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A new Polish Air Force Exhibition 1/3 3 March A new Polish Air Force Exhibition A new permanent exhibition on the Polish Air Force has been created at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge. This is the result of collaboration between the London Borough of Hillingdon and the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, which has loaned the items on display from its growing collection of memorabilia. The exhibition at the Bunker will provide much greater awareness of the Polish Air Force story and to a far wider public than is possible with the restricted access to our displays at RAF Northolt, where the remainder of our material will continue to be displayed. The project has had the full support of the Polish Embassy and the Committee would also like to put on record our thanks to the London Borough of Hillingdon for their generosity in meeting the costs of the new display area at the Bunker. The following link provides a foretaste of the exhibition http://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/polish-air-force. Some initial photos of the exhibition are available by double clicking the image then the arrows. All photos are the copyright of Hillingdon Council. Previous Article Next Article

6862c057-caaa-49a8-adb2-76be363b7929 Annual Commemoration of Homage for Fallen Polish Airmen The ceremony, organised by the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, was hosted by chairman Krzysztof de Berg. Wreaths were laid by dignitaries and descendants of the Polish squadrons and units commemorated on the Polish Air Force Memorial. A wreath was jointly laid by the Ambassador for the Republic of Poland Piotr Wilczek and the Defence Attaché Brigadier General Michał Sprengel. The Duxford based Suffolk Spitfire RW382, now part of the Polish Heritage Flight with a commemorative 302 Polish Squadron ‘Operation Overlord’ D-Day colour scheme, flew in and parked close to the Officers’ Mess for close inspection by the Cadets. The ceremony, organised by the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, was hosted by chairman Krzysztof de Berg. Wreaths were laid by dignitaries and descendants of the Polish squadrons and units commemorated on the Polish Air Force Memorial. 1/9 2 September 2024 Annual Commemoration of Homage for Fallen Polish Airmen The annual and 63rd Commemoration of Homage for Fallen Polish Airmen was held on Saturday, 31 August 2024, at the Polish Air Force Memorial, South Ruislip. The ceremony, which has been organised by the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) since 2011, opened with a trumpeter sounding the Assembly for the parading of the King’s Colour of the Royal Air Force, the replica Polish Air Force Standard by Officer cadets of the Polish Air Force University, Dęblin and the Standards of Polish Scouts, Guides, Schools and other bodies. PAFMC Chairman Krzysztof de Berg followed with his opening address, welcoming dignitaries, guests and the public. The speech is available in full at the link below. His address was followed by the Polish Roll-Call of the Fallen - Apel Poległych, led by Captain Wojciech Kozioł and Officer Cadets of the Polish Air Force University, Dęblin. Prayers for the Fallen in Polish were then led by Rev Canon Bogdan Kołodziej, Rector of the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales and were followed by the Polish Last Post ‘Śpij Kolego’ and dipping of Standards and Banners. Dignitaries, which included the Ambassador for the Republic of Poland Piotr Wilczek and the Defence Attaché Brigadier General Michał Sprengel, were then invited by Polish scout Marysia Suchcitz to lay wreaths on the Memorial. These were followed by descendants of the Polish squadrons and units commemorated on the Memorial that flew alongside the RAF from 1940 to 1945 and PAFMC partners. The final wreath was laid by 99 year old AC1 Marian Słomka, believed to be the last surviving member of the Polish Air Force in the United Kingdom. Concluding Prayers were led by the Rev S/Ldr David Skillen, Station Chaplin, RAF Northolt, followed by the Last Post, the dipping of Standards and Banners and a minute’s silence ending with Reveille. The ceremony ended with the national anthems of Poland and the United Kingdom and marching off of the Standards followed by the playing of ‘White Roses’. Personal wreaths were laid after the ceremony ended. Music was provided by musicians of the RAF Central Band with the kind permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council. Invited guests then transferred to RAF Northolt for a reception and lunch in the Officers’ Mess, and were welcomed by Station Commander Gp/Capt Jon Hough. Guests were also addressed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, The Chief of the Air Staff and Col Pilot Wojciech Wróblewski, Deputy Rector Commandant of the Polish Air Force University, Deblin. A PAFMC Commendation was awarded to WO Andy Harris for his exceptional contribution to preserving the memory of the Polish Air Force and nurturing Polish Air Force/Royal Air Force relations. These Commendations are given to people and organisations with no personal connections with Poland. Following the lunch guests were entertained in the Mess by dancers from the Orlęta Polish Folklore Ensemble. The Duxford based Suffolk Spitfire RW382, which has just joined the Polish Heritage Flight (PHF), flew down from Duxford for a flypast and parked near to the Officers’ Mess where the PAFU Cadets and other guests were be able to get up close to it. This was the Spitfire’s first public appearance with the PHF in its new commemorative 302 Polish Squadron ‘Operation Overlord’ D-Day colour scheme. The PAFMC has been organising the Annual Ceremony of Homage to fallen Polish airmen since 2011 