadron On Sunday 15th November, the Polish flag was raised for the fourth time above Exeter Guildhall 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, which was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland Witold Sobków, started with a one-minute’s silence in solidarity with the people of Paris. This was followed by the Lord Mayor of Exeter Chaplain, Rev. Paul Morrell blessing the Polish Flag. The Brass and Symphony Orchestras at Exeter University played the Polish national anthem and the flag was raised over the Guildhall. The Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Lesley Robson in her speech remembered the war contributions of 307 Sqn. The Polish Ambassador thanked Exeter City Council for remembering the Lwów Eagle Owls and noted the contribution of Polish airmen during the Second World War in Great Britain. Outside the Guildhall, alongside representatives of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, 13 Squadron Air Training Corps, 469 Squadron Air Training Corps and their Standards, were members of Polish associations wearing Polish Air Force historical uniforms. These included Marek Wierzbicki and Beata Sobota (Polski Klub Miłośników Historii Orzeł Biały), Robert Gretzyngier, Mark Stefanicki and others. In addition to the Polish Ambassador, other dignitaries, relatives of 307 Sqn and guests included The Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon, Lady Devon, the Polish Defence Attaché Piotr Pacek, Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Richard Kornicki, Chairman of the Polish Airmen’s Association Artur Bildziuk, and Mark Łazarowicz, former MP from Edinburgh and son of 307 Sqn wireless operator Jerzy Łazarowicz. The event was organised by the 307 Sqn Project in cooperation with Exeter City Council. The 307 Sqn Project is a British-Polish organisation established to promote and research the role of 307 Sqn. Project founder Michael Parrott and Marcin Piórkowski live in Exeter and Andrzej Michalski, grandson of 307 Sqn navigator Leon Michalski, lives in Portsmouth. Since last year they have organised six exhibitions, given several lectures and represented 307 Sqn at many events, such as the Polish Air Force Memorial Ceremony at Northolt to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The 307 Sqn Project day in Exeter was supported by additional events, including Artur Bildziuk's lecture ‘307 – The Guardians of Exeter' and a magnificent Choral Evensong in the memory of 307 Sqn at Exeter Cathedral, led by the Dean of the Cathedral Jonathan Draper. Over 1100 guests visited the exhibition from Friday to Sunday. In addition to display boards there were photos and squadron memorabilia on show, video interviews with veterans and other video clips. There was also a kids' corner with colouring books, pilots’ hats, and the opportunity to take photos. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image and then the arrows. All photos are courtesy of the 307 Squadron Project. For a short video click the link. For more information click the link. 307 Project video Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Lesley Robson, The Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon - flag raising ceremony- at Exeter Guildhall. Flag raising ceremony at Exeter Guildhall. Kids' corner Exeter Guildhall. Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Lesley Robson, The Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon - flag raising ceremony- at Exeter Guildhall. 1/20 25 October All Souls' Commemoration Newark Cemetery A large congregation gathered on the last Sunday in October at Newark Cemetery for the annual All Souls' Commemoration service in remembrance of the Polish Airmen who gave their lives during the Second World War - several hundred of whom are buried in the cemetery - and of the three Presidents of the Polish Government in Exile who are also buried there. The service was organised for the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee by Simon Elmer. Among those attending were the Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, Mr Geoffrey Bond, and the Consul of the Republic of Poland, Mr Łukasz Lutostanski. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image and then the arrows. All photos are Crown copyright RAF Cranwell. 