Aleksander Gabszewicz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aleksander Gabszewicz
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| Born | 6 December 1911 Šiauliai, Russian Empire (now Lithuania) |
| Died | 10 October 1983 (aged 71) Malvern, Worcestershire, England |
| Service/ |
 Polish Land Forces Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Generał brygady |
| Service number | P-0163 |
| Unit | Border Defence Corps No. 607 Squadron RAF No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Commands held | No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron 2nd Polish Wing 1st Polish Wing 56th USAAF Fighter Group |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
Aleksander Klemens Gabszewicz (born December 6, 1911 – died October 10, 1983) was a brave Polish fighter pilot. He was known as a "fighter ace" during World War II. This means he shot down many enemy planes. He officially shot down 9 and a half planes, and probably 2 more.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Training
Aleksander Gabszewicz was born in Šiauliai. This place was part of the Russian Empire back then. Today, it is in Lithuania. In 1931, he joined the Polish Army.
At first, he served as an infantry NCO. This means he was a non-commissioned officer in the foot soldiers. But he wanted to fly! In 1938, he went to a special flying school. It was called the Eagles' School in Dęblin. After graduating, he joined the air wing of the Border Defence Corps. Just before World War II began, he was a tactical officer. He worked with the IV/1 Fighter Group.
World War II Heroics
World War II started on September 1, 1939. On that very day, around 9 AM, Aleksander Gabszewicz made his first "kill." He shot down a German Heinkel He 111 plane. This happened over a town called Ciechanów. Some people say this was the very first German plane shot down in World War II.
He was shot down himself on the same day. But he managed to get to France. There, he became a commanding officer. He led the 5th key of Groupe de Chasse III/10. His job was to protect the city of Besançon. While flying a Bloch 151 plane, he shot down another enemy aircraft. This time it was a Dornier Do 17.
Fighting with the RAF
After France gave up, Aleksander Gabszewicz went to the United Kingdom. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He flew with No. 607 Squadron RAF. Then he joined the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. In December 1940, he became a flight commander. This was in No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron. He became the main commanding officer of this squadron in November 1941.
He later worked at the 11 Group HQ. He also became an instructor at 58 OTU. In June 1943, he was made a wing commander. He led the 2nd Polish Wing and then the 1st Polish Wing. He even worked with the 56th USAAF Fighter Group in December 1943. In February 1944, he commanded 131 Wing RAF. He led this wing during the invasion of Normandy. In February 1945, he became the commanding officer of RAF Coltishall.
After the War
Aleksander Gabszewicz ended the war as a Polish generał brygady. This is a high rank, like a brigadier general. He stayed in the United Kingdom after the war. He passed away in Malvern in 1983. In 1992, his ashes were brought back to Poland. They were scattered over Warsaw and Dęblin.
Legacy
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has a special plane. It is a Spitfire called TE311. This plane is painted to look like the aircraft Gabszewicz flew. He flew that plane in Germany from April to June 1945. It helps people remember his bravery.
Decorations
Aleksander Gabszewicz received many awards for his courage:
Distinguished Service Order (with Bar)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Croix de Guerre (France)
Virtuti Militari (Golden Cross)
Virtuti Militari (Silver Cross)
Commander's Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta
Cross of Valour, four times
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