after officially succeeding the Polish Air Force Association Charitable Trust (PAFACT), which dissolved at the end of 2010. The PAFMC is the designated successor of the wartime PAF and the organisations, which represented it after the war. Next year’s Commemoration will take place on Saturday 30 August 2025 at 11.00 and NOT 6 September at 12.00, as indicated in this year's programme. Other Polish Air Force heritage sites in Hillingdon can be found at: https://archive.hillingdon.gov.uk/polishtrail Photos in the slide show are courtesy of Marek Borzęcki. Please note there have been some amendments to the Order of Ceremony since the programme was printed. The ceremony was streamed live on the PAFMC Facebook page and can be viewed at this link: https://fb.watch/ulLmSvWBob/ Speech Krzysztof de Berg Chairman Polish Air Force Memorial Committee .pdf Download PDF • 47KB Speech Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton The Chief of The Air Staff .pdf Download PDF • 62KB Speech Wojciech Wróblewski Vice Rector Commandant PAF University Dęblin .pdf Download PDF • 42KB Programme .pdf Download PDF • 2.09MB Previous Next

Polish Air Force Memorial photographs 1/8 20 February Polish Air Force Memorial photographs RAF Northolt’s photographic section has kindly shared some photographs of the Polish Air Force Memorial taken in early February. Photos in the slide show below can be viewed and enlarged by double clicking the image then the arrows. All photos are Crown copyright. Planning is progressing for the annual and 60th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during World War II, scheduled to be held at the Polish Air Force Memorial on Saturday 4 September. All are welcome. This year the event will be subject to changes in format, or even cancellation, if the regulations then in force or the likely course of the Coronavirus make this necessary. If the PAFMC is not confident of being able to hold the Commemoration it will be cancelled no later than Monday 19 July. Previous Article Next Article

94bbba04-ffe9-4aba-b0c9-82757dc6e59a The Polish D-Day Story < Back 1/1 15 June 2023 The Polish D-Day Story The 307 Squadron Project will stage "The Polish D-Day Story" on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July in Portsmouth covering the role of the Polish armed forces, which took part in the D-Day operation and the Normandy campaign in June 1944. The event will be held at The D-Day Story Museum, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3NT from 10.30 until 16.30 on both days and will aim to promote British-Polish friendship and cooperation. Highlights are: The Polish D-Day Story exhibition in Polish and English Presentation and speeches by invited guests Screening of the film "ORP Blyskawica - Faithful Ship" Unique multimedia materials Artistic performance by the Polish Saturday School 'November Insurgents in Portsmouth' The VIPs expected to attend include: Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Jason Fazackarley, Deputy Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth Ms Helen Mitchell, Polish Consul General Mateusz Stąsiek, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North, the Lord President of the Privy Council and Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt MP. Health permitting , the event will hopefully be attended by 101-year-old veteran Colonel Otton Hulacki from the Isle of Wight. Entry to The Polish D-Day Story is free. However, standard admission charges apply to The D-Day Story Museum and are available on the door or in advance on-line at this link https://ddaystory.merlintickets.co.uk/product/GENENTRY Previous Next

Plumetot Memorial Plumetot Memorial Unveiled The Plumetot Memorial was unveiled in the small Normandy village of Plumetot on Sunday 9 June 2019, as part of the events commemorating the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. The Memorial commemorates the Polish 131 Fighter Wing, comprising 302, City of Poznan, 308 City of Kraków, and 317, City of Wilno Squadrons, which flew from Plumetot in August and September 1944 as the first units of the Polish Air Force to be based in France since 1940; more widely it marks the role played by fighter and bomber squadrons in helping secure the liberation of Normandy and of France. The proceedings opened with the raising of the national flags of Poland, France and the United Kingdom accompanied by the respective national anthems. This was followed by a welcome address by M. Jean-Pierre Tarlet, Maire of Plumetot, a fly past by a 317 Squadron Spitfire and a Casa transport aircraft of the French Air Force and a speech by Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki on the origin and purpose of the Memorial. Several speeches followed prior to the unveiling of the Memorial. This was followed by a roll call of the fallen, laying of wreaths, the Last Post, a minute’s silence, national anthems, a trumpet solo, an inspection of Colour Parties and a reception. The Memorial and its creation has been generously supported by the Polish Institute of National Memory, which funded the steel work in Kraków, together with other organisations and individuals in Britain, France and Poland. The Polish Embassy in Paris have also been involved at every stage of the Memorial, which was designed by architect Alexander Smaga following an international competition. Speeches Photos

All Videos All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing The Polish Air Force in the Battle of Britain - An 80th Anniversary Tribute 32:59 Play Video Now Playing Polish Airmen Fighting for Freedom 21:03 Play Video Now Playing Polish Air Force Memorial Unveiling on 2nd November 1948 04:22 Play Video PAFMC Videos

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

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.