1/6 26 September 300 Squadron and 1667 HCU Service of Remembrance and dedication of two stone plaques. Faldingworth village All Saints Church was full for the Memorial service of Remembrance for 300 Polish Squadron and 1667 Heavy Conversion Unit. Dignitaries, including the Polish Consul General from Manchester Lukasz Lutostanski, veterans and relatives of those who served at Faldingworth attended the service. This was preceded by an extensive display of memorabilia in the village Memorial Hall and a flypast of a Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The BBMF’s Dakota greeted the congregation on leaving the Church with another flypast. The congregation reconvened at the nearby airfield for the Service and Act of Remembrance and Dedication at the Memorial of two stone plaques. These commemorated the 37 aircraft lost from Faldingworth and the 248 lives lost in those aircraft. A roll call of the aircraft and lives lost was accompanied by a cross for each aircraft placed at the Memorial. This was followed by the Last Post and two minute’s silence ended by Reveille. Dignitaries, veterans and descendants of those that flew from Faldingworth laid wreaths on the Memorial and the ceremony ended with the British and Polish national anthems. Many then retired to Faldingworth school hall for a reception and refreshments, while being entertained with songs by school children, who also had decorated the hall with photos and stories relevant to the occasion. John Blanks performed the folk song For Those Who Will Not Know Me, dedicated to the memory of 300 Squadron. The song can be heard on YouTube via the Faldingworth Memorial link. Faldingworth resident Colin Mitchell-Smith, with the support of his wife Susan and Kevin Troop and a dedicated team of helpers, has been keeping the memory of the Poles who served at Faldingworth alive. For the past 20 years Colin has created and organised the Stained Glass window, Gates and Path of Friendship at the Church and the building of the Memorial on the airfield, as well as arranging the Memorial Services. During the reception Colin reluctantly announced that he would now be standing down in the hope that others could take a lead and carry the Memorial services forward. Several other speakers congratulated Colin and Susan for their longstanding dedication and support and vowed to investigate alternatives for the future. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. 1/18 20 September Polish Air Force display at Battle of Britain reception. The replica Polish Air Force Wilno Standard, together with a small selection of PAF artefacts, formed part of a display at the reception after the Thanksgiving Service for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in Westminster Abbey. The reception and display, for invited guests, was held in Church House, Dean’s Yard adjacent to the Abbey. A member of the PAFMC was on hand to explain to guests the significance of the Wilno Standard and artefacts, the role of the PAF during the Battle of Britain and to answer any questions. The display generated a lot of interest from the steady flow of guests, which included the UK Defence Secretary The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, who had been previously briefed by the Polish Ambassador about the exploits of 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron during the Battle. The replica Wilno Standard and artefacts form part of the PAF museum and exhibition at RAF Northolt. The items selected for the Westminster display included a Technical Dictionary, Pilot’s Wings, Officer’s Cap, 316 Squadron Scarf, Boot Wings and part of an engine from the Messerschmitt Bf110 shot down by 303 Sqn pilot F/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz on 30th August 1940. This was 303 Sqn's first victory since starting operational flying in the middle of August. In the following six weeks 303 Sqn became the most successful fighter unit in the Battle of Britain and was credited with 126 victories for the loss of eight of its pilots; six in actual combat. The PAF display was accompanied by an exhibit of interesting artefacts of Air Vice Marshal Stanley Flamank Vincent CB, DFC, AFC, DL, who was RAF Northolt Station Commander during the Battle of Britain. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. 19 September Act of Remembrance, Sykes Green, Langden Brook. This commemoration was held in the beautiful Trough of Bowland in Lancashire in perfect sunshine, and was attended by The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Conservative MP Nigel Evans and the Polish Vice Consul from Manchester. Other civic and military dignitaries were in attendance, as were members of the Polish community from Preston who paraded the banner of the now disbanded branch of the SPK (Polish Ex-Combatants Association). This day was the culmination of the “We Shall Remember Them” project, undertaken by the Clitheroe Youth Forum, a group of children under the leadership of Mel Diack MBE. The aim of this work has been to research the aircraft accidents, which took place in the area during WW2 and the Berlin Airlift in 1949. Aircrew from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and Poland were among the 25 casualties whose names are listed on a memorial stone, which was unveiled during the ceremony. Relatives of some of the airmen had travelled from Australia, New Zealand and America in order to pay their respects. In a simple but moving ceremony, these family members were able to lay flowers and share their recollections of their loved ones with those present. The relatives were then presented with the appropriate national flag by members of the armed forces with whom their family members had been serving; this was a very poignant and emotional moment for all concerned. