Eugeniusz Szaposznikow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugeniusz Szaposznikow
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_Squadron_RAF_with_one_of_their_Hawker_Hurricanes,_October_1940._CH1535.jpg)
Szaposznikow, far left
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| Born | 17 July 1917 |
| Died | 8 July 1991 (aged 73) Nottingham |
| Allegiance |  Poland France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force France Armée de l'Air Royal Air Force |
| Rank | kapitan |
| Service number | P-1653 |
| Unit | 111th Fighter Escadrille (Poland) No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Polish Defensive War, World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Cross of Valour; Cross of Merit (Poland); Distinguished Flying Medal |
Eugeniusz Szaposznikow (born July 17, 1917 – died July 8, 1991) was a brave Polish pilot during World War II. He was known as a "fighter ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. He is officially credited with destroying 8 enemy aircraft and sharing credit for one more.
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A Polish Hero in the Skies
Eugeniusz Szaposznikow began his military career in the Polish Air Force. When World War II started in September 1939, he was part of the 111th Fighter Escadrille. On September 1, 1939, he damaged a German He 111 bomber.
After Poland was invaded, he traveled through Romania to France. There, he continued to fight with the French air force. When France surrendered, he moved to the United Kingdom. On August 2, 1940, he joined the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. This squadron was made up of Polish pilots who continued to fight for freedom.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
Eugeniusz Szaposznikow played an important role in the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle over Britain in 1940, where the British and Allied air forces defended against German attacks.
From August 31 to October 7, 1940, Szaposznikow shot down eight German aircraft. In May 1941, he became an instructor, teaching new pilots. Later, in December 1943, he was briefly with No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron before returning to No. 303 Squadron.
After the war ended, Eugeniusz Szaposznikow stayed in the United Kingdom. He changed his name to Sharman. He passed away on July 8, 1991, in Nottingham.
His Aerial Victories
Here are the enemy aircraft Eugeniusz Szaposznikow shot down or damaged:
- He 111 - September 1, 1939 (damaged)
- 1/3 Hs 126 - during the Battle of France (shared credit)
- Bf 109 - August 31, 1940
- Do 215 - September 7, 1940
- Bf 109 - September 7, 1940
- 2 x Bf 110 - September 11, 1940
- Bf 109 - September 23, 1940
- Bf 109 - September 27, 1940
- Bf 109 - October 7, 1940 (and one damaged on the same day)
Awards and Recognition
Eugeniusz Szaposznikow received several important awards for his bravery and service: 
Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross (a very high Polish military honor) _4r_BAR.PNG){kind=small}
Cross of Valour (Poland), four times (awarded for acts of bravery) 
Cross of Merit (Poland) 
Distinguished Flying Medal (a British award for bravery in air operations)
Military Ranks
Eugeniusz Szaposznikow was promoted through the ranks during his service:
- podporucznik (Second Lieutenant) - November 1941
- porucznik (Lieutenant) - November 1, 1942
- kapitan (Captain) - November 1, 1944
