Operation: Training

Date: 11th April 1945 (Wednesday)

Unit: No. 316 Squadron (Polish)

Type: Mustang P51D III

Serial: FB164

Code: SZ-G

Base: RAF Andrews Field, Essex

Location: RAFPilot: F/O Stefan Stanislaw Belza P-2060  PAF Age 30. Killed

We have noticed many visits via Facebook recently - if you are able to assist with further information photographs we would very much like to hear from you. The husband of my mother, Alex Pietrzak (killed August 1945) served with him at RAF Andrews Field.

Zauważyliśmy, wiele razy przez Facebook niedawno - jeśli jesteś w stanie pomóc Więcej informacji zdjęciami będziemy bardzo chciałbym usłyszeć od ciebie.Mąż mojej matki, Alex Pietrzak (zabity sierpnia 1945) służył w RAF z Nim Andrews Field.

REASON FOR LOSS:

On final approach to RAF Andrews Field he collided with Mustang III flown by Fl/Sgt. Bocklowski with both pilots losing their lives.

Left: Grave at Epping Cemetery. Taken by Aircrew Remembered in June 2013 - any relative who would like a free high resolution copy please dont hesitate to contact us.

Burial Details:

F/O Stefan Stanislaw Belza C.V. 3 Bars. Epping Cemetery. Row Z. Grave 7. N.o.K. details not currently available. October 22nd 1914. Previously served with 303 Squadron and also as an instructor with 61 O.T.U. Joined 316 Squadron towards the end of 1944. F/O. Belza had flown a total of 143 sorties totalling some 256 hours.

Researched for relatives of the pilot with thanks to the following for further information, Robert Gretzyngier, Wojtek Matusiak, Waldemar Wójcik and Józef Zieliński - 'Ku Czci Połeglyçh Lotnikow 1939-1945', Anna Krzystek, Tadeusz Krzystek - 'Polskie Siły Powietrzne w Wielkiej Brytanii', Aircrew Remembered own archives.