Polish Air Force Fighter Aircraft, 1940-1942: From the Battle of France to the Dieppe Raid

In September 1939, Polish fighter pilots were overwhelmed by the aerial might of Germany and the Soviet Union but claimed over 120 enemy aircraft destroyed. When the Polish Air Force was reborn in France, the same men fought against the same enemy with more experience and better understanding of their tactics. Polish airmen also proved themselves during the Battle of Britain, with 145 men from Poland fighting for the survival of one of the last bastions of democracy. They had to learn a new language and be trained to serve under the command of the RAF. Ten Polish fighter squadrons were eventually formed and went on to fight alongside their British, Canadian, Australian, Belgian, or Dutch brothers in arms in the RAF's offensive over northern Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In September 1939, Polish fighter pilots experienced their baptism of fire over their own country, facing the overwhelming aerial might of Germany and the Soviet Union. Despite this daunting challenge, they managed to claim the destruction of over 120 enemy aircraft. When the Polish Air Force was reborn in France, the same men encountered the same enemy, but with more experience and a better understanding of their tactics. Although the aircraft they flew differed in most cases, they proved their worth during the Battle of Britain.

A remarkable 145 Polish airmen, constituting the largest non-British contingent in Fighter Command, valiantly fought for the survival of one of the last bastions of democracy. Their impressive tally includes the destruction of 126 enemy aircraft over Poland and a further fifty-one in France. These men, encompassing combat pilots, flying instructors, and test pilots, underwent rigorous training to serve under the command of the RAF. They had to learn a new language, which was essential for their integration into the Fighter Command organization.

When they finally mastered this language, up to twenty Polish fighter pilots were involved in the air combat against Göring's Luftwaffe. During the Battle of Britain, Polish fighter pilots achieved remarkable success, with 303 Squadron emerging as the most successful unit within Fighter Command. Ten Polish fighter squadrons were eventually formed and joined forces with their British, Canadian, Australian, Belgian, and Dutch brothers in arms in the RAF's offensive over northern Europe, which commenced in earnest in 1941.

In their joint efforts, the Polish fighter pilots achieved numerous victories against the enemy in the sky and on the ground. Their contributions were invaluable to the Allied victory in World War II. However, it is important to note that their achievements came at a significant cost, with many Polish airmen losing their lives in the struggle.

Polish Air Force Fighter Aircraft, 1940-1942, is a captivating book that delves into the story of these brave Polish fighter pilots and their contributions to the war effort. It provides a detailed account of their training, combat experiences, and the aircraft they flew. The book also sheds light on the political and diplomatic complexities that shaped their involvement in the war.

Overall, Polish Air Force Fighter Aircraft, 1940-1942 is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War II, the air combat, and the remarkable achievements of Polish fighter pilots. Their bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy continue to inspire us today.

Dimension: 246 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399051026