An event honouring the memory of Polish pilots who fought alongside the Royal Air Force during World War II was held in the UK capital on Saturday.

Commemorations held at the historic RAF Northolt base in west London included a flyover of a Spitfire fighter plane known to have been operated by WWII airman Franciszek Kornicki, who fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Kornicki, who died last November, was named the most heroic RAF Spitfire pilot in an online people’s choice poll last year. Kornicki was part of several Polish fighter squadrons including squadron 303, which shot down a record 126 German planes in the Battle of Britain.

The ceremony was attended by Polish and British air cadets, the Polish ambassador to the UK Arkady Rzegocki and Prince Edward.

The event was organised by the son of Franciszek Kornicki, Richard Kornicki, Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee.

Richard Kornicki said: “Although the number of veteran pilots is declining each year, the number of people attending the ceremony is growing, which serves to expand the knowledge and foster the memory of Polish pilots.”

Numbering 146, Polish airmen comprised the largest group of foreigners taking part in the Battle of Britain.

(aba)

Source: PAP