About the Polish Heritage Flight

 On 11th November 2019 The Polish Heritage Flight was formed. As part of the Historic Aircraft Collection based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. The project aims to bring to life the stories of the people that came to the 'Island of last hope' to take up the fight in The Battle of Britain and throughout the Second World War.

The Flight has been formed by Hawker Hurricane G-HURI star of the 303 Squadron movie and proudly wears these markings A squadron that symbolised togetherness and international unity with the top scoring pilot from Czechoslovakia, Sgt Josef Frantisek and the Canadian John A Kent as Flight Commander as well as the 3rd highest number of kills in the Squadron during the Battle of Britain.

Supermarine Spitfire BM597 saw wartime service with both 315 & 317 Polish Squadrons operating from RAF Woodvale. We believe BM597 is the only airworthy Spitfire to  still carry its wartime Polish markings. After the war having spent time as a Gate Guardian at various Royal Air Force stations, ‘597 was used for the master moulds for replica Spitfires for the 1969 Battle of Britain movie. 

Both aeroplanes rely on bookings from airshows, corporate events, private functions, Film, TV and photography work to help offset the ongoing maintenance and insurance costs. We would love to hear from you if you would like the Polish Heritage Flight at your event. 

We are passionate about sharing the stories to a new generation of people, to inspire them to understand and be proud of their heritage and the future. 

We are a non-profit volunteer organisation and appreciate any contact and contributions from people who can help to tell our story. The aeroplanes operate under huge financial commitments and we aim to keep them flying for as long as possible so we can indeed remember the past and inspire the future.