Order of the Day Programme. Document Philip Kwissa Memories of serving in the ground crew at B10, read from the diaries of Tadeusz KWISSA by his son Philip Document Jan Józef Kasprzyk Speech by Minister Jan Józef Kasprzyk, Head of the Office of Veterans and Victims of Oppression Document Maire of Plumetot Words of welcome by M. Jean-Pierre Tarlet, Maire of Plumetot Document M.Bertrand Bouyx Speech my M. Bertrand Bouyx, Parliamentary representative of the 5th Calvados constituency Document M.Laurent Fiscus Speech by M. Laurent Fiscus, Prefect of Calvados Document Richard Kornicki Speech by Mr. Richard Kornicki, Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, on the origin and purpose of the Memorial Document HE Tomasz Młynarski Speech by HE Tomasz Młynarski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in France Document Alexander Smaga Alexander Smaga MSc. Dipl. Ing.Arch. Memorial Designer talks about how it was conceived. Document Plumetot Speeches

Get in Touch For enquiries about the service records of members of the Polish Air Force please click the following link: https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-records-of-service Additional information: On the online form, please select the British equivalent if your relation served in the Polish Armed Forces under British Command. Please ensure you have read the guidance on “What information you’ll get” and “How to Apply”. You do not have to provide a death certificate, however, without one, information may be withheld unless the person died in service or was born more than 116 years ago. Please note as of 1st April 2023, there is no longer a charge for this service. First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send

2016 8 December Polish and British Prime Ministers visit Polish Air Force Memorial The Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło flew into RAF Northolt on Monday 28th November to meet the UK Prime Minister Theresa May for the first British and Polish intergovernmental consultations. Prior to travelling to 10 Downing Street both Prime Ministers laid wreaths at the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt to commemorate the Polish airmen killed during the Second World War. They also had the opportunity to meet some veterans and descendants who were invited to the subsequent reception at 10 Downing Street. “Thank you that we could jointly lay flowers at the monument commemorating the heroic Polish airmen who died during the Second World War, fighting for the freedom of the UK, but also for the freedom of Europe, all of us. Thank you that we could also talk to veterans who were there for us to meet,” said Beata Szydło. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. Photos copyright Fot. P.Tracz/KPRM and Robert Zapalski Polish Embassy. 1/12 30 October All Souls' Ceremony in remembrance of the Polish Airmen who gave their lives in WW2 The annual All Souls’ Ceremony was held at the British Commonwealth and Polish War Graves Cemetery, London Road, Newark, on Sunday 30th October. The very large gathering of guests and Standard Bearers assembled at the Thoresby Avenue entrance for the procession to the Polish War Graves Cemetery. Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Polish government, local authorities, the Polish Air Force, the Royal Air Force and veterans and their descendants, and by many Polish organisations. The Polish Scouting Movements had cleaned the graves - around 400 - and lit candles on each of them. The service was followed by light refreshments at Newark Town Hall, Market Place, courtesy of the Town Mayor, Councillor Dean Hyde. The Friends of Newark Cemetery opened the cemetery’s Chapel Interpretation Centre with its General Sikorski exhibition. A 35 minute amateur video of the Ceremony, made by Mariusz Błaszczyk, c an be viewed by clicking this link. 17 September Memorial to F/Lt Stanisław Roman Madej and F/O Józef Stanisław Gąsecki 307 Polish Squadron A memorial to 307 Polish Squadron pilot, F/Lt Stanisław Roman Madej and navigator F/O Józef Stanisław Gąsecki, was unveiled at a dedication service on Saturday 17th September, at Home Farm, Withcall, near Louth, Lincolnshire, by the landowner Henry Smith. F/Lt Stanisław Roman Madej and F/O Józef Stanisław Gąsecki, were killed on 18 September 1944 when their Mosquito HK194 EW-L was involved in a mid air collision with another 307 Squadron Mosquito HK228, piloted by F/Lt William Griffiths with navigator F/Lt George Lane. One of the engines of the British crew's plane caught fire and they were forced to crash land in a field near Sturgate. They were injured but managed to escape from the aircraft before it exploded. The two Mosquitos were in a flight of six from 307 Squadron returning to RAF Church Fenton from Norfolk, having taken part in Operation Market Garden the previous