Military aircraft books (WW 2) - Poland - history

The Forgotten Few - The Polish Air Force in World War II

By the beginning of 1941 there was a fully fledged Polish Air Force operating alongside the RAF. With 14 Squadrons it was larger than any other of the Air Forces from Nazi-occupied Europe that had joined the Allies.
Over 17, 000 men and women passed through the ranks of the Polish Air Force while it was stationed in the UK. They shot down 745 enemy aircraft, with a further 175 unconfirmed. They dropped thousands of bombs and laid hundreds of mines, flying 102, 486 sorties notching up a total of 290, 895 operation flying hours. They achieved this at a cost of 1, 973 killed and 1, 388 wounded. They won 342 British gallantry awards.

This book describes the history, organisation and actions of this forgotten forgotten air force, that helped to liberate Western Europe.

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The Polish Air Force at War - The Official History (Vol. 1) - 1939-1943

After being overrun during the early Blitzkrieg in September 1939, and later in France in 1940, the Polish Air Force - flying British and American made fighters and bombers out of England in their own units - made a tremendous contribution to the Allied air victory.
The PAFs gallant, lonely fight in September 1939 inflicted the first losses on the mighty Luftwaffe and allowed Britain a nine month grace to strengthen her air defenses. Their part in the Battle of Britain became legend, and its contribution to the early RAF bomber offensive on Germany was equally great. PAF exploits over Dieppe, North Africa, and during the invasion of Europe received special commendations from the RAF.

This book (the first of two volumes) is the result of years' painstaking research of the official RAF and PAF documentation, and is fully supported by the Polish Air Force Association. After a brief introduction to the PAF's formative years and to the political background to the war itself, the factors shaping PAF operations in Great Britain and to the abandonment by Britain of her most faithful ally are discussed.
The book also provides a wealth of information about all PAF squadrons, their participation in operations, the great variety of aircraft flown by the PAF - Hurricanes, Spitfires, Mustangs, Warhawks, Mosquitoes, Lancasters, Wellingtons, Bostons, Liberators and many others - their achievements and disappointments, victories, and losses.
These are supplemented by operational statistics in detailed appendices, lists, charts, maps and over 400 black and white and color photographs, and color profiles.

Volume 1 covers: the origins of Polish aviation; the air war against the Luftwaffe during the initial Blitzkrieg; the air battles over France and the formation of the Polish squadrons; the establishment and development of the PAF squadrons in Britain after the battles in France; the Battle of Britain; PAF units over Dieppe and North Africa; expansion of the PAF and operations in 1941-1943; and PAF bomber squadrons and bomber operations 1940-1943.

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The Polish Air Force at War - The Official History (Vol. 2) - 1943-1945

This second book of a two volume set is the result of years' painstaking research of the official RAF and PAF documentation, and is fully supported by the Polish Air Force Association.

Volume 2 covers: PAF fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance operations prior to and during the Normandy invasion; operations in support of the Polish Home Army and Freedom Fighters; Polish air unit operations on the Russian front; Poles in the RAF aircraft ferry and transport operations; training units; Poles in aviation research and technology; postwar activities.
Also included: twenty-nine appendices, bibliography, complete index covering both volumes.

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303 Squadron - The Legendary Battle of Britain Fighter Squadron

The summer of 1940 and the Battle of Britain - the darkest days of World War II. France, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Norway had all been crushed by the powerful Nazi German war machine. Great Britain stood alone, fighting for its life.

Thrilling action story of the celebrated squadron of Polish fighter pilots whose superb daring and aerial combat skills helped save England during its most desperate hours.
The 303 "Kosciuszko" Squadron flew with the RAF, downing three times the average RAF score, while incurring only one-third the average casualties during the Battle of Britain. Underdog heroes who rose to defend against the deadliest German Luftwaffe attacks, the pilots of 303 Squadron were lionized by the British press, congratulated by the King and adored by the British public.

With an immediacy that vividly brings to life those harrowing days, Arkady Fiedler paints the bravery, the poignancy, the breathtaking gambles with death risked daily by this exceptional group of young men far from home, who fought to preserve freedom for all.

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Polish Fighter Colours 1939-1947 (Vol. 1)

This book describes in detail the camouflage and markings of the day fighters used by the Polish Air Force in 1939-1947. Aircraft of Polish, French, British, American, Soviet and German origin are shown.
Written by well-known distinguished Polish aviation historians. Many historical photos and colour profiles.

Aircraft described in volume 1: PWS-10, PZL P.7a, PZL P.11a & PZL P.11c, Morane Saulnier MS.406, Bloch MB.151 & 152, Caudron-Renault CR.714, Curtiss H-75A, Dewoitine D.520, Koolhoven FK.58, Dewoitine D.501/510, Hawker Hurricane I-IV, Supermarine Spitfire I-II, Supermarine Spitfire V.

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Polish Air Force Fighter Aircraft, 1940-1942

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Polish fighter pilots first saw combat in September 1939, defending their country against German and Soviet forces. Despite being outnumbered, they managed to destroy over 120 enemy aircraft. After Poland's fall, they regrouped in France, gaining experience and adapting to new aircraft and enemy tactics.
During the Battle of Britain, 145 Polish pilots, the largest non-British group in Fighter Command, played a crucial role. They destroyed 202 enemy aircraft, with 303 Squadron becoming the most successful unit. Before joining the RAF, Polish airmen had to train under British command and learn English, essential for communication in battle. At one point, nearly 20% of Fighter Command's pilots were Polish.

From 1941, ten Polish fighter squadrons took part in RAF operations over northern Europe, achieving notable successes but also suffering losses.

This book covers their journey from the Battle of France to the Dieppe Raid, where their skills were tested in difficult conditions. More than just a record of aircraft, it explores the lives and struggles of Polish pilots in the early years of World War II.

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Poles in the Battle of Britain - A Photographic Album of the Polish 'Few'

Reformed in Britain in the summer of 1940, the Polish Air Force was rebuilt with personnel evacuated from Poland and France. Despite language barriers and unfamiliar conditions, it became one of the most effective forces against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Unlike before, it operated as an independent branch of the Polish Armed Forces rather than being part of the RAF.
A total of 145 Polish pilots took part in the battle, many of them experienced from previous combat. They fought not only for their homeland's freedom but also for Britain, a country they knew little about. The Poles formed four squadrons - two fighter and two bomber - while many others were integrated into RAF units. Their contributions were crucial at a decisive moment, earning the admiration of both British pilots and the public.

This illustrated book tells the story of these Polish airmen, from their perilous journey to Britain to their role in the intense air battles of 1940. Through a remarkable collection of photographs, it highlights their dedication and achievements in one of the most critical phases of the war.

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Polish Spitfire Aces (Osprey)

Of all Allied airmen, Polish pilots had had the most experience of fighting the Luftwaffe by the time the war came to Britain. As the Battle of Britain raged, they quickly proved themselves as highly aggressive and skilful interceptors, especially when flying the famous Spitfire.

The Polish Air Force eventually became the largest non-Commonwealth Spitfire operator, using some 1,500 Mks I, II, V, IX and XVI to devastating effect. Top scoring USAAF ace of the ETO, Francis "Gabby" Gabreski and a whole host of other Allied and Commonwealth aces flew with Polish squadrons, adding even more to their fighting quality.
Conversely, several Polish pilots were attached to other Allied squadrons throughout the war, demonstrating their prowess alongside airmen from a whole host of nations.

From an expert on Polish fighter aviation, this is a peerless account of the fiery, talented Polish "Spit" pilots, whose country had been overrun and whose aggression and determination to shoot down Axis aircraft was unmatched.

Contents: Get the Spitfire - Defending Britain - Hot summer of 1941 - Against the Focke-Wulfs - Dieppe landings - Mk IXs - Mediterranean adventures - Tactical air force - Get a Spitfire - Appendices.

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