Marian Bełc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marian Bełc
DSO DFC**
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| Born | 27 January 1914 Paplin Russian Empire (present-day Poland) |
| Died | 27 August 1942 (aged 27) RAF Babdown Farm, England |
| Allegiance |  Poland France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force France Armée de l'Air Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1934-1942 |
| Rank | podporucznik |
| Service number | P-1901 |
| Unit | Polish 143rd Fighter Escadrille Polish 152nd Fighter Escadrille No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Polish Defensive War, World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Cross of Valour; Distinguished Flying Cross (UK) |
Marian Bełc (27 January 1914 – 27 August 1942) was a brave Polish fighter ace during World War II. A "fighter ace" is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft in air combat. Marian Bełc was credited with shooting down 7 enemy planes by himself and sharing credit for one more. He was a hero who fought for freedom.
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Early Life and Pilot Training
Marian Bełc was born in Paplin, which is now part of Poland. He loved flying and decided to become a pilot. He finished his pilot training at the Lublinek air base near Łódź.
In 1934, he joined the Polish Air Force. He was first assigned to the 143rd Fighter Escadrille. An "escadrille" is like a squadron, a group of military aircraft. Later, in 1937, he moved to the 152nd Fighter Escadrille.
Fighting in World War II
Defending Poland
World War II began in 1939. Germany invaded Poland, starting a big conflict. During this time, Marian Bełc shot down his first enemy plane. It was a German Bf 109 fighter jet, which he took down on September 3, 1939.
After the Soviet Union also invaded Poland, Marian Bełc had to leave his home country. He traveled through Romania to reach France. Many Polish pilots went to France to continue fighting.
Flying for France
In France, Marian Bełc joined a French air unit. This unit had other brave Polish pilots, including famous aces like Jan Zumbach and Stanisław Karubin. They fought together against the German forces.
However, France was also defeated by Germany. So, Marian Bełc and many other Polish pilots moved to the United Kingdom to keep fighting.
Hero of the Battle of Britain
In the UK, Marian Bełc joined the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. This squadron played a very important part in the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where the British Royal Air Force defended the UK from German air attacks.
During the Battle of Britain, Marian Bełc showed incredible skill. He shot down six German planes. His bravery helped protect the UK from invasion.
Family Life and Later Service
In 1941, Marian Bełc married Audrey Stephenson. They had a son named Marian Edward later that year.
In 1942, Marian Bełc became an instructor. He taught new pilots at an Operational Training Unit (OTU). An OTU is where pilots learn how to fly combat missions.
A Tragic End
Sadly, Marian Bełc died on August 27, 1942. He was on a training flight with a British pilot when their plane crashed. Both pilots were killed in the accident. Marian Bełc was a true hero who gave his life fighting for freedom during World War II.
Planes Shot Down
Marian Bełc was a skilled pilot. Here are some of the enemy planes he shot down:
- Bf 109 - September 3, 1939
- 1/8 Do 215 - September 18, 1940
- Bf 109 - September 26, 1940
- Bf 110 - October 5, 1940
- Bf 109 - October 7, 1940
- Bf 109 - June 24, 1941
- Bf 109 - June 28, 1941
- Bf 109 - July 24, 1941
Awards and Honors
Marian Bełc received several important awards for his bravery and skill:
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