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The Polish Air Force

The Polish Air Force in Great Britain has been flying combat missions since the summer of 1940, These involved fighter operations, nigt-time bombings of German targets, and antisubmarine patrols, Pilots in Polish squadrons represented about 10% of Britain's Royal Air Force operational strength but had more war experience. Many began fighting on September 1st 1939 in Poland, later fougt in France and in Battle of Britain. by the end of the war they destroyed almost 1,000 enymy aircraft and 200 V1 flying bombs. In 1942 these pilots were highly value for their experience and wer assigned a new mission, escorting American daytime bombing raids against German targets in Europe. these were flown by the heavily armed four-engin B-17 Flying Fortres and B-24 Liberators wich nevertheless endured huge losses from attacks by German fighters and anti-aircraft defenses.

During the war, the 8th US Air Force flyingout of England lost over 2,000 bombers and 22,000

flying personnel. Shortly after these missions began, fighter escorts were provided to the departing and returning flights, and losses were dramatically reduced. the escorting fighters were often called "little friends" by the bomber crews who felt more secure by their presence. Many of these early escorts were flown by two Polish fighter wings operating out of Southern England. Polish pilots developed their own method of protecting the American bombers and they were so successful at reducing losses that the 8th Air Force requested that other RAF wings flying escort missions should adopt Polish pilots' tactics. The Poles took particular care of escorting returning damaged bombers, guiding them to emergency airfilds and providing protection to aircrews diched in the sea until help arrived. Numerous messages of thanks from saved American flyers testify to their effectiveness. The paiting "Little Frriends" , depicts an event in late atumn of 1943 over Holland when two Spitfires of the Polish No. 302 City of Poznan Squadron escort a damage Flying Fortress back to a safe landing in England. Print is signet by five hight commanding pilots in 131 Wing (Polish)