The Polish Air Force in Britain

Underestimated, exotic, relentless in their pursuit of the enemy - the story of the Polish Air Force in Britain is a unique and compelling one.

No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron was the most successful Allied squadron of the Battle of Britain, with its pilots celebrated feted by the British press. Still today, these few weeks of action, immortalised in the 1969 'The Battle of Britain' film, form the basis of many people's appreciation of the Polish contribution to Allied victory in the Second World War.

Join Jennifer Grant and Victoria Taylor as they consider the incredible role of the Polish Air Force in Britain. What was the significance of the Battle of Britain from the Polish perspective? What journeys had they undertaken from their homeland, and who had they left behind? What training and experience had the Poles accrued before their arrival at Blackpool which made them such skilful pilots? What challenges would face the Poles on their arrival in Britain, and how important would the Polish fighter squadrons be for Polish morale, both at home and in exile?

This video is a recording of a live conversation between Jenny Grant and Victoria Taylor which was originally streamed as part of the Chelsea History Festival 2021 on 19th September 2021.