Geriaviator, a fine picture indeed and a reminder that the Royal Air Force then was a very cosmopolitan mix of British, Commonwealth/Empire, USA, European, plus other aviators and engineers. It is difficult sometimes for we, the hosts of that eclectic mix , to understand fully the experiences and motivations that brought them all to the UK, but come they did. We need to remember that the final victory was theirs as much as it was ours. In many of those countries the passage was ordained by official process whereby volunteers and drafted alike were trained and transported in vast numbers from the four corners of the world.
For the occupied nations of Europe though it was very much up to each individual as to the stance, let alone the action, to take. It is a tribute to them that so many took the decision to re-join the fight in order to defeat the Axis and thus liberate their own country. Of all those countries the greatest contribution was made by Poland, and the Royal Air Force owes them in particular a great debt of gratitude. That they and the other Eastern Europe countries were plunged from Nazi domination into Communist domination is the tragic irony of their service and sacrifice for freedom. The civil population may herald them as skilled plumbers, builders, dentists, whatever, but anyone who was privileged as I was to serve alongside them in the Cold War views them with respect and affection. We should always remember that debt, that sacrifice, and as a Service celebrate it, especially at this time of year.
Franek, thanks again for your observations re 303 etc stepping in to let UK squadrons go all out as Autumn 1940 became winter. It was very much a case of being in the right place at the right time with the right people. It was, as the good Duke almost observed, a damn close run thing! Your mention of Major Mieczysław "Rygor" Słowikowski and the link to his story reminds us the Polish contribution to the Allied War Effort was not restricted to aviators by any means. The fighting Poles all punched above their weight, but Rygor was even by their standards a very special case. Respect!
The poster of Franciszek Grabowski says it all. A determined man set upon a mission. As you say, it is sad that politics and policy have got in the way of learning more about such men behind the official versions and statistics. All the more reason to garner as much as we can. Time is of the essence!