Mieczysław Mümler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mieczysław Mümler
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 10 December 1899 Lwów |
| Died | 5 September 1985 (aged 85) London |
| Allegiance |  Poland France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force France Armée de l'Air Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1918-1946 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Service number | P-1288 |
| Unit | III/3 Fighter Squadron Groupe de Chasse II/7 No. 302 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Commands held | III/3 Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Croix de Guerre |
Mieczysław Mümler (born December 10, 1899 – died September 5, 1985) was a brave Polish pilot. He was known as a "fighter ace" because he shot down many enemy planes during World War II. He served in the Polish, French, and British air forces, showing great courage in the skies. He had 5 confirmed victories and one shared victory.
Contents
A Young Hero's Start
Mieczysław Mümler was born in Lwów, a city in Poland, in 1899. When he was just 19, in November 1918, he joined a group of young people called the Lwów Eaglets. They bravely defended their city and Mieczysław was even wounded in a fight.
In February 1919, he joined an artillery regiment, which uses large guns. He also took part in the Greater Poland Uprising (1918–19), fighting for Poland's freedom. Three years later, he finished artillery school and became a second lieutenant.
Becoming a Pilot
In 1926, Mieczysław decided he wanted to fly! He asked to join the Air Force, and his request was accepted. He trained to be a pilot in Lida.
By 1929, he was so good that he took charge of a fighter squadron in Poznań. A squadron is a group of military aircraft. He also taught other pilots at the High Aviation School in Grudziądz.
Fighting in World War II
When World War II began in September 1939, Mieczysław Mümler was leading the III/3 Fighter Squadron. On September 6, he shot down his first enemy plane, a German He 111. Six days later, he shot down two more enemy planes: another Heinkel and a Hs 126.
As the war continued, he had to leave Poland and went to France. There, he flew a French plane called a Dewoitine D.520. On June 1, 1940, he shot down another He 111. On June 15, he shared a victory, meaning he helped shoot down a Do 17 with another pilot.
The Battle of Britain
After France was defeated, Mieczysław traveled a long way to Britain. He helped set up and lead No. 302 Polish Fighter Squadron. This squadron played a big part in the Battle of Britain, where British and Allied pilots defended Britain from German air attacks.
On September 18, 1940, he shot down a Do 215 during this famous battle. Later, he became a commander at training units, helping new pilots learn to fly. In September 1942, he took command of the Polish Air Force base in Northolt. He even flew on missions sometimes, and on February 3, 1943, he damaged a German Fw 190 plane.
Life After the War
Mieczysław Mümler finished his military service in 1946. He decided to live in London, where he worked as a baker. He passed away on September 5, 1985.
Planes Shot Down
Here are the enemy planes Mieczysław Mümler helped to shoot down:
- He 111 - September 6, 1939
- He 111 - September 12, 1939
- Hs 126 - September 12, 1939
- He 111 - June 1, 1940
- Do 17 – June 15, 1940 (shared victory)
- Do 215 (or Do 17) - September 18, 1940
Awards and Recognition
Mieczysław Mümler received several important awards for his bravery:
