War memorial upgraded on Battle of Britain anniversary
HILLINGDON’S Polish Air Force Memorial has been Upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* as part of the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The memorial is one of several unusual Second World War sites that have been listed or upgraded to mark the landmark date, including a primary school air raid shelter in Surrey, with colourful Second World War murals painted by school boys, a pillbox cleverly disguised as a roofless ruin in Northumberland and a Second World War radar air defence tower in Essex.
The Polish Air Force Memorial is located on West End Road, next to RAF Northolt. Many of the Polish Air Force (PAF) Squadrons were based there during the Second World War and made a significant contribution to the success of the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940.
This memorial is of exceptional importance in commemorating the contribution and sacrifices made by the PAF and it is specifically dedicated to them as an independent military force, listing the names of 1,900 casualties who lost their lives in the Second World War.
The memorial was first listed in 2002 and is the only known war memorial designed by eminent
Polish sculptor Mieczysław Lubelski in England. It is one of the bestknown of Lubelski’s surviving works internationally.
The sculptural elements depict iconography associated with the PAF, along with a carefully designed walkway and landscaping around the central pillar. There are stone and bronze features and the names are carved into curved granite walls.
The memorial is an important symbol of positive Anglo-Polish relations in the early stages of the Cold War.
It was unveiled in 1948, when many Polish people were unable to return home due to the Sovietbacked government in Poland and they were encouraged by the British government to remain.
The memorial has been visited by two Polish Presidents during their state visits to the UK: Lech Wałesa in 1991 and Aleksander Kwasniewski in 2004.
It was also visited by President Andrzej Duda, in 2015.
At first, the British were sceptical of Polish pilots’ abilities when they arrived in Britain in 1940, believing German propaganda about their supposed ineptitude during the invasion of Poland.
But as RAF casualties increased in the summer of 1940, RAF Fighter Command needed experienced pilots and by August 1940 an agreement had been reached to establish the independent Polish Air Force (PAF) beginning with two squadrons, Nos 302 and 303.
Having already gained valuable combat
experience against the Luftwaffe in Poland and in France, the PAF quickly became the largest and one of the most successful foreign units serving under overall British command.
The Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, noted the importance of the Polish contribution to victory in the Battle of Britain: “Had it not been for the magnificent work of the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of battle would have been the same”.
Arkady Rzegocki, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the UK, said: ”I am delighted that the status of the Polish Air Force Memorial has been upgraded to Grade II*, showing how well recognised the site is not just by the Polish community, but also by Britain. “The memorial is one of the leading monuments in the UK dedicated to Polish history, and every year it plays host to one of the most important commemorations of Poles fighting in the Second World War. It is a testament to the crucial role played by the Polish Air Force in the war and to the sacrifice made by Polish airmen and airwomen, 18,000 of whom had served in the Polish squadrons in the UK by the end of the war.
“I am glad that Historic England has chosen this special time, the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, for the upgrade, making it a fitting tribute to the Poles, who represented the second-largest contingent in the Fighter Command, accounted for 12 percent of all Luftwaffe losses and had the most effective Allied unit in the Battle – the 303 Polish Fighter Squadron.
“I would like to thank Historic
England for this recommendation and all those who have looked after the memorial since it was built.”
Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “The Battle of Britain affected every corner of our nation and it is right that, as we mark its 80th anniversary, we protect the sites, memorials and buildings paying tribute to those who fought and those who lost their lives.
“I am pleased that by protecting these sites we can continue to tell the story of the Second World War and keep alive the stories of this greatest generation who fought for our freedom.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “Memories and perceptions of the Second World War have been central in shaping the national identity of the UK, with the Battle of Britain having particular resonance.
“Many of the physical reminders of this extraordinary period still stand amongst us today, such as the murals in the air raid shelter inspired by the children’s favourite books and the looming radar air defence tower, respectively listed and upgraded today.
“We are pleased to recognise their significance 80 years on and to remember this important turning point in our history.”
Had it not been for the magnificent work of the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of battle would have been the same.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding