The story of a Polish Spitfire.

[huub vink]

When Poland was overran by both German and Russian troops many Poles escapes via Romania to join the French to continue fighting again the Germans. After the French armistice many of these Poles escaped to the UK. When 315 Dywizjon Myśliwski “Dębliński” , or 315 (Polish) squadron on 21 January 1941, this was the tenth Polish squadron in the RAF and the fifth Polish day fighter unit.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/PK-Krysia_1.jpg

This particular aircraft, Spitfire Mk.II the P7855 PK-K, shows signs from at least 3 squadron it served in. Under the cockpit the emblem from the “East India squadron” is still visible from the time this aircraft served in 65 squadron in early 1941. This machine had served with 308 (Polish) squadron before it went to 315 squadron and in this unit the large Polish national marking was applied at the engine covers. When it received its 315 squadron registration it the aircraft letter was extended with a Polish girls name. In this case K for Krysia.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/PK-Krysia_2.jpg

This aircraft was written off after it was damaged due to a heavy landing on 10 august 1941 when it was flown by the future Polish ace Aleksander Chudek. Chudek was killed by German flak in June 1944 in the Carentan (Normandy) area, while flying the Spitfire Mk.Vb RF-F from 303 (Polish) squadron. There is a small monument in the French village le Plessis Grimoult to honour this pilot.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/PK-Krysia_3.jpg

Thanks for reading,
Huub

[peter12213]

Love it mate, I love reading and flying in polish battle of britain Spits cant wait for the accusim version!

[BOOM]

Fantastic History and Screenies!!! Thanks for taking the time to share them with us!!:salute:

[Akatsuki]

:salute: -> :ernae:

[fleurdelys]

Very nice Huub ...

I love your skins, even more so when a piece of history accompanies it !

When will you be uploading "Krysa" ?

Looking forward to flying it.

Fleurdelys

[Hanimichal]

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[jankees]

Nice one, Huub!

[ROB]

The story of these soldiers after the won war wasn't too victorious. Those who decided to return to the homeland were often accused of spying or other imaginary hostile activity by the new local authorities. Not every Pole is a hero.

regards
ROB

[CP1207]

See the movie Dark Blue World for the Czech perspective (and Spitfires).

"The film's closing epilogue states: "By the year 1951 all the Czechoslovak RAF airmen were released from the labor camps. But they remained outcasts for most of their lives. It was only in 1991 that the survivors were rehabilitated and recognized for their wartime service."

[YoYo]

Thx for the nice story :salute:

[lucas81]

Very nice repaint, Huub! Thank you very much!

[FlameOut]

...the movie Dark Blue World for the Czech perspective (and Spitfires)...

Very engaging movie. Cinematography is excellent.
A link to Amazon.com for those interested

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_15?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=dark+blue+world&sprefix=dark+blue+world

[huub vink]

The story of these soldiers after the won war wasn't too victorious. Those who decided to return to the homeland were often accused of spying or other imaginary hostile activity by the new local authorities. Not every Pole is a hero.

regards
ROB

ROB, I am aware of that. When the Poles arrived in France they were not trusted as many French people accused the Poles of starting the war (!). In the French l'Armee de l'Air the Poles received the obsolete aircraft. When the Poles arrived in the UK they were often given the “experienced” aircraft while the British pilots received the newest ones.

The story of the 'Three musketeers from 303 Kosciuszko squadron” (Miroslaw Feric, Witold Lokuciewski and Jan Zumbach) is a good example from what happened to many Poles after WWII. Lokuciewski returned to Poland after the war and Zumbach stayed in Western Europe. They both had a very difficult time after the war. Lokuciewski was even seen as a traitor by the new rulers in Poland and by his former RAF colleagues!

It was not much better in my country. The Poles only received the recognition they deserved for their actions during the battle for Arnhem more than 50 years after the event. The involved Polish soldiers were decorated not earlier than 60 years after the battle! But it is never too late to admit the mistakes made and to try to set things straight.

The repaint has been uploaded and will be available when approved by the chief librarian.

Cheers,
Huub

The real PK-K(rysia)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y210/Huub_Vink/Krysia.jpg

[RobH]

Almost missed this one:redf:

Great looking paint Huub! Thank you!