night. F/Lt Stanisław Madej and F/O Józef Gąsecki were buried in Newark Cemetery. In 1946 the Smith family purchased Home Farm, which is now owned by son Henry Smith. He has always known of the crash on the farm and has researched both crewmembers. Many years ago he arranged for two trees to be planted by the side of the field where the Mosquito crashed, in memory of F/Lt Stanisław Madej and F/O Józef Gąsecki. However, Henry Smith always felt there should be a permanent memorial and made it a life's ambition to have a stone memorial on the edge of the field. Now 72 years after the crash Henry Smith has achieved his ambition and has paid for a memorial to be erected, in between the two trees, next to the field where the Mosquito HK194 EW-L crashed in 1944. The memorial is a fitting tribute to the two young Polish airmen, which exists due to one man, Henry Smith. A large congregation from the local village of Withcall, together with Henry Smith's family, including eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, were present at the ceremony, despite poor weather. Also present were the 307 Squadron Project team who travelled from Exeter especially for the dedication service. (The 307 Squadron Project is a British-Polish organisation established to promote and research the role of 307 Sqn. See the Archive page for more information) The local priest blessed the new memorial and gave a dedication at the crash site. The service continued in Withcall church, also located on Henry Smith's farm. The service concluded with a very moving recital by Polish soprano Paulina Hlawiczka. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. The Memorial Memorial inscription Polish soprano Paulina Hlawiczka. The Memorial 1/4 3 September Northolt Commemoration Ceremony The annual and 56th Ceremony of Homage to Fallen Polish Airmen during World War II was held at the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt on Saturday 3rd September. The Ceremony started with a Trumpeter from the RAF Central Band sounding the Assembly prior to the Parade of nine Standards led by the replica Polish Air Force Wilno Standard. Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki CBE DL, then followed with his introductory speech, welcoming the new Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Mr Arkady Rzegocki and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC, both attending the Commemoration for the first time. In his opening address to the large assembly, gathered inside and outside the Memorial boundary fence, Richard Kornicki said that although this was a Polish commemoration it was also shared with many in Britain who wanted to mark the achievements and sacrifices of the Polish Air Force in the West. He added that there are around 2,000 names of Polish Airmen engraved on the walls behind the Memorial who fought and died Za naszą i waszą wolność – for your freedom and ours. 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, 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. Unfortunately the flypast of a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was cancelled due to bad weather at its base at RAF Coningsby. The Mayor of the London Borough of Hillingdon, Councillor John Hensley, then addressed the gathering to advise that the Memorial Garden, adjacent to the Polish Air Force Memorial at Northolt, had been granted Department for Communities and Local Government Green Flag status, which recognises the very best green spaces in the UK. The London Borough of Hillingdon, in partnership with the Polish Embassy, generously created the Memorial Garden, which was officially opened on Saturday 5th September 2015. Following the Ceremony around 250 guests transferred to RAF Northolt for a reception and buffet in the Station’s Sword and Wheel Club, while being entertained by Polish dancers. The Station Commander, Group Captain David Manning and the Acting Republic of Poland Defence Attaché, Lt Col Dorota Kawecka, 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. Photos Crown copyright. An amateur video of the Ceremony, made by Andrzej Wzrołek, can be viewed by clicking this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRMgH4IKsHU Programme Speech Commendations Mayor's Speech Next year's ceremony will take place on Saturday 2rd September, 2017 at 12.00. NHT-Official-20160903-238-001 NHT-Official-20160903-238-006 NHT-Official-20160903-238-001 1/29 NHT-Official-20160825-231-039 NHT-Official-20160825-231-067 NHT-Official-20160825-231-008 NHT-Official-20160825-231-039 1/7 30 August RAF Northolt Station Commander Group Captain David Manning, and Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Richard Kornicki, laid wreaths on behalf of the Station and the Committee at the graves of those who took part in the Great Escape in March 1944 and were murdered on Hitler's orders after re-capture. The graves are in the Garrison cemetery at Poznań, which was recently visited for the annual Polish Air Force Day, which was held on 26th - 27th August. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. 1/4 23 June Memorial to pilot Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron. A replacement memorial to 303 (Polish) Tadeusz Kościuszko City of Warsaw Squadron pilot, Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz, was unveiled at a dedication service on the anniversary of his birth, Sunday 19th June, at Squerryes Estate, near Westerham, Kent, with the very kind permission of the landowner Henry Warde. A congregation of around 40 gathered in the summer sunshine on Hogtrough Hill to honour the memory of Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for freedom. Relatives of Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz came from Poland especially for the service, joining other family members living in the UK, descendants of 303 Sqn and other interested parties. The memorial is very close to the site where Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz’s Hurricane V7242, RF-B crashed at Hogtrough Hill. He was killed during the Battle of Britain on the 11th September 1940 while in a lone combat with six Messerschmitt Bf109s. He destroyed one, and another probable, before he was shot down. The original bronze memorial plaque was erected near the crash site on 11th September 2010, exactly 70 years after his death. This was arranged at the expense of Nina Britton Boyle who, with no Polish connections, has been researching 303 Sqn for the past 30 years, tending graves, creating memorials to Polish airmen and contacting relatives in Poland. Sadly the plaque was stolen and Nina replaced it, again at her own expense. This was also stolen. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee presented Nina with a Certificate of Commendation in 2014 for her dedication. The current replacement stone memorial, set in concrete, has been funded by descendants and friends of 303 Sqn. The new memorial, and the dedication service, were jointly arranged by Louise Pemberton, a daughter of Wing Commander Ronald G Kellett DSO DFC VM AE, the British Commanding Officer of 303 Sqn, when it was formed during the Battle of Britain, John Kaye, the son of 308 Sqn pilot F/Lt Jan Kurowski and Polish Air Force historian Piotr Sikora. The service started with the presentation of the replica Polish Air Force Wilno Standard by 2427 (Biggin Hill) Squadron ATC, led by F/O Rob Smith RAFVR (T). John Kaye followed with a welcome and detailed address about Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz and the Polish Air Force in Poland and Great Britain during the war. Nina Britton Boyle then read a moving letter on behalf of Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz’s sister Matylda, who lives in Poland. The letter is available in full at this link. This was followed by a poem Impressions of a Pilot , by Gary Claud Stoker and read by Mike Render, Trustee of the Biggin Hill St Georges Chapel of Remembrance, available in the Order of Service at this link. Squerryes Estate landowner Henry Warde then read the Act of Remembrance followed by The Last Post by Cadet Flt/Sgt Will Green, a minute’s silence and The Reveille. The memorial was unveiled by Nina Britton Boyle and Sgt Stefan Wojtowicz’s great niece Beata Poldolska and flowers laid by the family and other members of the congregation, including a wreath on behalf of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee by its chairman, Richard Kornicki. The memorial was then blessed by Father Ivan Aquilina from St John the Baptist Catholic Church, serving Westerham, Brasted, Sundridge and Ide Hill. The service concluded with the Polish national anthem and closing words of thanks by John Kaye, followed by the march off of the Wilno standard and a visit to the nearby crash site. Photos can be viewed in the slide show by clicking the image then the arrows. 2 September Hero’s send off at RAF Northolt for Polish WW2 Fighter Ace The ashes of Captain Kazimierz Sporny, fighter pilot of the famous Polish 303 and 302 Squadrons, were repatriated to Poland during a military ceremony at the Royal Air Force base in Northolt. The Polish Air Force pilot, who fought in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain in the Second World War, with five confirmed kills against his name, will rest at the military cemetery in his home town of Poznań. Captain Sporny received Poland's military decoration for heroism and courage, the Virtuti Militari Silver Cross, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Sporny passed away on 17 May 1949 in Twyford Abbey after battling with cancer, and was buried at London’s St. Mary cemetery. However, his resting place was identified only 12 years ago, and