About the Polish Heritage Flight & Our Official Partners

When Volunteers from the Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC) approached the HAC Directors and Owners of Hawker Hurricane G-HURI & Supermarine Spitfire BM597 for permission to form the Polish Heritage Flight, it was met with resounding support and encouragment. On 11th November 2019 The Polish Heritage Flight was formed. 

Based on the 'Merlins Over Malta' project in 2005, it was designed to bring a human narrative to the story of the aeroplanes.

HAC had long been associated with operating its aeroplanes for the benefit of audiences all over the world. The partnership with Poland started in 2015 when a collaboration with the Polish Embassy in London for the Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary. 

Historic Aircraft Collection was formed in 1985 by Guy Black and Angus Spencer-Nairn to restore and operate Spitfire Mk. IX TE566. Alongside this major project, two other Spitfires were recovered from gate guardian roles in Belgium. Spitfire IX MK912 in exchange for a Bristol Fighter and Spitfire XIV RN201 in exchange for a Fairy Battle. Both of these Spitfires were subsequently sold and have now been restored by Historic Flying.

Spitfire TE566 first flew again in 1993 after 7 years restoration at Hull Aero and later at Historic Flying Ltd. HAC operated the aircraft for 4 years before selling it to Andrew Torr in South Africa. Sadly, the aircraft crashed in 2002 and was destroyed.

The Hawker Nimrod I, S1581, was operated by HAC from 2000 until it was swapped for the Fighter Collection's Hurricane in 2002. The Nimrod I still resides at Duxford.

HAC now operates a fleet of four flying aircraft that includes a Hurricane XII, a Hawker Nimrod II and a Hawker Fury I. 

With several rare and interesting aircraft still undergoing restoration, HAC is fulfilling its ambition of restoring and operating some very special vintage piston engined military aircraft.

The support of the HAC Team, Volunteers and its Directors has enabled the Polish Heritage Flight to flourish and with out them, the Polish Heritage Flight would simply not exist.

https://historicaircraftcollection.com/index.html?_sm_nck=1

On 11th November 2019 The Polish Heritage Flight was formed. 

As part of the Historic Aircraft Collection based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, (Although not part of the IWM) 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 from Britain in the Second World War.

The Flight has been formed by Hawker Hurricane G-HURI, star of the 2018 '303 Squadron' movie.

Having worn 2 different 303 Squadron schemes since 2015 it was decided to pay tribute to 302 ‘City of Poznan’ Squadron & both Flt Lt Tadeusz Chlopik & Wing Commander Julian Kowalski, with a ‘dual scheme’ for the 2023 Season.

302 were based at Duxford for a short period during the Battle of Britain, it was on September 15th 1940 that 302 Squadron & both Chlopik & Kowalski were scrambled to intercept German Bombers over RAF North Weald. 

Flying Hurricane P2954 WX-E, Flt Lt Chlopik shared the destruction of a Dornier 17 before being shot down over North Weald. Despite bailing out he was killed. He was just 32 years old.

Flt Lt Tadeusz Chlopik is buried in Sutton Road Cemetery in Southend on Sea.

Julian Kowalski flying Hurricane P3935 WX-D destroyed a Dornier 17 and damaged another. He went on to Command 302 Squadron and in April 1944 Commanded No.1 Polish Wing from RAF Northolt. He was released in 1947 at the rank of Wing Commander. 

At the end of the Second World War, with Poland now under Soviet Communist occupation, like many it was felt unsafe to return home so Julian Kowalski remained in England. He lived in Ipswich until his death in December 1986.

Part of the PHF between 2019 & 2023 was Supermarine Spitfire BM597 which saw wartime service with both 315 & 317 Polish Squadrons, operating from RAF Woodvale. In 2023 the Ownership of BM597 passed between Historic Aircraft Collection & Aerial Speed Icons. 

Remember. Inspire. Unity

 We are a non-profit volunteer organisation and appreciate any contact and contributions from people who can help to tell our story. 

Whilst we hope very much the Flight can continue for as long as possible our commercial objectives.  are:

Short Term- Obtaining bookings, both Flying & Static Events.

Medium Term - Obtain Sponsorship for items such as servicing, insurance and events.

Long Term - Securing the long term future for the Polish Heritage Flight as a permanent living memorial to those who fought - For Our Freedom & Yours...

On the 2nd December 2022 the Polish Heritage Flight received the Silver Medal of the Polish Army at a ceremony held at the Polish Embassy in London. 

