Zdzisław Henneberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zdzisław Henneberg
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Zdzisław Henneberg
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| Born | 11 May 1911 Warsaw, Kingdom of Poland |
| Died | 12 May 1941 (aged 30) English Channel, off Dungeness, England |
| Allegiance |  Poland |
| Service/ |
 Polish Air Force Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1931-1941 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Service number | P1393 |
| Unit | No. 303 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 303 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Virtuti Militari, Distinguished Flying Cross, Krzyz Zaslugi (Triple Bar), Croix de Guerre |
Zdzisław Karol Henneberg was a brave Polish pilot. He flew with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He was a "flying ace," which means he shot down many enemy planes. He is especially remembered for his role in the Battle of Britain.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Air Force
Zdzisław Henneberg was born in Warsaw, Poland, on May 11, 1911. He joined the Polish Air Force and became a flight instructor. This meant he taught other pilots how to fly.
When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, World War II began. Henneberg wanted to fight. He volunteered to join the combat pilots. After another invasion by the Soviet Union, he escaped Poland. He traveled through Romania to France. There, he continued his pilot training.
Fighting in France
During the Battle of France in 1940, Henneberg led a group of fighter planes. His group flew MB.152 fighter jets. Their base was in Châteauroux.
When the French forces left their base, Henneberg and three other Polish pilots flew to England. This was a very rare escape by plane from France to England during the war.
Hero of the Battle of Britain
On August 2, 1940, Henneberg joined No. 303 Squadron RAF. This was a famous Polish squadron in the RAF. It was led by Squadron Leader Kellett.
Henneberg was shot down on his very first mission on August 31. But he survived! Just two days later, he damaged an enemy plane. On September 7, he shot down one Bf 109 and likely another.
On September 15, 1940, known as Battle of Britain Day, he was attacked by several enemy planes. He fought back and destroyed a Do 17 bomber.
Henneberg became the temporary leader of No. 303 Squadron on September 21, 1940. He shot down another Bf 109 on September 27. On October 5, he destroyed a Bf 110 plane.
For his bravery and eight victories in the Battle of Britain, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This was a very important award.
Final Missions and Disappearance
Henneberg took permanent command of No. 303 Squadron on February 20, 1941.
On April 12, 1941, he led six Supermarine Spitfire planes on a mission. They attacked enemy airfields in France. During the attack, anti-aircraft fire hit Henneberg's plane.
He managed to fly his damaged plane away from enemy territory. But he had to ditch it in the English Channel. This happened about 20 miles from Dungeness, England. Another pilot saw him in the water and reported his location. However, a two-day search could not find him. His body was never recovered.
Zdzisław Henneberg is remembered on several memorials. These include the Battle of Britain Monument in London and the Polish War Memorial near RAF Northolt.
See also
- List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea
