How The WWII Polish Squadron Defended Britain Using This Fighter

During World War II, Britain relied on many squadrons to defend its skies, but few were as determined as the Polish pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain. Among them was 302 Squadron, a unit formed by Polish airmen who had fled their occupied homeland to continue fighting. Many of these pilots had already seen combat in Poland and France before arriving in Britain. Their experience and skill made them valuable assets in the fight against German air raids.

The aircraft they flew was the Hawker Hurricane, a British-designed fighter that played a major role in the battle. Though the Supermarine Spitfire is often remembered as the key fighter of the campaign, Hurricanes actually shot down more enemy planes. This was largely because there were more of them in service and they were used to target German bombers while Spitfires engaged enemy fighters.

The Hurricane’s Strengths in Combat

Designed by Sydney Camm in the 1930s, the Hurricane was an evolution of earlier biplanes but introduced a more modern monoplane design. Early versions had a fabric-covered fuselage and wooden wings, though later models were upgraded with metal construction. Some of the first Hurricanes in service still had fabric-covered wings, but by the time of the Battle of Britain, most had been replaced with stronger materials.

The Hurricane was easy to maintain and repair, a critical advantage during the intense air battles of 1940. Its construction allowed it to absorb damage and still return to base. It was also more straightforward to manufacture, requiring fewer hours to build compared to the Spitfire. This allowed Britain to produce Hurricanes in greater numbers, ensuring enough aircraft were available for combat.

The Polish Contribution to the Battle of Britain

302 Squadron, also known as the City of Poznań Squadron, was one of several Polish units flying for the Royal Air Force. Another well-known unit, 303 Squadron, often gets more recognition, but 302 also played a key role. The Polish pilots quickly gained a reputation for their effectiveness in combat, showing both skill and aggression against German aircraft.

On September 15, 1940, known as Battle of Britain Day, two Polish pilots from 302 Squadron flew out on patrol. One returned, but the other did not, highlighting the risks these men faced in defending Britain. The markings on a restored Hurricane today honor these pilots, preserving the memory of their service.

Honoring the Polish Pilots Today

A project is currently underway to return a restored Hurricane, painted in the markings of 302 Squadron, to Poland as a tribute to the pilots who fought in the battle. The aircraft’s journey is meant to recognize the contributions of Polish airmen, who often do not receive as much recognition as their British counterparts. Many Polish pilots trained at the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin before arriving in Britain, and plans are in place to take the restored aircraft there.

While some people may not be aviation enthusiasts, they appreciate what this plane represents—the sacrifices made by Polish pilots and their role in securing victory in the Battle of Britain. By preserving and displaying this aircraft, historians and aviation groups aim to ensure that the contributions of these airmen are not forgotten.