The Forgotten Polish and Czech 2nd World War RAF Airmen

ON the 20 September 2025, on unfortunately a very rainy day, a service as part of the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Brittan was held in West Darby Cemetery. Instigated by Polonia (Liverpool) assisted by the Royal British Legion. It took place by the graves of 3 airmen, 1 Polish and 2 Czechoslovakian, Wladyslaw Szulkowski (Polish Air Force) - Otto Hanzlicek, and Jindrich Bartos (Both Czechoslovak Air Force). They had been stationed at the then Speke Airport, now superseded by Liverpool John Lennon International Airport. This was a high profile service because this was the 1st time any official wreaths had been placed on the graves since their funerals in 1940s.

This moving service was well attended by guests which included:- Deputy Lieutenant Dr Jedynakiewicz, Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr William Shorthall, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester, Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Manchester, David Frous, along with other representatives of historical institutions, all of whom laid wreaths and paid respects to the airmen. This was accompanied by a short service lead by a Polish Priest and the 3 national anthems were sung.

After the service the scene moved to the the Crowne Plaza Hotel (formally the control tower and airport building of Speke, Liverpool International Airport, until it moved a short distance South to what is now Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

During the World War 2, Speke was requisitioned by the War Office, as an Royal Air Force (RAF) airfield, and played a major role in the defence of Liverpool and surrounding areas. The RAF were joined by Polish and Czechoslovakian squadrons in exile, and all made significant contributions to our the Battle of Britain, and international combat.

Several RAF, Polish, and Czechoslovakian squadrons were stationed here, making Speke a hub of international cooperation. The Royal Air Force Squadrons were as follows:-

No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron - Arrived September 1940 with Hurricanes to defend Merseyside.
No. 308 (Polish) Squadron - Flew Hurricanes from Speke in 1940, providing local air cover.
No. 303 (Polish) "Kosciuszko" Squadron - 1 of the most famous fighter squadrons of the Battle of Britain, based at Speke briefly in 1941. Their presence helped to boost the morale across Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
No. 315 (Polish) Squadron ("City of Deblin") - Stationed at Speke in early 1941, tasked with convoy patrols over the Irish Sea.
No. 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron, RAAuxAF - Raised at Speke before the war, they flew Spitfires during the conflict.

From RAF Speke, on the banks of the River Mersey, these Royal Air Force Squadrons flew patrols over the River Mersey, escort missions for shipping convoys, and intercepts against Luftwaffe raiders. along with our British Royal Air Force Squadrons The "Fastest Victory" of 1 October 1940, when 312 Squadron destroyed an enemy bomber within minutes of getting airborne. This remains 1 of the most famous episodes in the Battle of Britain. All these pilots made major contributions, whilst in exile, during the Battle of Britain and throughout the war.

Awaiting the party within the hotel was a very interesting exhibition comprising:- photographs, artefacts, and general information, supported by oral presentations, that:- covered lives, contributions and escapades of significant individuals, some of whom where relatives, friends, others well known to the community, including the 3 airmen whose graves were honoured at the cemetery. All were inspiring and thought provoking.

The lecturers included:-

Dagmara Wajeszczuk, manager, Merseyside Polonia - The Liverpool Few.
Artur Bledzuk, chairman of the Polish Airmen's Association UK.
Andrew Drzazgiel - Polish Heritage Flight.
Jacek Szczypiorski and Grzegorz Pach, History Polish Paratroopers in the UK.
Arkadiusz Mestnik, Blackpool Polish Community - "Not only 303."

Following the oral presentations, thei ewas time to look at the displays again. Amongst which we discovered more information and photographs about the Polish Aircrews who had died whist flying out of RAF Woodvale in Formby. 6 Polish Airmen are buried behind Our Lady's Church, Formby, UK. These graves are visited and a short service held on Armistice Day (11 November) every year, following the general Service of Remembrance at the Village Cenotaph.

We owe so much to the generation who fought the battle of freedom from Nazi tyranny. Amongst those fighting, it is easy to forget the contributions made to the Allied forces efforts, thanks to the courage and sacrifice of the Polish and Czech Squadrons, along side of other exiled personnel. Especially their major contributions to the Battle of Britain, without their their help, things might have ended very differently, along with the ultimate outcome.

World War 2 began with the hostile invasion of Poland in 1939, Great Britain honoured its pledge to provide support, as did other nations. Things quickly escalated and it resulted in another world war. It beholds us to look at world events today and to learn from history.

Apart from the inside displays, outside Military Vehicle Trust along with the Speke Aerodrome Heritage Group. Vintage aircraft were available and accessible, 1 of them was flown by World War II flying ace, Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader; a strange experience to sit in his aircraft. There was also a display of authentic 1940s military vehicles, courtesy of the Military Vehicles Trust (Mid Lancashire) on the former runway.

Members of the general public were able to visit the inside and outside exhibits, but unfortunately people and their enthusiasms were considerably dampened by successive deluges which was very unfortunate, as there was much to be seen had conditions been more favourable.

For more information about the Polish Community on Merseyside please visit:- MerseysidePolonia.Com.

More photographs from this commemorative event can be found on the following:- 2 pages within this edition. What are your thoughts on this news topic? Do you know any other international war graves of allied forces within the Liverpool City Region that are overlooked? Please let us know by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

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The Forgotten Polish and Czech 2nd World War RAF Airmen