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee by Jim Seymour who made a short speech (see below). He paid tribute to the contribution of the Polish Air Force during the war and made reference to his personal connection with the Polish Forces. His late father escaped from Poland in 1940 and fought at Monte Cassino under the command of General Anders. The ceremony concluded with the blessing of the Memorial Books, which contain details of the 25 aircrew. This was followed by the Act of Remembrance and a minute’s silence. The four Polish aircrew listed are: Sgt T Nawrocki F/O W Pucek Sgt P Struniewski Sgt R Zywicki The day was extremely well organised, the children and volunteers had done so much to ensure that the sacrifice of the airmen will not be forgotten, and more importantly they will remember their involvement in the project and carry remembrance on to the next generation, thus making sure that “We Shall Remember Them”. Transcript of speech On behalf of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, I am honoured to have been invited to participate in this important commemoration here today. My involvement in the Committee stems from a lifelong interest in the exploits of the Polish airmen fighting alongside the RAF in World War 2, and in particular in the Battle of Britain. On a personal connection, my late father was one of the many Poles who escaped from their homeland in the early days of the Second World War in order to continue to fight alongside the allies. My father made his way through Palestine and North Africa to eventually join the Polish Army under General Anders, taking part in the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. In common with many of his countrymen, at the end of hostilities he made England his adopted home and I know he would have loved to have been here with us today. I wish to pay tribute to the Youth Forum volunteers and to Mel Diack for the work they have undertaken in the “We Shall Remember Them” project, and whose efforts we celebrate. I was able to attend a similar commemoration at the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt recently and had the privilege of meeting some Polish veterans, none of whom wanted thanks or praise, but as one gentleman said “We simply want to be remembered……” The spirit shown by the young people and volunteers who have made this project a reality will ensure that the airmen of Poland and other allied nations we remember here today will surely never be forgotten. I can think of no finer sentiment than to echo the words which are on the Polish Air Force Memorial, and which provide a fitting epitaph for all of the airmen we commemorate on this occasion. I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith POLISH EMBASSY PRESS RELEASE 11 SEPT Polish 303 Squadron Hurricane unearthed 75 years after Battle of Britain crash The historic dig near Saddlescombe Farm in West Sussex was carried out by a team of archaeologists and historians supported by Polish and British veterans of foreign missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The remains of No. 303 Polish Squadron’s Hurricane were uncovered exactly 75 years after the airplane’s crash on 9th September 1940. Piloted by Sgt Kazimierz Wünsche, Hurricane RF-E 3700 was shot down during the Battle of Britain following air combat with the Luftwaffe over Beachy Head. Sgt Wünsche, bailed out of his burning aircraft and was admitted to hospital after suffering serious injuries. The operation, led by MoD archaeologist Richard Osgood, ended with the successful extraction of the aircraft's remains, including its reduction gear and propeller hub. Thanks to the efforts of the Polish Embassy and the Polish MoD, foreign missions veterans from Poland were able to join their British brothers-in-arms in this unique undertaking. The aircraft’s remains will go on show at the Polish Museum in RAF Northolt, were the 303 Squadron was stationed during the Battle of Britain.. The dig took place in the presence of Sgt Wünsche's daughter Grazyna and granddaughter Joanna. Grazyna Gasiorowska commented: To be able to see and touch parts of a plane that has been hidden in the ground for the last 75 years is something special. But also to know that the pilot, my father Sgt Kazimierz Wünsche, was the last person to see it intact before he was shot down, is incredibly personal for my whole family. We are so grateful to the whole dig team. Thanks to Historic Aircraft Collection Ltd., an historic Hurricane in Sgt Wünsche,’s markings RF-E P3700 made a flypast over the dig site. The Polish Embassy co-financed the repainting of the Historic Aircraft Collection’s Hurricane in the legendary 303 Squadron’s paint scheme as part of the #BoBPoles project marking the Polish contribution to the Battle of Britain. Joanna Gasiorowska commented: The flypast by a similar