Description
Object description
Polish NCO served as engine fitter with 302 Sqdn RAF in GB, 1942-1945
Content description
REEL 1: Background in Poland, 1935-1942: interest in flying and initial training at gliding schools; qualifications and enlistment with Polish Air Force, 1938; family; attitude to Polish nationalism and independence; awareness of international situation and rise of Hitler; memory of outbreak of war, 9/1939; question of Polish military readiness for war; invasion of Poland by German and Russian forces; story of evacuation and capture by Russians; attitude to escape and question of nationality; story of friend's escape to England; description of German invasion of Russia, 22/Jun/1941; evacuated from POW camp into Ukraine; transferred to camp on site of Katyn Wood massacre; description of camp and conditions; story of release of Polish POWs following German invasion and description of journey to GB, 1942.
REEL 2 Continues: role as anti-aircraft gunner on ship to England; memory of learning English, Aspects of period in GB, 1942: arrived in Glasgow and first impressions of GB; transferred to Polish Air Force Depot in Blackpool; amusing story of saluting; issued with service number; description of flying training in Palestine and GB; problem of poor eyesight and transferred to ground crew. Aspects of period as engine fitter with 302 Squadron RAF in GB, 1942-1945: posted to 302 Squadron and summary of movements; description of training and preparations for Normandy landings; memory of V1 raids and defences; nature of duties attached to 133 Wing; role in supplying squadrons with equipment and instruments; question of repairing instruments; replacement of oxygen tanks; role of fighters; attitude of RAF to Polish airmen; problem of language; attitude to British people; question of treatment of air crew and ground crew; question of Polish squadrons in RAF; opinion of accommodation; description of role as instrument maker; story of church parade; recreational activities; opinion of Soviet Union; role of ground crew; memory of VE Day, 5/1945; question of recognition for Polish forces.
REEL 3 Continues: attitude to being British citizen; question of patriotism; attitude to Soviet Union; marriage; question of multi-national composition of RAF during war; reflections on current political matters.