Contact: polishheritageflight@gmail.com 

Remember. Inspire. Unity

The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) is a registered charity (no. 1185691) formed “to commemorate for the public benefit the achievements of the Polish Air Force in the Second World War; to honour fallen Polish Airmen by the creation and maintenance of public memorials; and to educate and inform the public about the Polish Air Force and its history, including the operation of Polish Air Force Museums”.

The PAFMC is the designated successor of the Polish Air Force Association (PAFA), who set it up to continue their work in the longer term.

Its origins go back to the summer of 1945 and concern about the problems facing those Poles who decided to stay in exile in Britain rather than return to the Communist-ruled Poland or migrate to other countries.

To meet their needs a veterans organisation, originally named Samopomoc Lotnicza, (Aviation self-help) was established; this soon adopted the English title Polish Air Force Association. The Polish name was later changed to Stowarzyszenie Lotników Polskich (SLP).

The PAFA made a great contribution to the welfare of those Polish Air Force (PAF) personnel who remained in exile in Britain. With its headquarters at Collingham Gardens in London, the PAFA set up branches with clubs in major cities throughout Britain. 

It published the periodical magazine Skrzydła (Wings) and later in 1991 commissioned the definitive The Polish Air Force At War The Official History by Jerzy Cynk, published in 1998.

 Following the unveiling of the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip in 1948, the PAFA took on the organisation of the annual commemoration ceremony of homage to the fallen Polish airmen. In 1968 it initiated the installation of the Polish Air Force Memorial slab in the floor of the RAF St. Clement Danes Church, Strand, London and in 1981 it was responsible for the unveiling of the PAF stained glass window in St. Andrew Bobola’s Church, Hammersmith, London. In 1990 the PAFA was also responsible for installing the Memorial plaque commemorating the PAF in St Paul’s Cathedral which was unveiled by HRH The Duke of Kent.

For Full Detsils on the PAFMC please visit: 

https://www.polishairforcememorialcommittee.org/

 We are delighted to confirm the support of the Polonia Aid Foundation Trust for the 'Duxford to Dęblin' Project, due to take place in August 2025.

In Partnership with the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee we welcomed Dr. Jadwiga Zarebska & Mr Krzysztof Zarebski to Duxford on Friday 28th February 2025 where they were given a tour of Hawker Hurricane G-HURI & the IWM Battle of Britain 'Ops Block' which features the action of 302 Squadron on the 15th September 1940. 

We would like to express our most sincere gratitude and appreciation for the Generosity of the Polonia Aid Foundation Trust.

Official Partners: Runway25

Initially formed in 2015 as Club Coins UK, a specialist coin company, our product range evolved along with our customer base leading to a rebrand in September 2019 to Runway25.

Runway25 is an online shop that has challenge coins, patches and key rings as core products. Runway25 owner, Tom, has first hand experience of the armed forces having served in the British Army as a technician on the Apache helicopter. This knowledge of the forces, combined with passion for aviation enables us to continue to deliver quality products with modern designs and excellent customer service.

Initially we have 3 Superb Products for the PHF Range.

The 302 Squadron Commemorative coin features the dual scheme worn by their aircraft Hawker Hurricane G-HURI which pays tribute to both Flt Lt Tadeusz Chlopik & Wing Commander Julian Kowalski of 302 ‘City of Poznan’ Squadron which was based at Duxford for a short period during the Battle of Britain. 

The keyring features aircraft silhouettes that represent the diversity of the aircraft that were flown by Polish squadrons within the Royal Air Force during WWII. 

Our PHF logo Pin Badge means you can show your support everyday.

To support the PHF you can order these Items exclusively from Runway25 please visit:www.runway25.com

Our most sincere thanks to the brilliant and talented team at Runway25 for their support and helping us to achieve our aims of Remember. Inspire. Unity. 

Official Partners: Wisdom Art Prints

Wisdom Art Prints are a Tiptree based, family run creative studio, illustrating and producing the highest quality Art Prints. Their art is in a timeless art deco style, reminiscent of posters from a bygone age. To celebrate this special partnership they have released 2 exclusive Art Prints exclusively for the Polish Heritage Flight. 

The first Art Print commemorates the incredible Avro Lancaster and 300 (Land of Masovia) Squadron who were the first Polish Squadron to be formed in the Royal Air Force. Based from RAF Faldingworth in Lincolnshire, this Lancaster wears the distinctive nose art of the Polish Air Force Chequer and the ‘Lady In The Champagne Glass’. 

