By Flt Lt Jane Shepherd, SO3, RAF Media Operations, RAF Woodvale
The heroism of pilots from three Polish squadrons, which operated from RAF Woodvale near Southport during the Second World War, was commemorated at a special community event.
Representatives from across the region travelled to the Formby to remember the bravery of the aircrew from 308 Krakowski Squadron, 315 Deblinski and 317 Wilenski Squadrons, who were based at the station during the conflict.
Squadron Leader Mark Barrett, Station Commander RAF Woodvale, hosted guests including Mr Radosław Gromski, the Consul to The Polish Consulate in Manchester, Mark Blundell, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Cllr June Burns, the Mayor of Sefton, and Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, Mayor of Liverpool.
The event featured historical talks, an exhibition of artefacts including a display of 1940s military vehicles, a special Polish lunch and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Polish pilots headed to the North West in a direct response to the relentless bombing of Liverpool and Bootle during The Blitz period of the war.
308 Krakowski Squadron was the first flying squadron to make the move to RAF Woodvale, which opened as a fighter base in October 1941, and as the crews settled in 315 Deblinski and 317 Wilenski Squadrons followed.
Squadron Leader Mark Barrett said: “We are hugely proud of RAF Woodvale’s Polish legacy and it was a privilege to welcome the community and mark the heroism, bravery and sacrifice of the Polish pilots, the Polish Armed Forces and Allied Armed Forces during World War II.
“It was a busy and memorable day filled with reflection, history, and camaraderie and served as a powerful reminder of the contributions made by Polish and Allied forces in securing peace during one of history’s most challenging periods.”
Organisers of the event included Sergeant Dave Ginger, Squadron Adjutant 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron, Warrant Officer Kev Wynn, Station Adjutant RAF Woodvale, Stuart Steele, Community Engagement Officer the Royal British Legion, Dagmara Wojciechowicz, Manager Merseyside Polonia, and Joanne Chamberlain, Heritage & Participation Officer The Atkinson, Southport.
Contributors to the day included The Polish Airmen’s Commemorative Fund, Lancashire Aircraft Investigation Team, The Polish Heritage Flight, Polish cadets/scouts from Warrington and Manchester, and representatives of other Polish organisations.
Sergeant Dave Ginger said: “RAF Woodvale is indebted to the bravery of our Polish colleagues in World War Two and we were proud to come together as a community and remember that legacy.
“Many saw Great Britain as ‘The Island of Last Hope’, and sadly a number of these young men lost their lives whilst here and are buried at the nearby Church of Our Lady’s of Compassion in Formby.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
