Operation: Training

Date: 20th November 1942

Unit: No. 65 Squadron

Type: Spitfire Vb

Serial: AD544

Code: YT-M

Base: RAF Drem

Location: Pooley Bridge, Penrith near Ullswater.

Pilot: F/O. Ryszard Józef Stróžak P-1498 PAF Age 26. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Crashed at Pooley Bridge, Penrith near Ullswater, whilst on a training flight due to dense fog. No further details available.

F/O. Ryszard Józef Stróžak. Silloth (Causewayhead) Cemetery, Holme Low - Cumberland, United Kingdom. Sec R. Grave 1. Born 21st July 1916 Lwow, Poland. N.o.K details not yet available.

Researched for relatives of the pilot with thanks for further information to the Grangemouth Air Cadets and the Grangemouth Spitfire Memorial Trust who provided me with so much information and assistance during my visit, Robert Gretzyngier, Wojtek Matusiak, Waldemar Wójcik and Józef Zieliński - 'Ku Czci Połeglyçh Lotnikow 1939-1945', Jeff Wilson from Silloth War Graves.

(1) Further research continues but we think this is F/O. Richard Lander King R.A.F.V.R. of 122 Squadron, killed on the 2nd December 1942, (2) Fairly sure that this is P/O. Jack Douglas Ernst R.C.A.F. of 276 Squadron killed on 24th August 1942, (3) This could be F/O. George Edward Glenwright R.C.A.F. of 152 Squadron, killed 28th December 1942, (4) F/O. Strozak P.A.F. killed on the 20th November 1942 whilst serving with 65 Squadron, (5) Fairly sure that this is F/O. Tom Montgue Falls R.C.A.F. killed on 17th January 1943 whilst with 111 Squadron, (6) P/O. Podobinski P.A.F. killed on the 12th December 1943 serving with 303 Squadron. Research continues....but if you are able to add further information we would be pleased to hear from you.