• Kracker Archive
• Allied Losses
• Archiwum Polish
• Paradie Canadian
• RCAF
• RAAF
• RNZAF
• USA
• Searchable Lists
Operation: Ramrod 51
Date: 4th April 1943 (Sunday)
Unit: No. 315 Squadron (Polish)
Type: Spitfire IX
Serial: BS514
Base: R.A.F. Northolt, Middlesex.
Location: 10 miles North East Roeun, France
Pilot: Sq/Ldr. Henryk Szczesny V.M. D.F.C. P-76781 P.A.F. P.o.W. Camp Sagan and Belaria.
REASON FOR LOSS:
Taking off at 13.35 hrs ten aircraft left R.A.F. Northolt on a Ramrod to escort 70 B-17’s after bombing Billancourt. During the turn to escort these over Roeun Fl/Lt. Lukasiewicz and P/O. Panek collided – both pilot were killed.
The Squadron was bounced by 15 Fw 109’s 10 miles North East of Rouen. During this skirmish both Sq/Ldr. Szczesny and Sgt OstrowskI were shot down. A grim day indeed for the Squadron, losing four valuable pilots.
Burial Details:
None: P/O. Henryk Szczesny V.M. D.F.C. survived the war and settled in England. In 1946 transferred to the R.A.F. where he served until 1965. Son of Stanislaw and Marianna, née Werc. Born March 27th 1909 in Poland. Previously served in 302, 317 Squadrons before joining 315 Squadron. Died in London on 25th July 1996.
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’, Norman L.R. Franks ‘Fighter Command Losses’ Vol. 2, Wikipedia, Aircrew Remembered own archives.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed
by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior
permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2024
Last Modified: 02 July 2019, 16:11