Hurricane bearing my grandfather's designation was an incredibly emotional experience for us. Happening 75 years to the day that he had to bail out of his own aircraft, it was a wonderful tribute to him, the 303 squadron and all the pilots and crew that served in the Battle of Britain. We hope that the work that was done on the dig and the items that were recovered will help future generations to remember the sacrifices that brave young men and women made to defend Britain. Together with an historic Spitfire flying originally in 315 and 317 Polish Squadrons, Hurricane RF-E P3700 is on permanent display in Hangar 3 at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, and takes part in various air shows happening throughout the summer of 2015, including The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show scheduled for 19-20 September at IWM Duxford. 145 Polish fighter ‪‎pilots served in the Battle of Britain in the 302 and 303 Polish squadrons as well as in British units. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron was the highest-scoring Allied unit of the Battle. Out of the overall number of fighter pilots from Allied countries, Poles constituted the second largest contingent after the ‪‎British. By the end of the war, almost 20,000 Polish airmen and airwomen were serving in 16 squadrons of the Polish Air Force in ‪‎Britain. *** A video from the dig has been made available by Digging Diaries team under this link. Digging Diaries is edited by 360 Production, makers of the 'Digging for Britain' television programme. Photos from the dig with captions and attributions are attached by clicking the slideshow below. More on the #BoBPoles project in the video featuring the Historic Aircraft Collection’s Hurricane and Spitfire, as well as on the Polish Embassy’s website. Follow #BoBPoles on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube profiles until the end of October. Konrad Jagodziński Senior Public Relations Specialist Media and Public Diplomacy Embassy of the Republic of Poland 47 Portland Place London W1B 1JH Tel: +44 20 7291 3539, Mob: +44 750 830 4782 www.london.mfa.gov.pl @PolishEmbassyUK: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram 5 September Northolt Commemoration Ceremony The London Borough of Hillingdon, in partnership with the Polish Embassy, has generously created the new Memorial Garden adjacent to the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt. The new Garden was officially opened on Saturday 5th September. The event immediately preceded the annual and 55th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen at the Memorial and commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in which Polish pilots contributed such a critical role. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki, in his introductory speech to the estimated 500 people attending the Ceremony of Homage, outlined the crucial part that Polish pilots, ground crew and other branches played during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940. This was followed by the Polish Roll-Call of the fallen represented by the Dęblin Officer Cadets, Prayers, the Last Post and a minute’s silence ended by Reveille. Invited dignitaries, representing various organisations and associations laid wreaths on the Memorial followed by veterans or descendants of the Polish Squadrons and Units commemorated on the Memorial. The hour long ceremony ended with the Polish and UK national anthems and a final flypast of a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Just over 300 people then moved to RAF Northolt for a reception and buffet in the Officers’ Mess, while being entertained by Polish dancers. The Station Commander, Group Captain David Manning and the Acting Polish Defence Attacheé, Lt Col Piotr Pacek 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. Next year's ceremony will take place on Saturday 3rd September, 2016 at 12.00. 1 September 303 Squadron Feast Day Some descendents of 303 Squadron decided to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1st September, the Squadron’s Feast Day (Święto) “in perpetuity”. A resolution had been made by the officers, warrant officers and other ranks on Christmas Eve 1940 that honour would be paid to those of the Squadron, who in the fight for Poland's freedom had fallen on English soil, by laying flowers on their graves and throwing flowers into the Channel on 1st September. The two sons of Władysław Burdziejow, one of 303 Sqn's ground crew, laid red and white carnations on the 303 Sqn graves at Northwood cemetery on 1st September. One of the daughters of 303 Sqn’s British Commander Ronald Kellett, also threw red and white flowers into the Channel and read out the 303 Sqn song and verses from ‘At the going down of the sun’. Photographs can be viewed by clicking the icon. 16 July Commemoration Mass A Commemoration Mass for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was recently held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Farm Street, London, W1K 3AH. Although it was not a specific Polish Air Force event the replica Wilno Standard of the Polish Air Force was paraded. POLISH EMBASSY PRESS RELEASE 19 JUNE Launch of #BoBPoles social media campaign This Saturday, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London is launching the online component of the #BoBPoles campaign, commemorating the contribution of Polish airmen to the Battle of Britain. 