RAF Wittering News

Community ties and historical bonds were deepened at Royal Air Force Wittering as members of Leicestershire’s Project Polska visited the historic Station’s heritage centre yesterday (23rd May).

The brave and significant part played by Polish pilots during the Battle of Britain is well understood, and the links between Britain’s Polish community and the Royal Air Force have remained strong ever since. Project Polska is based in Leicestershire and aims to empower the Polish community through opportunities and shared activities.

RAF Wittering’s Station heritage centre has several examples of the legendary Harrier aircraft, dating back to its earliest models, as well as its modern role as the RAF hub for expeditionary engineering and logistics. The centre is a source of great interest for visitors to the Station and today’s visit was no exception.

Barbara Czyznikowska is the Chairperson of Project Polska. She said: “Today we have the families and descendants of Polish officers who fought in the second world war. The members of our group today have found it very emotional and moving, it has absolutely been very enjoyable, thank you.”

A total of 145 experienced and Polish airmen fought in the Battle of Britain - 79 airmen in various RAF squadrons, 32 in No. 302 (Polish) Fighter Squadron and 34 in No. 303 (Polish) Fighter Squadron.

Lukasz Torzewski is an officer cadet studying at RAF College Cranwell. He said: “I was born and grew up in Poland, but we came to the UK looking for a better life. I joined the Air Cadets and loved it, and I want to do my part in keeping these communities together.”

The lively conversation flowed easily and showed no signs of running out as the interested guests were given a fascinating insight into RAF Wittering’s history and the many varied roles the Station fulfils today.

Royal Air Force Police Officer, Corporal Eloise Messam was the project officer for the visit. She said: “It is really beneficial and important to maximise these links with the Polish community and share the combined experiences of our common history together.”

In addition to its flying units, RAF Wittering is home to the specialist engineering and logistics squadrons that support RAF air operations and exercises, collectively known as the A4 Force Elements. The Station is also home to a contingent of RAF Police from No 7 Force protection Squadron.

Wing Commander Jez Case is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering. He said: “Today we are saying thank you to the members of Project Polska for the Polish community’s contribution to our society, and we are acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of the Polish pilots in World War Two. These links matter for us, they are important locally of course, but they also have a wider significance today, particularly with our Polish partners in NATO.”