This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, credited by historians one of the most significant battles in British history and a crucial turning point in the Second World War. Now more than ever, it is especially important to remember those who Winston Churchill called ‘The Few’, for without them, the war could have ended differently. The Polish pilots flying for the Royal Air Force 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.

With the Battle of Britain won, the Poles continued to fly for their adopted land for the rest of the war. Throughout the course of the Second World War, there were almost 20,000 Polish airmen and airwomen and 16 Polish squadrons flying for the RAF. The Polish fought with great pride and great belief in Britain. There were a brotherhood in arms and solidarity between the two nations in the fight.

As the Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, noted: ‘Had it not been for the magnificent work of the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of battle would have been the same.’