To Danny and all - Polish airmen in the RAF
 

Gents
Some 500 Polish airmen joined the RAF post-war. I have collated a list of around 400 names but information about them is rather vague, dry ORB entries and very few memories.
I am after any recollections, anecdotes or stories, as elaborate as possible. Also any photos, log book entries or whatever documentary evidence are most welcome.
I cannot say if it will turn into a book and when, but I think the history is worth of preservation.
Thank you in advance.
Franek
https://www.facebook.com/Franciszek-...1360809684411/

Franek, Ta !

Are you related to SATCO Church Fenton c 1969?

If you are interested in a colourful Polish Met forecaster I can provide anecdotes. Also, there were a fair number of your countrymen at RAF Topcliffe in mid 1960s ... I have at least two names, a Flt Lt and a MPlt.

Vic Strilkowski (Spelling?) Polish Chief Tech Engines at Tern Hill and Shawbury prior to 1975, when I met him.
He was also known as Stril Vicowski, and used the call for "Dat stinking eM-Dee-Rrr Macheen!" (MRD for the uninitiated)

Last time i met him was in a Birmingham Departure Lounge in October 76...I was going on my Honeymoon!

No, I am sorry, but I am not related to any airman of my name, at least I am not aware of it. It is a popular name in Poland, and some made abroad, hence two pilots in Britain during WWI, one of them killed in R101 crash.
Yes, go on with any names and any stories, looking forward!
Strilkowski - I must look for similar name, as I do not find him at first glance.
Best wishes
Franek

Scouse ,ETPS No 10 Course,1951....

Sycamore
Yes thanks-by a weird twist of fate my uncle was adjutant(flying) at ETPS when it celebrated its 25th anniversary and produced a "glossy" part of which consisted of all the course photographs upto that point so have a picture.

SF

SF,I was on 27/6 Course at B-D..

Franek,

Check your PMs

ExMudmover

My colleague was "Kas": small, very smart, very polite, punctual, meticulous .............

Polish test pilot at RAF St Athan late sixties/early seventies, cannot remember his name. Jumped in front of my car while I was driving through camp and asked me to drive him to Barry. He wanted to put a bet on at the local bookies and the horse race was imminent. So I did and made my excuses when I got back to work.

SF,yes,but I was rotary,so we don`t need a competent engineer...!!!!

SF
On 28/29 August 1942 Tyszko baled out of his stricken Wellington and landed near Geetbets. He did not make contact with underground and on 2 September 1942 entered British Consulate at San Sebastian. A month later he was back in the UK, and gave a tour giving lectures on survival in enemy held territory. I recall the story as being told by one of his pals. He had unassuming look, and could easily masquerade as a Frenchman. He managed to the Spanish border in Pyrenees, and went into a queue of labour, either French or Spanish, trying to cross the border. He realised that there is a document check, but did not panic, folded a newspaper to ID format, and when against German guard, in quick motion he put the 'documents' just in front of the face of the guard, so he had to step back, and let him go. When at San Sebastian, he spend quite a while observing Spanish guards, until he realised what is the best moment, and then ran into consulate.

I know Zamoyski's book, and got some interesting stuff from the author.

Please, follow on!
Franek

Our copilot on tankers was John Grzybowski (thus spelt) - an alternative spelling of your name I assume Franek. His father had also been an RAF pilot but I have no details I'm afraid. John was unfortunately killed when instructing on Gnats at Valley.