20th June is the 75th anniversary of the evacuation of Polish airmen from France to Britain. On this day, the Embassy will publish the first of a series of facts about Poles in the Battle of Britain. New facts accompanied by unique archive photographs will appear on Twitter every morning, and on Facebook every Saturday evening, until the anniversary of the Battle’s conclusion on 31st October. Based on a broad chronology of the battle, the campaign will be a creative account of the history of Poles in the RAF – their significance, successes, and the challenges they faced – though the campaign will begin with the history of Polish pilots in the early days of the war, and describe their journey from Poland to Britain. A new topic will be introduced each week, ranging from the stories of individual pilots, to more general facts about their role in the Battle of Britain, altogether forming a comprehensive picture of the Polish contingent in this crucial event of World War II. Follow #BoBPoles in the social media to learn more about Poles in the Battle of Britain. More information on the campaign can be viewed on the Embassy’s website at this link. POLISH AIR FORCE MEMORIAL COMMITTEE PRESS RELEASE 12 JUNE Polish 303 Squadron Hurricane returns to Northolt after 75 years Photo courtesy of Jacek Mainka To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London has co-financed, with the Historic Aircraft Collection, the repainting of the HAC’s Hawker Hurricane XIIa in the colours 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron carried during the conflict. The aircraft, which is based at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, will carry the Royal Air Force assigned 303 Sqn code RF and individual aircraft letter E. Hurricane RF-E will make its début at the RAF Northolt Open Day on 13th June. This will be the first time in 75 years that a Hurricane with the insignia of 303 Kościuszko Polish Fighter Squadron – the most successful Squadron in the Battle of Britain - has flown into RAF Northolt where the Squadron was based in 1940. At Northolt Hurricane RF-E will be parked alongside the HAC’s Mk.Vb Spitfire, JH-C serial number BM597 in the colour of 317 Polish City of Wilno Squadron. This is the actual aircraft that retired Sqn/Ldr Franciszek Kornicki, who later commanded 317 Sqn, last flew in 1942. Sqn/Ldr Kornicki, who also flew an RF-E registered 303 Sqn Hurricane in November 1940, will be present at the display with other PAF veterans. The HAC will continue to display its Hurricane as RF-E at least until the end of this year at air shows around the UK. The Ambassador for the Republic of Poland, Witold Sobków said: “The contribution made by 145 Polish fighter pilots to the Battle of Britain, who fought in 302 and 303 Polish Sqns, as well as in British units is a source of immense pride for Poland and the Polish community in the UK. Out of the overall number of fighter pilots from Allied countries they constituted the largest contingent after the British. We are honoured that our project can help commemorate their sacrifice ‘for your freedom and ours’. On the 15th September 1940, now recognized as Battle of Britain Day, 20% of the pilots in combat were Polish. The Commander-in-Chief of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding, later said, ‘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.’” 303 Sqn, serving in 11 Group of Fighter Command and flying Hurricanes from RAF Northolt, became the most successful fighter unit during the Battle of Britain. Operational for only six out of the sixteen weeks of the official Battle period, 303 Sqn nonetheless was credited with 126 confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed for the loss of eight of its pilots; six of these in actual combat. The Czechoslovak pilot Sgt Josef František, flying with 303 Sqn, was the most successful pilot in the Battle, credited with 17 aircraft destroyed and one probably destroyed. The most successful Polish fighter pilot during the Battle was F/O Witold Urbanowicz with 15 aircraft destroyed, 14 of these were with 303 Sqn and nine in Hurricane RF-E serial number P3901. Ends For further information please contact: PAFMC Chairman Richard Kornicki richardkornicki@gmail.com 0208 991 0321 Notes to editors: 1: There were three separate Hurricanes that carried the 303 Sqn insignia RF-E during the Battle of Britain. The first RF-E was serial number P3700 and on 6th September P/O Miroslaw Ferić claimed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 destroyed over