Trail takes wing
THE role of the Polish Air Force in defending Britain during World War Two is being marked with a brand new heritage trail in Hillingdon.
The Polish Air Force fighter squadrons based at RAF Northolt played a huge role in the allied victory in the Battle of Britain and the most successful Fighter Command unit in the battle, No.303 (Ko ciuszko) Squadron was formed here in August 1940.
The Polish Air Force Heritage Trail leads visitors to four locations in Hillingdon - The Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, the Polish Air Force Memorial in South Ruislip, the Orchard pub in Ruislip and Northwood Cemetery. These were all significant to the Polish squadrons based at RAF Northolt.
The trail was unveiled at a special commemorative event on Friday, November, 2. The launch coincided with the 70th anniversary of the unveiling of the Polish Air Force Memorial, which was first unveiled on November 2, 1948.
Professor Arkady Rzegocki, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, joined mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor John Morgan and council leader, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, in laying wreaths at the memorial near RAF Northolt.
Hillingdon Council collaborated with the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC), the Polish Airmen’s Association (PAA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to create the trail.
A visit was also made to The Orchard pub in Ruislip, where during the war the airmen relaxed between their flying missions, before continuing on to the Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre for the official launch.
Arkady Rzegocki said: “It gives me great pleasure to launch the Polish Air Force Heritage Trail commemorating the contributions that the Polish pilots and ground crews made to this country. 2018 is a special year to launch this trail as we are celebrating the centenary of the Royal Air Force and the Polish Air Force as well as the 70th Anniversary of the Polish Air Force Memorial.
“I hope that this trail will allow us not only to revisit the stories of the Polish airmen and airwomen who worked with the Royal Air Force in the turbulent years of the Second World War but also learn from their personal stories of fortitude and bravery. My congratulations and thanks to all who have worked hard in making this enormous initiative possible.”
Mr Puddifoot added: “The contribution of the Polish Air Force in this country’s hour of need cannot be underestimated. In both fighter and bomber squadrons the Polish Air Force served with gallantry, honour and distinction.
“As we launch this trail here at the Battle of Britain Bunker let us remember the words of Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding, who said: ‘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.’
“In Hillingdon we are proud of our long association with the Polish Air Force and we hope that this heritage trail will bring the Polish airmen’s stories to life and ensure that their bravery and valour will be remembered for generations to come.”
Find details, including a downloadable copy of the trail leaflet, at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/polishtrail