Service Honors Polish Squadron’s World War Two Defense of Devon and Cornwall

A ceremony in Exeter honored a Polish squadron that contributed to the defense of Devon and Cornwall against Nazi aerial attacks. Personnel from the 307 Squadron of the Polish Air Force arrived in Britain during World War Two, following the invasion of their native country. The squadron was stationed at RAF Exeter, currently known as Exeter Airport, for two years, where they assisted in downing four German bombers during a Nazi assault on the city in May 1942. On Friday, a Polish flag was hoisted at Exeter’s Guildhall as part of a ceremony to honor the squadron, which many credited with having “saved the city”. The contributions of these airmen are commemorated yearly, supported by the 307 Squadron Project, a charitable organization dedicated to the promotion and research of the squadron, also identified as the “Lwow Eagle Owls”. Michael Parrott, a co-founder of the project, stated that the squadron’s most significant achievement occurred during the Exeter Blitz on 3 and 4 May 1942, when 40 German Junker-88 aircraft deployed numerous bombs over the city. This raid, which extended for approximately one hour and 15 minutes, resulted in 156 fatalities and considerable damage to several structures. Exeter was one of five cities targeted in 1942 by Adolf Hitler in a series of retaliatory attacks known as the Baedeker Raids, named after a widely used German guide book for Britain. The other cities involved were Bath, Norwich, Canterbury, and York. Mr Parrott commented: “After Lubeck, a beautiful city with no real military significance was bombed, Hitler was so enraged he chose five British cities for being beautiful architectural cities to be bombed.” Employing Beaufighters, the squadron’s airmen managed to bring down four of the German aircraft. Mr Parrott noted that the squadron had only four Beaufighters operational that night, after a period of crashes resulting from engine malfunctions and the loss of personnel. He stated that despite the significant loss of lives and structures during the attack, the Polish airmen prevented Exeter from being “totally destroyed”. “The mayor described the 307 squadron afterwards as the city’s guardian angels,” Mr Parrott recounted. The squadron presented a Polish flag to the city on 15 November 1942, during a ceremony held outside Exeter Cathedral. This flag was intended for display in the Guildhall, ensuring the city’s inhabitants were informed of the 307 Squadron’s contributions during the war. “Unfortunately, at some point that flag was mislaid,” Mr Parrott explained. “But since 2012, a new Polish flag has been raised annually on 15 November.” Family members of some of the airmen traveled to Exeter for the Friday service, which included the Polish national anthem, to honor the squadron. Jan Illaszewicz, whose father Wladek successfully downed two German aircraft during the Exeter Blitz, was among the attendees. Mr Illaszewicz, whose father married his mother after their meeting in Devon before his father’s death in the war prior to his birth, expressed being “immensely proud” of him. “I was brought up in Exeter, so Exeter has fond memories for me,” he remarked. “But to be here and see the service, I’m immensely grateful for that.” Andrzej Michalski, a co-founder of the 307 Squadron Project and whose great-uncle Leon was an airman, conveyed his great pride on what he termed a “very important day”. “This is very emotional when we meet the relatives,” he commented. “We feel like a big 307 Squadron family and the atmosphere here is amazing.” Agata Koralewska, Mr Michalski’s cousin, also participated in Friday’s service, noting the satisfaction in witnessing the squadron’s efforts being commemorated. “The memory of them is still alive in the city and their role in defending Exeter is recognised today,” she stated. Ms Koralewska emphasized the importance of reflecting on the 307 Squadron’s contributions, particularly in light of current global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. “It is very important to remember history as it helps us not to repeat our mistakes and build common unity for peace,” she asserted. Exeter Lord Mayor Councillor Kevin Mitchell affirmed the city’s obligation to recall the sacrifices made by the 307 Squadron. “The Eagle Owls came out and saved our city and buildings like the Guildhall wouldn’t be here now without the efforts of those airmen,” he declared. “We are eternally grateful for everything that they did.”