Poland in the UK

The ceremony saw the Prime Minister and the Ambassador honour the Allied airmen who resisted the Lutwaffe attack in the summer and autumn of 1940 and whom Winston Churchill called “The Few” by laying wreaths at a commemorative stone at the museum in Uxbridge. Among those being commemorated were 145 Polish pilots and thousands of Polish airmen who took part in the fight over Britain.

Together with representatives of the Royal Air Force, the London Borough of Hillingdon, the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, the Polish Airmen’s Association UK and the Friends of No. 11 Group, the PM and the Ambassador also marked the anniversary with short speeches.

“I am extremely proud to be here today at the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge to pay tribute to those individuals who fought hard in the sky and on the ground 80 years ago. […] On the 15th of September 1940, Winston Churchill visited the headquarters of No. 11, Fighter Command here at Uxbridge [where] he witnessed the titanic effort of the men and women working to defend the skies over Britain,” said Prime Minister Johnson.

“Just in this battle, 145 Polish pilots fought alongside British airmen, resisting the Nazi German offensive and giving hope to many in Europe. Today’s ceremony is an opportunity to reflect on the Polish-British spirit of friendship and cooperation that our war heroes ignited and our generation nurtures until this day,” said Ambassador Rzegocki.

Battle of Britain is considered one of the most significant battles in British history and a turning point in the Second World War.

In September 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland and then, in a series of campaigns and treaties, it conquered or controlled much of continental Europe. In July 1940, Nazi Germany began its campaign to gain air superiority, therefore allowing for a future invasion of Britain. After months of enemy attacks and air raids by the Luftwaffe, the Royal Air Force, along with its Allied counterparts, turned the tide of the battle on the 15th of September 1940 - now known as the groundbreaking Battle of Britain Day.

Among the British Allies, the Polish pilots were the most effective. They played a vital role in the fight over the British skies. It was their courage and prowess that contributed to turning the tide of war and defeating the Luftwaffe.

Watch a special commemorative video from the wreath-laying ceremony.

Polish Embassy UK Press Office