the initiative to return his ashes to homeland was undertaken in June 2016. In the morning of 25 August, a Polish Air Force CASA aircraft arrived at RAF Northolt to repatriate Captain Sporny’s ashes. They were escorted by a military Guard of Honour from the Queen’s Colour Squadron and the Polish Air Force, clergy, representatives from the Polish and British authorities and family members. Sporny’s burial with honours will take place in Poznań, just a few months after the 100th anniversary of his birthday. Captain’s Sporny’s nephew Zygmunt Sporny said: “He fought for our freedom and yours. Thanks to the sacrifice and contribution made by Polish pilots like him, Britain never fell to the German invasion. Today, we take him back home, to be buried under the Polish sky, in Poznań his final wish. I am extremely happy and thankful to everyone who was involved in this initiative.” RAF Northolt Station Commander Group Captain David Manning said: “It is a great privilege for us to be involved in the return of Captain Sporny to his homeland, and it is a great honour to look after the history and memory of the Polish contribution to the Battle of Britain and the Second World War. For me Northolt represents the spiritual home of the Polish Air Force during the Battle of Britain. Poles fought side by side with the Canadians and the British, and that sort of close support and camaraderie, which existed then, still exists now. It is very special that Captain Sporny, a legend of the Polish Air Force, is repatriated from Northolt, which is the final Battle of Britain station that is still operational today.” Story: Sqn/Ldr James Tenniswood. Photos in the slide show can be viewed by clicking the image then the arrows. All photos Crown Copyright. 1 September 303 Squadron Feast Day Three descendants of a member of 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron marked the 76th anniversary of the Squadron’s Feast Day (Święto) “in perpetuity” on the 1st September. 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. The two sons and daughter of Władysław Burdziejow, an electrician in 303 Kościuszko Squadron's ground crew from 1 August 1940, laid red and white carnations on the 303 Sqn graves at Northwood cemetery on 1st September. There are 43 graves of Polish Airmen in the military section of the cemetery. Photographs can be viewed by clicking the icon. 5 July Northolt Commemoration Ceremony Places for the 56th Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Reunion lunch at RAF Northolt, after the ceremony at the Polish Air Force Memorial on 3rd September, are limited. Closing date for application for tickets is 30th July. The booking form is available at this link. Details of the Polish Air Force Memorial ceremony are available on the Events page above. Szeregowy (Pte) Stefan Wójtowicz with his sister Matylda on his left and niece, before Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939. Source Nina Britton Boyle collection. Sgt Sefan Wójtowicz centre with Sgt Eugeniusz Szaposznikow on his left and Sgt Michal Brzezowski on his right, RAF Northolt September 1940. Source Peter Sikora collection. Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz “One of the Few” He bravely fought 6 Me 109s destroying 1 and 1 probable before he was shot down nearby on 11.9.1940. Aged 21. “On our wings sing the winds of liberty” Za naszą i waszą wolność (For Our Freedom and Yours) Szeregowy (Pte) Stefan Wójtowicz with his sister Matylda on his left and niece, before Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939. Source Nina Britton Boyle collection. 1/20 Letter Commendation Service 13 June Dedication Ceremony, Bradfield Green War Memorial. Representatives of national governments, local dignitaries and residents came together on Saturday 4th June to honour, among others, six Polish aircrew who sacrificed their lives in the early part of World War 2. The re-dedication of the War Memorial took place in the small Cheshire village of Bradfield Green, near Crewe and was the culmination of an 18 month project which saw the names of 22 fallen airmen, including the six Poles, inscribed on two green slate plaques and added to the existing war memorial. A local historian, Steve Bratt, has been responsible for much of the work and research behind the project and was present at the ceremony. The Polish airmen were all crew members of Wellington bomber R1298, from 18 Operational Training Unit, RAF Bramcote and the story of their loss is a particularly tragic one. In the haste to train badly needed aircrew to operational standard, communication and planning sometimes suffered. Apparently maps showing the location of barrage balloons at local strategic sites had not been issued to all RAF units. The aircraft was on a training flight on 4th February 1941 in bad weather when it flew into a balloon