Its operations are detailed by the usual bombs on the first tour but unusually, Champagne glasses on the second tour and finally Skull & Cross Bones on the third tour. This Lancaster carried the serial LL408 and carried out over 50 Operations. 

The second Art Print represents a 302 “City of Poznan” Squadron Hawker Hurricane in the markings of Flt Lt Julian Kowalski. These markings are worn by our own airworthy Hawker Hurricane G-HURI today. 302 Squadron were the first Polish Squadron to be formed in Fighter Command and took part in the Battle of Britain from RAF Leconfield & RAF Duxford.  Julian Kowalski left the Air Force in 1947 at the rank of Wing Commander. Julian Kowalski remained in England and lived in Ipswich until his death in December 1986.

See the growing collection of Polish Air Force Art Prints at:

https://wisdomartprints.co.uk/collections/aircraft-art-prints 

with proceeds donated to the Polish Heritage Flight. 

Our most sincere thanks to the brilliant and talented team at Wisdom Art Prints for their support and helping us to achieve our aims of Remember. Inspire. Unity. 

www.wisdomartprints.co.uk

Official Partners: 909 APPAREL

Polish Heritage Flight & 909 Apparel  are proud to release this No. 302 'City of Poznan' Polish Fighter Squadron T-Shirt, celebrating the legacy of the 1st operational Polish Squadron to defend Britain during WWII. 50% of the proceeds go to supporting the Polish Heritage Flight.

Designed in Collaboration with Official Partner 909 Apparel, this 302 Squadron is available exclusively at www.909Apparel.com

One of several Polish Squadrons to fight alongside the RAF, the Brave Pilots of 302 Dywizjon Myśliwski ‘Poznański' played a vital role during the Battle of Britain & WWII, flying Hurricanes & Spitfires with incredible skill and tenacity. 

909 Apparel have recreated 302 Squadron's Insignia using archive photographs, adding hand-drawn 1940s style lettering & details. The Left Sleeve features a Polish Heritage Flight Logo. Head over to 909 Apparel to get your T-Shirt and support the Polish Heritage Flight’s mission.

To support the PHF you can order these Items exclusively from 909 APPAREL please visit: www.909apparel.com

We look forward to seeing you at the next Airshow or visit to Duxford wearing your PHF T-shirt! 

Our most sincere thanks to the fantastic 909 APPAREL for their support, this stunning design and helping us to achieve our aims of Remember. Inspire. Unity. 

The 'Duxford to Dęblin 2025' project aims to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 100th anniversary of the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin. A successful fundraising campaign will result in a symbolic flight of the Hawker Hurricane G-HURI aircraft to Poland, celebrating Polish-British wartime cooperation and remembering the bravery of Polish pilots. 

Subject to funding The project also has ambitions to include visits to cities associated with Polish squadrons, highlighting their historical legacy. This flight is planned to take place late August 2025.

PHF’s Derek Rusling said:
"Forming a Partnership with the 'Remember The Heroes' team is essential in making this flight happen. Their total commitment, support, and dedication to preserving the memory of those who fought for freedom, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire is crucial. They will help represent the PHF in Poland and help with awareness & fundraising. We have affectionately dubbed them our 'Polish Wing'. It is important to grow the team in order to deliver the objective."

You can follow 'Remember The Heroes. on Facebook, X & Instagram

Project Partners: The Peoples Mosquito

The People's Mosquito is a charity based in the United Kingdom which aims to restore a De Havilland Moquito serial RL249, to airworthiness, which would make it the first UK-built Mosquito in over 70 years.

 The De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito enjoys legendary status. This exemplar of British aeronautical design genius is moulded around its graceful lines, its unmatched performance and unrivalled versatility. Unquestionably, the De Havilland Mosquito’s story deserves to be told.

Working with world-renowned aircraft restoration company Retrotec Ltd, we are writing the Mosquito’s next chapter. Thanks to worldwide public support, we are moving forward with the fuselage production of the iconic ‘Mossie’.

The collection of more than 22,300 original De Havilland technical drawings are being used to produce
computer-aided design drawings and profiles to assist in the upcoming work, the materials are on hand and the skilled craftsmen are ready to go – all that is needed now is the money to make the next part a reality. 

Find out more about this incredible project at www.peoplesmosquito.org.uk