New book on 303 Kosciuszko Squadron

Discussions on all aspects of Poland during the Second Polish Republic and the Second World War. Hosted by Piotr Kapuscinski.
Post Reply
User avatar
Ogorek
Member
Posts: 736
Joined: 18 May 2002, 00:23
Location: USA

New book on 303 Kosciuszko Squadron

#1

Post by Ogorek » 06 Oct 2003, 21:06

A QUESTION OF HONOR......

see : http://www.questionofhonor.com

mars
Member
Posts: 1174
Joined: 03 Oct 2002, 20:50
Location: Shanghai

#2

Post by mars » 06 Oct 2003, 23:12

I heard some of the member of Polish pilots who servered in RAF in WWII returned to Poland after the war, could anyone tell me their fate in the Soviet-controlled Poland ?


User avatar
Eryk
Member
Posts: 31
Joined: 21 Aug 2003, 16:04
Location: Warsaw, Poland

#3

Post by Eryk » 07 Oct 2003, 12:55

Hallo,

About 303 squadron and other Polish squadrons

http://www.geocities.com/skrzydla/



After war:

Stanisaw Skalski, 19-21 victories (not sure).

Come back to Poland in 1947 (June 8th ). His baggage was being kept by police. Lost books, diary and other papers.

In 1948 – arrested and accused of spying (for MI 6). Beaten and tortured. Sentenced to death. He refused to sign a claim for pardon.
In 1951 death sentence was being changed to life imprisonment (by President Bierut), but Skalski didn’t know about this till 1953.

In prison during six week Skalski wrote a book : “Black crosses over Poland”.

Released in April 1956. Firstly refused to join new “Polish” army. He agreed after “Octobers events” in 1956. Worked for Air Force General Staff.

From 1972 in reserve. In 1988 promoted to general.

Despite pressures, never joined communistic party.



Witold Urbanowicz

Came to Poland in 1946. Immediately arrested. Unawares released. Taking an advantage escaped from Poland. Died in USA August 17th 1996.


Colonel (?) Michowski - killed.

Colonel (?) Scibor – killed.

(hope) to be continued ...

User avatar
PolAntek
Member
Posts: 534
Joined: 23 Oct 2002, 05:41
Location: The Beautiful West Coast of Canada

#4

Post by PolAntek » 08 Oct 2003, 23:58

Thanks for the link Ogorek.

Picked up a copy of the book yesterday and read through the first several chapters. Very well written. One of those books that’s difficult to put down once you’ve started reading.

This is a story that needs to be told. The disgusting treatment of the Poles after all of their sacrifices and huge contribution to the Allied victory is one of the most pathetic episodes of the WW2 era. It’s high time that the Poles get the credit and respect that they deserve. Unfortunately, most of those brave souls are no longer with us to receive their long overdue recognition.

User avatar
Benoit Douville
Member
Posts: 3184
Joined: 11 Mar 2002, 02:13
Location: Montréal

#5

Post by Benoit Douville » 09 Oct 2003, 01:59

Yep, this is a great thread. The Poles played a huge role in the Battle of England against the powerful Luftwaffe and in other Air Battle in the sky over Europe. We have to remember them.

Regards

Post Reply

Return to “Poland 1919-1945”