Bolesław Drobiński facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bolesław Drobiński
DFC
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| Born | 23 October 1918 Ostroh, Poland |
| Died | 26 July 1995 (aged 76) England |
| Allegiance |  Poland United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937-1948 |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | 76731 |
| Unit | No. 65 Squadron RAF No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron No. 317 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Polish Defensive War, World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Cross of Valour; Distinguished Flying Cross (UK) |
Bolesław Drobiński (born October 23, 1918 – died July 26, 1995) was a brave Polish fighter ace. He was a pilot in the Polish Air Force during World War II. He was known for shooting down seven enemy planes and sharing credit for another.
Contents
Life Story of a Pilot
Bolesław Drobiński first flew a glider in 1934. This was a type of aircraft that flies without an engine. On January 2, 1938, he joined the Polish Air Force Academy. This was a school for future pilots in Poland.
World War II Begins
When World War II started with the Invasion of Poland, Drobiński had to leave his home country. He traveled through Romania and Italy to reach France. From there, he made his way to England. Many Polish pilots came to England to continue fighting.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
On September 11, 1940, Drobiński joined No. 65 Squadron RAF. This squadron was part of the British Royal Air Force. He took part in the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where British and Allied pilots defended the UK from German attacks.
On March 2, 1941, he moved to the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. This squadron was known for its skill and bravery. On May 15, 1941, he damaged a German transport plane, a Junkers Ju 52, while it was on the ground.
Famous Encounter
A notable event happened on June 21, 1941. Drobiński badly damaged the plane of a famous German pilot named Adolf Galland. Galland was forced to make an emergency landing. This showed Drobiński's great flying skills.
Later War Service
From March to August 1942, Drobiński worked as an instructor. He taught new pilots at a training unit. On October 18, 1943, he joined No. 317 Polish Fighter Squadron. Later, in April 1944, he started working at the Ministry of Defence. This is a government department that manages the country's armed forces. On September 26, 1944, he became the leader of No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron.
After the War
Bolesław Drobiński finished his military service in 1948. He then worked in the oil industry in America. In the 1950s, he settled in a village in Surrey, England. He became a British citizen in 1960.
In 1969, he helped with the movie about the war, called Battle of Britain. He was a technical advisor, making sure the flying scenes were accurate. He married a woman from South Africa in 1943. They had two sons and one daughter.
Planes Shot Down
Here are some of the enemy planes Bolesław Drobiński helped to shoot down:
- June 18, 1941 – 2 Bf 109s
- June 21, 1941 – 1 Bf 109
- June 22, 1941 – 1 Bf 109
- June 25, 1941 – 1 Bf 109
- July 3, 1941 – 1 Bf 109
- July 6, 1941 – Part credit for 1 Bf 109 (likely destroyed)
- July 7, 1941 – Part credit for 1 plane
- July 24, 1941 – 1 Bf 109 (likely destroyed)
- October 24, 1941 – 1 Bf 109 (likely destroyed)
- March 13, 1942 – 1 Bf 109
Awards and Recognition
Bolesław Drobiński received several important awards for his bravery and service:
- Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross: This is one of Poland's highest military honors.
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- Cross of Valour (Poland), three times: This Polish award recognizes acts of courage.
- Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom): This British award is given for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air."
