We remember

The Polish contribution to the Battle of Britain in 1940 was significant and often considered a key factor in the Allied victory. Polish pilots, many of whom had already seen combat in the defense of Poland and later in France, played a crucial role in the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) efforts to defend the United Kingdom from the German Luftwaffe.

Here are some key details about the Polish involvement:

Polish Squadrons

No. 303 “Kościuszko” Polish Fighter Squadron. This was the most famous Polish squadron, known for its extraordinary success during the Battle of Britain. By the end of the battle, 303 Squadron had shot down 126 German aircraft making it one of the most successful squadrons in the RAF.

No. 302 “City of Poznań” Polish Fighter Squadron: Another Polish squadron that contributed to the defense, though less well-known than 303, it still played a vital role in combat operations.

Polish Pilots in Other Squadrons:

– In addition to the dedicated Polish squadrons, many Polish pilots served in other RAF units. Overall, about 145 Polish pilots participated in the Battle of Britain.

Fighting Skill and Experience:

– Polish pilots brought valuable combat experience, having fought during the invasions of Poland and France. Their aggressive tactics, skill, and bravery quickly earned them respect from their British counterparts. Though they initially faced skepticism and language barriers, they soon became indispensable to the RAF.

Recognition and Impac:

– Polish pilots are credited with shooting down approximately 203 German aircraft during the Battle of Britain, around 12% of the total number shot down by RAF forces during the battle. Their contribution was seen as pivotal in the overall victory, which halted Hitler’s plans to invade Britain.

Legacy

– The bravery of the Polish pilots in the Battle of Britain is commemorated with numerous memorials and events, including the Polish War Memorial near RAF Northolt in London, where many Polish squadrons were based.

– Winston Churchill famously acknowledged the contributions of foreign pilots, including the Poles, in his speech, saying, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

In summary, the Polish pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain displayed extraordinary courage and played a crucial role in the RAF’s success, helping to protect Britain from Nazi invasion at a critical moment during World War II.

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Institute of National RemembranceInstytut Polski i Muzeum im. gen. Sikorskiego w LondynieInstytut Pamięci NarodowejEmbassy of the Republic of Poland in LondonThe Polish Air Force Memorial CommitteeŚwiatowa Rada Badań nad Polonią/ World Research Council on Poles AbroadPolish SueRAF Ingham Heritage Centre.306 Runcorn Squadron RAF Air CadetsRAF NortholtPosk LondonMuzeum Sił Powietrznych w DęblinieWyższa Szkoła Oficerska Sił Powietrznych w Dęblinie