No. 303 Squadron

The No. 303 Squadron, or “Dywizjon 303,” is a notable chapter in the history of the Polish Armed Forces. This group of elite Polish pilots, serving under the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, made substantial contributions to the Allied war effort, particularly during the Battle of Britain.

Origins of the No. 303 Squadron (Dywizjon 303)

Formed in July 1940 as part of the Polish Armed Forces in the West, No. 303 Squadron consisted of Polish pilots who had escaped to Britain following the fall of Poland. The Squadron was named after the Polish-American hero, General Tadeusz Kościuszko, highlighting the unity and shared aims of the Polish and Allied forces.

The No. 303 Squadron in the Battle of Britain

During the Battle of Britain, the 303 Squadron emerged as one of the most effective units in the RAF. Despite joining the battle later than other squadrons, they achieved the highest number of enemy aircraft shot down. Their exceptional skill, honed by prior experience in the air battles over Poland and France, combined with their bravery, made them a significant force in the air.

Notable Figures in the No. 303 Squadron

The 303 Squadron was comprised of many remarkable individuals. Among them was Jan Zumbach, one of the Squadron’s most successful pilots and later its commander. Another was Witold Urbanowicz, who led the Squadron during the Battle of Britain and was one of the top-scoring pilots.

The Legacy of the No. 303 Squadron

After the war, many pilots from the 303 Squadron chose not to return to Poland, then under communist rule, and settled in various Western countries. Their contribution during WWII was commemorated in multiple ways. In 1943, a Polish feature film, “Squadron 303,” was made in the UK. More recently, a British-Polish production, “303 Squadron,” was released in 2018. The Squadron’s history also forms part of the curriculum in British schools, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Further Information on No. 303 Squadron and genealogy

For more detailed information on the 303 Squadron, the Imperial War Museums offer extensive resources on the Squadron and the role of the Polish Air Force in the UK during World War II.