cable attached to one of the barrage balloons defending the Rolls Royce works at Crewe. The collision caused the aircraft to stray off course and into the path of an anti-aircraft battery, which six weeks previously had failed to open fire on a German hit and run bomber attacking the Rolls Royce works. Consequently, the gunners opened fire on any aircraft that approached without warning, and they duly fired upon the Wellington. The stricken aircraft came down near to Bourne’s Farm at Minshull Vernon and burst into flames. All on board perished and two local police constables, Ernest Pocock and Frank Wiggins, were later awarded the British Empire Medal for attempting to rescue the airmen from the burning wreckage. The Polish airmen were: F/O Andrzej Minkiewicz age 33 Sgt Ludwik Jachna age 21 Sgt Jan P Orynek age 26 Sgt Zbigniew J Perkowski age 26 Sgt Stefan J Wojciechowski age 25 Sgt Henryk R Kwiatkowski age 21 The airmen were buried at Oaston Road Cemetery, Nuneaton in a service conducted by a Polish Chaplain. The re-dedication was attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Dennis Dunn JP; the Consul General of the Polish Government in Manchester Lukasz Lutostanski; The Lord Mayor of Cheshire East, Cllr Olivia Hunter and the Air Attaché from the Australian High Commission in London, Gp Capt Paul Nicholas. At the Community Centre in Minshull Vernon, guests were welcomed by Chairman of the Parish Council Leslie Horne and then taken by coach on the short journey to Bradfield Green to assemble by the War Memorial. There, a service took place conducted by the RAF Chaplain The Reverend Wing Commander Alastair Bissell. Unfortunately the planned flypast of a BBMF Hurricane failed to take place, possibly due to low cloud conditions. The newly inscribed memorial plaques were unveiled by Steve Bratt and Gp Capt Nicholas. The Act of Remembrance then took place followed by the reading of the Roll of Honour and two minutes’ silence. Wreaths were then laid and the service concluded with the Kohima Epitaph, after which guests were able to return to the Community Centre at Minshull Vernon for a buffet lunch prior to returning home. It was a very moving and memorable day. I had the opportunity to speak with many interesting people, including Patryzia and Iwona Rek, the granddaughter and great granddaughter of Sgt Ludwik Jachna who said that they were delighted that the sacrifice of their loved ones continues to be remembered so long after the cessation of hostilities. This re-dedication was a fitting tribute to fallen Polish airmen and also a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the local community who continue to remember. It was a privilege to have represented the PAFMC on such an occasion. Jim Seymour Photos of Bradfield Green can be viewed in the slide show by clicking the image then the arrows. Unveiling Jim Seymour and Polish ladies 1/10 1 February Change to headstone of 303 Polish Kościuszko Squadron pilot Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has agreed to correct the inscription on the grave headstone of 303 (Polish) Tadeusz Kościuszko City of Warsaw Squadron pilot Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz at Northwood Cemetery. Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz was born on 19 June 1919 and the incorrect age of 24 years will be amended to 21 years. This follows a submission to the CWGC of an official Polish Air Force document provided by the APC Polish Enquiries office at RAF Northolt. The CWGC is unable to provide a date for the amendment, but has confirmed it will be added to the CWGC’s extensive works schedule. Sgt Stefan Wójtowicz was killed on the 11th September 1940 while in a lone combat with a number of Messerschmitt Bf109s. He destroyed one and one probable before he was shot down in his Hurricane V7242, RF-B and crashing at Hogtrough Hill, near Westerham, Kent. On 11th September 2010, exactly 70 years after his death, a bronze memorial plaque was erected near the crash site. This was arranged at the expense of Nina Britton-Boyle who, with no Polish connections, has been researching 303Sqn for many years, tending graves, creating memorials to Polish Airmen and contacting relatives in Poland. The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee presented Nina Britton-Boyle with a Certificate of Commendation in 2014. Sadly the bronze plaque was stolen and Nina Britton-Boyle replaced it, again at her own expense, but this was also stolen. A further replacement stone memorial, set in concrete, has been funded by some descendants of 303Sqn members and other interested parties. Arrangements are currently being finalised for a small event to dedicate the replacement memorial in the afternoon of Sunday 19th June at Squerryes Estate, near Westerham, Kent, by the kind permission of the landowner Henry Warde.