How good were the Polish pilots in the Battle of Britain?

How good were the Polish pilots in the Battle of Britain?

Despite suffering a crushing defeat, Polish airmen maintained excellent morale and relished the opportunity to fight the Germans again. In April 1940 the PAF was comprised of three fighter wings and one close reconnaissance wing, each with two squadrons.

Why was Polish cavalry so good?

After the Polish-Soviet War broke out, these were one of the very few combat-ready troops in Polish service. The lack of advanced military equipment on both sides of the front made the cavalry a decisive weapon in breaking the enemy lines and encircling the Russian units.

What happened to Polish POWS?

As a result of the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939, hundreds of thousands of Polish soldiers became prisoners of war. Many of them were executed; 22,000 Polish military personnel and civilians perished in the Katyn massacre alone.

What happened to the Polish pilots after WW2?

After the surrender of France, many of these pilots managed to escape to Britain to continue the fight against the Luftwaffe. Following the fall of France in 1940, Polish units were formed in the United Kingdom, as a part of the Royal Air Force and known as the Polish Air Force (PAF).

What planes did the Polish use in WW2?

The principal aircraft used to train pilots were the Polish-built high-wing RWD-8 and the PWS-26 biplane. In 1939, Poland ordered 160 MS-406s and 10 Hawker Hurricane fighters from abroad, but they were not delivered before the outbreak of war.

How many wings did the Polish Air Force have?

In April 1940 the PAF was comprised of three fighter wings and one close reconnaissance wing, each with two squadrons. The combat experience and fighting ability of the Polish pilots was largely ignored by the French.

Are there any Polish fighter pilots in the RAF?

Polish airmen receive training at an RAF station. 1940. Three Polish fighter pilots who received decorations from the Polish premier in exile General Sikorski for their services to a Polish wing of the RAF. 1941. Polish airmen with dogs at an RAF base. 1941.