fef6025b-d809-40ff-924d-77753873a51c Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre opens John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz) a 104 year old veteran and wireless operator of 304 Sqn performed the ribbon cutting opening ceremony. Photo courtesy Andy Dziegiel. Krzysztof de Berg made a speech on behalf of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. Photo courtesy Andy Dziegiel. Standard bearers and national flags. Photo courtesy Andy Dziegie. John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz) a 104 year old veteran and wireless operator of 304 Sqn performed the ribbon cutting opening ceremony. Photo courtesy Andy Dziegiel. 1/4 3 May 2024 Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre opens The world’s first Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre, dedicated to the Polish Bomber Squadrons flying alongside and under the operational command of the RAF during WW2, was officially opened on 17 April at the former disused RAF Ingham airfield near Fillingham in Lincolnshire. (What3Words stung.aimlessly.sometimes 0 The unique Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre aims to preserve the memories of Polish and British airmen who flew with the Polish bomber squadrons during the war. A team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers formed the RAF Ingham Heritage Group in 2010. Led by founder and chairman Geoff Burton the volunteers spent the last 14 years transforming the derelict and former wartime mess into the Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre. Around 180 invited guests attended the opening ceremony including a delegation of senior Polish Air Force officers from Poland. Following introductory speeches by Polish Consul General in Manchester Michał Mazurek, Polish Air Force Memorial Committee Chairman Krzysztof de Berg and Geoff Burton, the world heritage centre was officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony by John Franklin (Mieczysław Frąckiewicz) a 104 year old veteran and wireless operator of 304 Sqn. For more information see this website link https://www.rafingham.co.uk/ Consul's speech .pdf Download PDF • 30KB PAFMC speech .pdf Download PDF • 61KB Previous Next

< Back The Windrush Poles – A forgotten corner of history. 1/1 1 Dec 2022 The Windrush Poles – A forgotten corner of history. It is not widely known that when the ‘HMT Empire Windrush’ arrived from the Caribbean at Tilbury Docks in 1948 it also included Polish refugees from World War II among the hundreds of passengers seeking a new life in the UK. Although there is no direct Polish Air Force link, this immigration is a part of the history of the Polish community in Britain, as a result of the war, which should be better known. It is a forgotten corner of history that has been chartered in the attached article, which can be viewed by clicking this link. https://culture.pl/en/article/the-windrush-poles-from-deportation-to-new-life Previous Next

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

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

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.

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

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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.