No. 302 Polish Fighter Squadron facts for kids

Quick facts for kids No. 302 (City of Poznan) Polish Fighter Squadron
Active	10 July 1940 – 18 December 1946
Country	United Kingdom
Allegiance	Polish Government in exile
Branch	Royal Air Force
Role	Fighter and escort
Part of	RAF Fighter Command
Nickname(s)	Poznan Dywizjon Myśliwski "Poznański"
Aircraft	Hawker Hurricane Supermarine Spitfire
Engagements	Battle of Britain Operation Jubilee Bomber escort Battle of Normandy Crossing the Rhine
Commanders
Notable commanders	Piotr Łaguna, Wacław Król
Insignia
Squadron Codes	WX (1940 - Jan 1945) QH (Jan 1945 - Dec 1946)

The No. 302 (City of Poznan) Polish Fighter Squadron RAF (known in Polish as 302 Dywizjon Myśliwski "Poznański") was a special group of fighter pilots. It was formed in Great Britain in 1940. This happened because the Polish Government in Exile and the United Kingdom made an agreement. This squadron was one of several Polish fighter groups. They fought alongside the Royal Air Force during World War II.

The Squadron's Story: How it Began and Fought

The No. 302 Squadron carried on the traditions of an older Polish fighter group. This included their special emblem and many of the first pilots. These pilots came from the pre-war Polish III/3 Fighter Squadron.

Fighting in the Battle of Britain

This squadron was one of four main Polish squadrons in the Royal Air Force. They played a big part in the Battle of Britain. Most of their pilots were Polish. Many of them were experienced fighters. The core group had 13 pilots. They had served with the I/145 Polish Fighter Squadron. They were moved from France during the final stages of the German invasion of France.

The squadron officially started on July 10, 1940. They flew Hawker Hurricane planes. The squadron was part of No. 12 Group RAF. As the fighting got tougher, the 302 Squadron moved to RAF Duxford. This base was north of London. They flew from Duxford from September 14 to September 25. They were part of the 'Big Wing' formation.

Moving Around and Later Battles

After the Battle of Britain, No. 302 Squadron had some success. They patrolled the East Coast. Later, they moved to RAF Jurby on the Isle of Man. There, they practiced flying at night and at low levels.

The squadron also operated from a place called Chailey. On June 11, 1944, No. 302 became the first Polish Squadron to land in France. This was five days after D-Day. They were part of the No. 131 Polish Fighter Wing. Their airfield was attacked by Jagdgeschwader 1 in January 1945. This attack was part of Operation Bodenplatte.

Losses and End of Service

No. 302 Polish Squadron faced many challenges. They lost 20 pilots who were killed. Twelve pilots went missing. Nine pilots were taken as prisoners. The enemy's air defense destroyed 63 of their aircraft. Another 43 planes were damaged.

The squadron was officially closed down on December 18, 1946. This happened at RAF Hethel. A replica of a Hurricane plane, painted with 302 squadron markings, was displayed. It was a gate guardian at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.

Who Led the Squadron: Commanders

Many brave leaders commanded the No. 302 Squadron. Here are some of them:

• July 13, 1940 - Squadron Leader William A. J. Satchell (British overall command)
• July 13, 1940 - S/Ldr (mjr) Mieczysław Mümler
• December 7, 1940 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Piotr Łaguna
• May 19, 1941 - F/Lt (kpt.) Stefan Witorzeńć
• November 28, 1941 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Julian Kowalski
• August 25, 1942 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Stanisław Łapka
• May 16, 1943 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Wieczysław Barański
• October 18, 1943 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Wacław Król
• July 7, 1944 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Marian Duryasz
• January 30, 1945 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Zygmunt Bieńkowski
• February 24, 1945 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Ignacy Olszewski
• March 24, 1945 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Bolesław Kaczmarek
• August 1, 1945 - S/Ldr (kpt.) Jerzy Szymankiewicz (until the squadron closed)

Planes They Flew: Aircraft Operated

The squadron used different types of planes over the years. They always had the best aircraft for their missions.

Images for kids

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  The emblem of No. 302 (City of Poznan) Polish Fighter Squadron.

• 

  The Ensign of the Royal Air Force.

See also

• List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons
• Polish Air Forces in Great Britain
• Polish contribution to World War II