Witold Łokuciewski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Witold Łokuciewski
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Witold Łokuciewski
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| Nickname(s) | Tolo |
| Born | 2 February 1917 Novocherkassk, Russian Empire |
| Died | 17 April 1990 (aged 73) Warsaw, Poland |
| Buried |
Powązki Military Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  Poland |
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| Years of service | 1935–1947 and 1956–1974 |
| Rank |  colonel pilot |
| Service number | P1492 |
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| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | World War II : |
| Awards |      _2r_BAR.svg){kind=small}         |
| Other work | Military attaché |
Witold Łokuciewski (born February 2, 1917 – died April 17, 1990) was a brave Polish fighter pilot during World War II. He was known by his nickname, Tolo. He was considered a "fighter ace" because he shot down many enemy planes.
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Witold's Early Life and Training
Witold Łokuciewski was born in Novocherkassk, which was part of the Russian Empire at the time. In 1918, his family moved to Vilnius. He finished high school in Oszmiana in 1935.
After high school, he decided to become a pilot. He joined the Polish Air Force University in Dęblin. He graduated in 1938 and became a pilot in the 112 Fighter Squadron. This squadron was based in Warsaw, Poland.
Fighting in Poland (1939)
In 1939, when World War II began, Witold fought to defend Warsaw. He flew a PZL P.11 plane. After the Soviet invasion of Poland, his squadron had to escape to Romania.
Serving in the French Air Force
Witold Łokuciewski continued to fight in France during the Battle of France. From May 17, 1940, he flew an MS 406 fighter plane. He was part of the Polish air force that was set up in France.
His squadron stopped flying on June 18, 1940, after the French Prime Minister called for a ceasefire. Witold was then evacuated to Great Britain on June 21. He was given the service number P1492.
Joining the Royal Air Force
On August 2, 1940, Witold became a pilot in 303 Squadron. This was a very important Polish squadron fighting for the Allies as part of the Royal Air Force (RAF). He quickly started flying missions.
Leading the Squadron
Witold was a skilled pilot. On November 20, 1941, he was given command of the 303 Squadron. He was very active in battles throughout 1940 and 1941. His nickname "Tolo" was well-known among his fellow pilots.
Captured by Germans
On March 13, 1942, Witold was on a mission over German-occupied France. His plane was damaged, and he had to make an emergency landing. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp called Stalag Luft III. This camp was near Sagan, which is now Żagań in Poland.
While he was a prisoner, Witold helped with a famous escape attempt in 1944. This event is known as "The Great Escape".
Returning to Duty
In May 1945, when the war ended, Witold was freed and returned to England. He rejoined the 303 Squadron on November 29, 1945. In February 1946, he became the commanding officer of No. 303 Squadron again. The squadron was later disbanded in December of that year.
Witold was officially credited with shooting down 9 enemy planes (and sharing credit for 1 more). He also likely shot down 4 other planes. This impressive record earned him the title of "fighter ace." This title was first used in World War I for pilots who shot down five enemy planes.
Life After the War in Poland
Witold returned to Poland in 1947. However, the new government at the time, which was Communist, put him in prison for a while. After he was released, he worked as a taxi driver in Warsaw.
In 1956, he was allowed to rejoin the Polish Air Force. He rose to a high rank. From 1969 to 1971, he worked as a military attaché in London. This means he was a military expert working at the Polish embassy.
He retired in 1974. Later, he became involved in groups that honored war heroes and protected important historical sites.
A Fighter's Feelings
In 1989, Witold was asked what a fighter pilot feels like when attacking an enemy. He replied that first there is fear when flying through heavy gunfire. Then comes determination. Finally, if the enemy plane is shot down in smoke and fire, there is a "great massive satisfaction."
Witold Łokuciewski passed away on April 17, 1990. He was buried at the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw.
Witold's Confirmed Kills
Witold Łokuciewski was listed as the 20th best Polish fighter pilot on Bajan's list. He had 8 confirmed plane kills and 4 probable kills.
Confirmed Enemy Planes Shot Down
- Heinkel He 111 on June 10, 1940, flying an MS-406
- Dornier Do 215 on September 7, 1940, flying a Hurricane Mk. I
- Messerschmitt Bf 109 on September 11, 1940, flying a Hurricane Mk I
- Do 215 on September 11, 1940, flying a Hurricane Mk I
- Bf 109 on September 15, 1940, flying a Hurricane Mk I
- Bf 109 on April 20, 1941, flying a Spitfire Mk IIA
- Bf 109 on June 18, 1941, flying a Spitfire Mk IIA
- Bf 109 on June 22, 1941, flying a Spitfire Mk IIB
Awards and Honors
Witold Łokuciewski received many awards for his bravery and service:
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