Sevenoaks, Kent. On the 9th September P3700 was shot down by a Bf 109 over Beachy Head and crashed at Saddlescombe Farm, Poynings, West Sussex. F/Sgt Kazimierz Wunsche bailed out, wounded. Hurricane P3700 was replaced on 12th September by a second RF-E, serial number P3577. On 15th September P/O Jan Zumbach claimed a Bf 109 destroyed between London and Hastings. Later the same day RF-E was shot down by a Bf 109 over the Thames Estuary and its pilot Sgt Michał Brzezowski was killed. The third RF-E, serial number P3901, arrived on 18th September. It was the usual aircraft of F/O and acting Sqn/Ldr Witold Urbanowicz. On 26th September F/O Witold Urbanowicz claimed a Heinkel He111 destroyed over Portsmouth. On the 27th September Sqn/Ldr Witold Urbanowicz claimed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and a Bf 109 destroyed over Horsham and two Junkers Ju 88s between London and Hastings. On 30th September Sqn/Ldr Witold Urbanowicz claimed two Bf 109s and a Dornier Do 17 destroyed over the English Channel and a Bf 109 destroyed over Brooklands, Surrey. On 5th October Sgt Stanislaw Karubin claimed a Bf 109 destroyed over Rochester, Kent. On 11th October 303 Sqn was rested and moved from RAF Northolt to RAF Leconfield. Hurricane RF-E, serial number P3901, was subsequently flown by P/O Franciszek Kornicki on four occasions. 2. The Historic Aircraft Collection was formed by Guy Black and Angus Spencer-Nairn to restore and operate a collection of piston engined military aircraft. The HAC currently operate a Spitfire Mk.Vb (G-MKVB), Hawker Hurricane XIIa (G-HURI), Hawker Nimrod II (G-BURZ) and Hawker Fury (G-CBZP). The HAC estimates that over 1 million members of the public watch their aircraft at displays each year. www.historicaircraftcollection.ltd.uk/ 3: Following the closure of the Polish Air Force Association the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee was formed in 2010 with the aim of maintaining the memory of the Polish Air Force in the West, some 2,000 of whom gave their lives 'For Your Freedom and Ours' during the Second World War. The Committee was set up with the support of the Commander in Chief of the Polish Air Force and of the Chief of the Air Staff for the Royal Air Force. They are represented as ex-officio Co-Presidents by the Defence Attaché of the Polish Embassy and by the Station Commander, RAF Northolt. Every year in September a Commemoration ceremony takes place at the Polish Air Force Memorial in Ruislip, West London; this year the ceremony will be at 12.00 on Saturday 5th September. www.polishairforcememorialcommittee.org 4: The 75th anniversary of the Polish contribution to the Battle of Britain will be marked online with the #BoBPoles and #BoB75 hashtags by the Polish Embassy from 10th June. 5: A video summary of the event, featuring interviews with veterans and Polish Ambassador Witold Sobków will be published on the Polish Embassy UK YouTube Channel on Wednesday 17th June. 17 February Polish Air Force Memorial Committee - Vacancies The PAFMC was set up in 2010 with the approval of the then Chief of the Air Staff and his counterpart in Warsaw, to provide a continuing focus for the representation and commemoration of the Polish Air Force during the war. At present there are several vacancies on the Committee and we would like to hear from people who might be interested in taking up a role. The Committee meets four times a year at RAF Northolt during working hours, with work in the meantime being conducted by e-mail. Business is conducted in English. Expressions of interest would be particularly welcome from descendants of members of the PAF, or those with a personal connection of some nature, but we would like to hear from anyone whose heart is in the subject. For further details, or to discuss the possibility of taking part, please use the Contact tab above. 1 February A Thanksgiving Service for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be held in Westminster Abbey on Sunday 20th September. Anyone wishing to attend is invited to apply for tickets. Full details are available on the Events section of the website. 1/11 1/4 video Project 1._Walking_To_Dig_Site_©_Harvey_Mills_Photography.jpg 2._A_Polish_Veteran_Helps_To_Excavate_An_E_ngine_Piston_©_Harvey_Mills_Photograp 15. Sgt Kazimierz Wunsche (C) P olish Embassy UK #BoBPoles.jpg 1._Walking_To_Dig_Site_©_Harvey_Mills_Photography.jpg 1/15 Programme Speech 2015 Speech 2014 Commendations 1/12 Embassy

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

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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

Air Bridge Commemoration Service in remembrance of the casualties of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising 28 September 2025 British Commonwealth and Polish War Graves Cemetery, London Road, Newark, Notts. Guests and Standard Bearers assemble at Cemetery Gates 13.45. Procession to the Air Bridge Memorial 14.00. Remembrance Ceremony 14.15.