To add further embarrassment, this letter was posted in the DT from Sqn Ldr Kornicki's son...
Journey to remember
SIR – My father, Franciszek Kornicki, was surprised by the support for him in the RAF Museum poll to choose a representative – not the “greatest” – Spitfire pilot (report, September 22).
But he was gravely embarrassed that you should credit him with 17 kills while serving in 303 Sqn during the Battle of Britain, and describe him as the top-scoring Battle of Britain pilot. You appear to have confused him with the Czech pilot in 303 Sqn, Sgt František, who did achieve this distinction before being killed.
My father is not in fact credited with any victories, then or later. He served as a Pilot Officer in 303 Sqn briefly towards the end of the Battle of Britain period, converting on to Hurricanes, but he has always rigorously rebutted any suggestion that he thus qualified as a Battle of Britain pilot – well aware of the distinction of those who endured that conflict and achieved so much.
Fighting in Poland, escaping through Romania, fighting in France, and escaping again to continue the struggle in Britain is the story of so many in the Polish Air Force.
My father’s role in that was commonplace; but as the only surviving Polish Squadron Commander, his importance now is as a witness and a representative of that remarkable wartime journey. That is distinction enough.
Richard Kornicki
Chairman, Polish Air Force Memorial Committee
Oops