Wacław Król facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wacław Król
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| Born | 25 December 1915 Krakówka |
| Died | 15 June 1991 (aged 75) Warszawa |
| Allegiance |  Poland France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force France Armée de l'Air Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1935-1947 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Service number | P1299 |
| Unit | No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron Polish Fighting Team 3rd Polish Fighter Wing No. 131 Wing RAF |
| Battles/wars | Polish Defensive War, World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari; Cross of Valour; Distinguished Flying Cross (UK) |
Wacław Król (born 1915, died 1991) was a brave Polish military pilot. He became an important officer, known as an air colonel, in the Polish Air Force.
During World War II, he was part of the Polish Air Forces in France and Great Britain. He fought alongside the Royal Air Force (RAF) from the United Kingdom. Wacław Król became a wing commander, a high rank for a pilot. He was also one of the best Polish fighter pilots, known as an "ace," shooting down many enemy planes. After the war, he became a successful writer, sharing stories about Polish air units.
Early Life and First Battles
Wacław Król finished his training at the Polish Air Force Academy in 1935. He then joined the Polish Air Forces. He was a deputy commander of the Polish 121st Fighter Escadrille.
His first victory in the air happened on the very first day of World War II. He helped shoot down a German plane called a Henschel Hs 126. During the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, he shot down another German bomber, a Heinkel He 111.
After the invasion, he escaped to Romania with his unit. He managed to get away from there and reach France. In France, he rejoined the Polish Air Forces. He helped the French air force during the Battle of France. During this time, he shot down two more German bombers and possibly a third.
Fighting in Great Britain and North Africa
Wacław Król later moved to North Africa and then to Great Britain. He joined Polish air units there. He took part in the famous Battle of Britain. During this battle, he shot down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 over London. He also helped shoot down a Junkers Ju 88 bomber.
He continued to serve with different Polish units throughout the war. He flew with the No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron, where he shot down a Bf 109 and a Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Later, he joined the Polish Fighting Team in North Africa. This team was also known as "Skalski's Circus." In North Africa, he shot down two German Messerschmitts Bf 109 and one Italian Macchi C.202.
Return to Europe and Later Life
In October 1943, Wacław Król returned to Europe. He became the commanding officer of the 302 Polish Fighter Squadron. He eventually became the leader of the entire 3rd Polish Fighter Wing in March 1945. He also led the No. 1 Polish Wing in July 1945.
During the war, Wacław Król flew 286 missions. He was officially credited with shooting down 8.5 or 9 enemy planes. He also had 3 other possible kills.
After the war, he went back to Poland. He eventually rejoined the Polish Army and became a Colonel. After retiring, he became a very successful author. He wrote over 30 books about the history of Polish air units during World War II.
