No. 307 (Polish) Squadron

 

No. 307 (Polish) Squadron otherwise known as No. 307 (City of Lwow) Squadron, was a Polish squadron that was established in 1940 in the UK, as part of the agreement between the Polish Government in Exile and the United Kingdom.  It was one of the 15 Polish squadrons that served alongside the Royal Air Force, and No.307 was the only night fighter squadron.  It was named after the Polish city of Lwow.

After its formation, at Blackpool, the squadron was assembled at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey, in September 1940 as a night fighter unit.  The squadron was to fly Boulton Paul Defiant aircraft.  The squadron then took up residence at RAF Jurby, Isle of Man.

In August 1941, the squadron converted to Beaufighters and then was equipped with Mosquitoes in December 1942.

Between April 1941 and April 1943, the squadron was based at RAF Clyst, Honiton, Devon (now Exeter airport) the squadron was defending Southwest England from German night bombers.

At the time of Exeter Blitz, 3^rd/4^th May 1942, there were only three Polish No.307 Squadron that were able to defend the city. They managed to intercept and shoot down four of the German bombers.

From 1943, the squadron was based at RAF Predannack, Cornwall.  They were active as a night intruder unit over airfields of occupied France.  This changed in 1945, when the squadron switched to bomber support, combating German night fighters.  From 1945 to 1946, the squadron was based at RAF Horsham St. Faith, Norwich. Finally, the squadron was disbanded in 1947.

de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito NF MK II

27^th June 1943, at RAF Fairwood, a de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito NF MK II, took off for a test flight, following major repairs on the engine. In total, there were 240 hours carried out on inspections and repairs, the aircraft was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Roman Grazanka and flight chief mechanic Waclaw Oyrzanowski who acted as a passenger to observe the engines.   The pilot who was flying low crashed a mile south of the airfield in a field at Fair Acres Farm, nr. Pennard.  Grazanka was killed, whilst Oyrzanowski was injured but died the next day.

The cause of the accident was the result of a fire breaking out in the port engine shortly after take-off.  Grazanka who immediately turned for ‘home’ was coming in from the sea, had been seen losing height and with the engine on fire, before disappearing and hitting the ground.

Roman Grazanka
credit - findagrave

Roman Grazanka
St. Illtyds Church, Pembrey
credit - findagrave

Roman Grazanka was born in February 1903, Ujma Duza, Poland.  From an early age, Grazanka, showed a determination for a sense of duty and adventure, which led him to join the Polish Air Force.  Grazanka quickly earned a reputation as a skilled and determined pilot.

Waclaw Oyrzanowski
credit - findagrave

Waclaw Oyrzanowski
St. Illtyds Church, Pembrey
credit - findagrave

Waclaw Oyrzanowski was born in September 1903, Zawady, Poland. Oyrzanowski, joined the Polish Air Force, and he fought across Europe.

Both men are buried at St. Illtyds Church, Pembrey.