Jadwiga Piłsudska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jadwiga Piłsudska
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| Born | 28 February 1920 |
| Died | 16 November 2014 (aged 94) Warsaw, Poland
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| Nationality | Polish |
| Spouse(s) | Andrzej Jaraczewski |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Poland United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
.svg){kind=small} Polish Air Forces RAF: Air Transport Auxiliary |
| Years of service | 1942-1944 |
| Rank | .svg){kind=small} Second Officer (Flying Officer) |
| Unit | 1st Ferry Pool, White Waltham |
| Awards |       |
Jadwiga Piłsudska-Jaraczewska (born February 28, 1920 – died November 16, 2014) was a brave Polish pilot. She served in the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II. Jadwiga was one of two daughters of Józef Piłsudski, a very important leader in Poland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jadwiga Piłsudska was born in Warsaw, Poland, on February 28, 1920. Her father was Józef Piłsudski, who was a famous Marshal and leader of Poland. He was like the country's president and later a powerful leader.
In 1937, when she was 17, Jadwiga started learning to fly gliders. She quickly earned her pilot's license. After finishing high school in 1939, she planned to study aircraft engineering at the Warsaw Polytechnic.
World War II and Flying for Britain
In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, which started World War II. Jadwiga, her mother, and her older sister had to leave Poland. They went to Lithuania and then traveled to the United Kingdom.
Once in the UK, Jadwiga continued her studies. In 1940, she began studying architecture at Newnham College at Cambridge University.
Joining the Air Transport Auxiliary
After getting her aircraft pilot's license, Jadwiga joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in July 1942. The ATA was a special group of pilots during the war. Their job was to fly unarmed military planes from factories to airfields. They also moved planes that needed repairs.
Jadwiga became a Second Officer, which was like a Flying Officer. She was one of many Polish women who became ferry pilots in Britain during the war. She helped deliver planes across the country.
Continuing Her Studies
In 1944, Jadwiga took a break from flying to continue her education. She enrolled in the Polish School of Architecture at Liverpool University. She graduated in 1946 with an engineering degree in architecture.
Later Life and Return to Poland
In 1944, Jadwiga married Lieutenant Andrzej Jaraczewski. He was an officer in the Polish Navy. Years later, in 1977, Jadwiga and her husband took part in the Thames River Pageant for the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II. This was a big celebration for Queen Elizabeth II.
After the Communist government in Poland ended, Jadwiga returned to her home country in 1990. She lived in Warsaw, the city where she was born. Jadwiga Piłsudska-Jaraczewska passed away on November 16, 2014, at the age of 94.
She was honored for her service and achievements. She received the Bronze Cross of Merit with Swords and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. These are important awards in Poland.
Images for kids
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Marshal Piłsudski with his daughter
See also
In Spanish: Jadwiga Piłsudska para niños
