Friday, December 2, 2011

Last Polish Airman To Survive Battle Of Britain Buried

The best-scoring non-commonwealth unit during the Battle of Britain was Polish No. 303 Squadron on Hurricanes. It became operational with No. 11 Group in the last days of August and saw heavy action during the following weeks. The squadron claimed no less than 126 German aircraft shot down until the end of October. Although it is now known that this tally was exaggerated, the Poles undoubtedly made significant contribution in the later part of the Battle, and even more so in the years to follow. The Spitfire Site

Last Polish Airman To Survive Battle Of Britain Buried -- The Telegraph

Poland and the RAF buried the last Polish airman to fly in the Battle of Britain with full military honours in Warsaw after his ashes had received a hero's welcome in his native land.

With the RAF Queen's Colour Squadron present Brigadier-General Tadeusz Sawicz, the last of Poland's "few", was laid to rest in the Polish capital's main military cemetery.

Brig-Gen Sawicz died in Canada last month aged 97.

Having seen action in the skies over Poland and France, Sawicz flew Hurricanes with 303 Polish Squadron during the battle. From then on he was involved in air combat till the end of the war.

"His bravery and commitment are an example for all Poles," said Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland's defence minister. "General, we will always remember what you did for the republic."

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My Comment: This is truly an end to an era.

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