Polish airmen from RAF 304 Squadron in 1942
Photograph of Polish airmen from RAF 304 Squadron in 1942.
Courtesy of Mr Mike Hughes
Polish airmen from RAF 304 Bomber Squadron are shown here taking a break from servicing their Wellington aircraft. After the Nazi-Soviet victory in Poland in 1939, a large part of the Polish Air Force was evacuated, eventually being withdrawn to the United Kingdom.
Polish pilots were among the most experienced in battle, most of them having fought in the 1939 September campaign in Poland and the 1940 Battle of France. In addition, pre-war Poland had set a very high standard of pilot training.
Created in 1940, 304 Squadron was based briefly on Tiree in the spring of 1942, flying Wellingtons on anti-submarine duties. The squadron was one of fifteen in the RAF manned by Polish airmen, the most famous being 303 Squadron which claimed the highest number of enemy kills during the Battle of Britain.
Black and white photograph of a Polish aircrew in 1942.
Polish aircrew from RAF 304 Squadron based on Tiree in 1942 take a break from servicing the Wellington aircraft in the background. (Photograph from Mike Hughes in Filing Cabinet 2 drawer 1)