THE POLISH AIR FORCE AT WAR The Official History 1943 - 1945

After being overrun during the early Blitz-krieg 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 defences. For their part in the Battle of Britain became legend, and its contribution to the early RAF bomber offensive in Germany was equally great. PAF exploits over Dieppe, North Africa, and during the invasion of Europe received special commendations from the RAE Its major operations fittingly ended with the participation of Polish squadrons in the destruction of Hitler’s mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden. Preparations for a full official history of the PAF was delayed for half a century.

This 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. 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 700 black and white and colour photographs, and colour profiles.

This second volume 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.