Polish Air Force – Myths and Facts

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by davidbfpo, Jul 10, 2020.

  1. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    I follow a Polish WW2 Twitter feed and they linked to this article today. It makes fascinating reading for their contribution and ends with this stark reminder:
    Link: British Poles -

    I have not looked for a Polish Air Force thread.
     
    JimHerriot likes this.
  2. archivist

    archivist Well-Known Member

    This is completely true. I have worked on Polish Airmen's history for many years. They fought hard and well and should never be forgotten for their achievements and for the fact that they were loyal friends of Britain
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2020
    Chris C and JimHerriot like this.
  3. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    I honestly don't think they are forgotten, or ever really have been.
    1969's 'Battle of Britain' film features Polish pilots.
    Memorials to them far from unknown in British churches.
    etc.
    Continuous presence as one of the threads of WW2, whether airmen or otherwise.


    Jenny Grant (@SilenceInPolish) on Twatter made the interesting point yesterday that Poles didn't participate in the BoB until the end of August, which sort of makes their score even more impressive.
     
    archivist, JimHerriot and Chris C like this.
  4. RAFCommands

    RAFCommands Senior Member

    Of all the impressive actions and courage of the PAF I make no apology for again highlighting those of the Army Co-operation units

    No 309 Squadron

    The knowledge and tactics the PAF crews brought to the UK for a role that the RAF had tried to distance themselves from since formation in April 1918 re-energised and set the foundations for close air support in the Middle East, Europe and Far East. When the task moved from air combat to ground attack it was the early tactics of the PAF passed to their RAF "Instructors" that shone and gave success.

    Remember as well the conviction of a Polish Pilot in critically examining the range of his Allison Mustang - an aircraft purchased but rejected by the RAF for the fighter role - and using it for a return ground attack flight from Scotland to Stavanger!

    The first Mustang over Norway. Polish illegal one - F/Lt Janusz Lewkowicz

    200 miles at low level, 30mins over target on internal tanks - and fuel remaining giving an estimated possible range of 400 miles.

    Opened closed brass hatted eyes to what in 1942 was an available answer to a crucial need to long range fighter cover for the USAAF daylight raids into Germany to prevent un-sustainable losses.

    Only two weeks later TacR Mustangs from UK were attacking Dortmund-Ems canal.

    The PAF and Polish Army has never been forgotten in Scotland - I grew up with a local community of PAF veterans.

    Ross
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2020
  5. brithm

    brithm Senior Member

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    upload_2022-11-10_19-34-10.png
    30th October 1944
    [​IMG]
    upload_2022-11-10_19-36-3.png
     
    Dave55 likes this.

Share This Page