303 Squadron accounted for the most enemy kills during the Battle of Britain. Formed on 22 July 1940 at RAF Northolt, the Squadron was made up of Polish airman who had escaped to Britain following the invasion of their country in 1939. Equipped with Hurricanes, 303 Squadron flew in the Battle until mid-October when it was sent to Yorkshire for a much needed rest. The Squadron served for the duration of the war, when it was re-equipped with Spitfires. In 1944 the Squadron was part of 2nd Tactical Air Force which supported the D-Day landings and was then moved to East Anglia to serve as fighter escorts for Bomber Command. The Squadron was disbanded on 11 December 1946.
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August 23, 2010 at 8:36 am
Nathan Richmond
Well done the Poles!! As their country had already been overrun they were given an opportunity to hit back at the enemy through 303 Squadron.To the Poles it probably felt it was only a tiny response compared to what had happened to them but they were given some solace, and their revenge must have felt sweet indeed, in proving to be the top-scoring Squadron. This is a fact for which we are all greatful and admire.
An Engishman.
August 29, 2010 at 10:52 am
Tony Rudd
Totally agree. The Poles made a significant contribution. It also just showed what experience was worth, as they had already fought in Poland and France.
August 23, 2010 at 11:50 am
Phil B
303 Squadron’s performance has long been a legend.
All the more disappointing that there appeared to be no Polish representation at the 70th anniversary flypast at Fairford this year. Anyone know why?
August 24, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Terry Tegnazian
The Polish fighter pilots were renowned during WWII for their aerial combat skills and determination! As a publisher specializing in the Polish WWII experience, we are thrilled to be publishing a new English-language edition (the first since 1942) of the famous book “303 Squadron” by Arkady Fiedler, in a new translation by Jarek Garlinski, with extensive photos and appendices, available Sept. 2010, http://amzn.to/303-Amazon
August 29, 2010 at 10:45 am
Tony Rudd
Thank you, we will await this publication eagerly. I myself served with some fine Poles on 305 Sqaudron flying Mosquitos based at Epinoy in 1945, and I have a Polish Airforce medal from my time with them. We took over this airfield from the Germans, and when we arrived we found crates of French wine specially ‘bottled for the German Forces’ which we drank with gusto.
August 29, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Terry Tegnazian
Great to learn you flew with some Poles, and was even awarded a Polish medal! I also like the vignette about the crates of French wine:-)