Poles In The Defence of Britain by Robert Gretzyngier - Signed Edition

POLES IN THE DEFENCE OF BRITAIN By Robert Gretzyngier

A Day-by-day chronology of Polish day and night fighter pilot operations: July 1940 - June 1941.

To the Polish volunteers who were to fly and fight so brilliantly and tenaciously throughout the Battle of Britain, the United Kingdom was justifiably known as 'last hope island'. Many of them lost their lives, many achieved glory. This book is a tremendous account of their contribution in those hectic Days before the RAF began to take the offensive across the channel.

The result of many years of research, the book contains detailed combat reports, biographical data and over 200 photographs. The Appendices include a Full List of combat claims by Polish pilots of this period, a list of all Polish flying personnel and full details of all the 302 and 303 Squadron Hurricanes used!

This Copy has been Signed by TWO Polish Pilots that flew with the RAF during this period:-

Major Boleslaw Michal 'Mike' GLADYCH - DFC

After escaping from Poland after the German invasion, Gladych flew with the French armee de l'air against the Luftwaffe in 1940. On reaching Britain Gladych went to 57 OTU and then to the famous 303 Squadron. He later flew with the 56th Fighter Group - 'Zemke's wolfpack' - flying the P-47 Thunderbolt over Europe. He is credited with 17 victories.

Flight Lieutenant Stanislaw 'Bob' NAWARSKI DFC - 302 & 316 Squadrons

After escaping Poland, 'Bob Nawarski joined 316 Squadron at RAF Northolt and flew sorties over France and Holland. After completing his first tour, he returned to combat with 302 Squadron, flying numerous missions after the D-Day landings in Normandy - attacking various ground targets in front of the Allied advance. He is credited with 4 victories.

A VERY NICE ITEM!