Operation: Convoy Patrol
Date: 24th August 1941
Unit: No. 302 (Polish) Squadron
Type: Hurricane IIB
Serial: Z2913
Code: WX-D
Base: R.A.F. Churchstanton, Somerset.
Location: 3 miles east of R.A.F. Churchstanton, Somerset, England
Pilot: Sgt. Eugeniusz Kropiwnicki P-783499 P.A.F. Age 22. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
On returning from a convoy patrol the Hurricane Z2913 developed engine trouble and crashed 3 miles east of the airfield.
Two locals a Mr Charles John Smith and a Mr. William Henry Harris risked their lives dragging the pilot free from the burning wreckage of the aircraft. But it would seem that he had already died.
Sgt. Eugeniusz Kropiwnicki (courtesy E. Jaworski)
Sgt. Eugeniusz Kropiwnicki. Taunton (St Mary’s) Cemetery, Somerset. Section G. Grave 7747. Born in Krakow 8th March 1920. N.o.K. Details currently not available.
Researched for relatives of the pilot. With thanks to the following ‘Fighter Command Losses’ – Norman Franks. Robert Gretzyngier, Woitek Matusiak, Wadldemar Wojcik and Josef Zielinski for Polish information that we may have used.
