Arsen Cebrzyński facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arsen Cebrzyński
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Photography of Arsen Cebrzyński.
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| Born | 8 March 1912 Batumi, Russian Empire (now Georgia) |
| Died | 11 September 1940 (aged 28) Pembury, England, United Kingdom |
| Buried |
Northwood Cemetery, London, United Kingdom
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| Allegiance |  Poland (1934–1939) France (1939–1940) United Kingdom (1940) |
| Service/ |
Polish Air Force (1934–1939) French Air Force (1939–1940) Royal Air Force (1940) |
| Years of service | 1934–1940 |
| Rank |  second lieutenant (1934–1938) lieutenant (1938–1940) flying officer (Royal Air Force) |
| Unit | 1st Aviation Regiment (1934–1936) 111th Fighter Escadrille (1936–1939) Frontal Group Ce (1940) No. 303 Squadron (1940) |
| Commands held | Frontal Group Ce (1940) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Pilot Field Badge 2 Crosses of Valour Aviation Medal |
Arsen Cebrzyński (born March 8, 1912 – died September 11, 1940) was a brave aircraft pilot. He served in the air forces of three different countries during World War II: Polish Air Force, French Air Force, and the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the UK. He fought in major battles like the Invasion of Poland, the Battle of France, and the Battle of Britain.
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A Pilot's Journey
Arsen Cebrzyński was born in Batumi, which was part of the Russian Empire then, but is now in Georgia. In 1918, when he was six, his family moved to Warsaw in the newly independent Second Polish Republic.
Joining the Polish Air Force
In 1932, Arsen began his training at the Polish Air Force University. By August 1934, he became a second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 1st Aviation Regiment. In 1936, after more training, he joined the 111th Fighter Escadrille, a special fighter squadron. In March 1938, he was promoted to lieutenant.
When Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, starting World War II, Arsen was one of the first Polish pilots to shoot down enemy planes.
- On September 3, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 109. He also helped shoot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 with two other pilots.
- On September 5, he helped destroy a Junkers Ju 87 bomber.
Fighting for France
After Poland was defeated, Arsen escaped through Romania to France. There, he joined the French Air Force. He became a leader of a group called Frontal Group Ce, flying Bloch MB.150 fighter planes. He took part in the Battle of France.
- On June 5, 1940, he shot down a Heinkel He 111 bomber. He also helped shoot down another one with a teammate.
- On June 15, he helped destroy a Henschel Hs 126 plane with two other pilots.
Joining the RAF in Britain
After France fell, Arsen traveled to the United Kingdom, arriving in England in July 1940. He joined the famous No. 303 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). This squadron was made up mostly of Polish pilots.
His first combat flight with No. 303 Squadron was on September 11, 1940. He flew a Hawker Hurricane fighter plane. His squadron took off to stop enemy planes over the Horsham area. During this flight, he likely shot down a Dornier Do 17 bomber. However, his plane was badly damaged in the fight, and he was seriously injured. His plane crashed, and he sadly died. He was buried at Northwood Cemetery in London.
Military Ranks
Arsen Cebrzyński held different ranks in the air forces he served:
Polish Air Force
- Second lieutenant (1934–1938)
- Lieutenant (1938–1940)
Royal Air Force
- flying officer
Awards
Arsen Cebrzyński received several awards for his bravery:
- Pilot Field Badge
- Cross of Valour (twice)
- Aviation Medal
Air Combat Achievements
Arsen Cebrzyński was a skilled pilot. He is recognized for shooting down enemy planes during the war.
Confirmed Destroyed Planes
- One Messerschmitt Bf 109 on September 3, 1939.
- Half of a Messerschmitt Bf 110 on September 3, 1939 (shared with two other pilots).
- Part of a Junkers Ju 87 on September 5, 1939 (shared with others).
- One Heinkel He 111 on June 5, 1940.
- Half of another Heinkel He 111 on June 5, 1940 (shared with one other pilot).
- One-third of a Henschel Hs 126 on June 15, 1940 (shared with two other pilots).
Probably Destroyed Planes
- One Dornier Do 17 on September 11, 1940.
