Sgt. Baranowski and the Goose:
The theft of one of his geese compelled a country policemen to begin an investigation into the matter. By chance he discovered the missing goose being held and fed by Polish airmen, and even walked on a leash around the aerodrome. The case was settled in a court of law at Newcastle-upon-Tyne:
"The defendant, Sgt. Baranowski, 317 Squadron, when asked if he pled guilty, replied that before answering the question he would like to make a short explanation to the court. The judge permitted him to speak, and waited for what the Pole was going to say in his broken English. The sergeant, as befits a soldier, looked the judge straight in the eyes, and related briefly, as if reporting, the story of his fighter squadron, which had not even encountered the Germans, to say nothing about scoring a victory. At the same time British squadrons in the area were enjoying more luck. After researching the question in detail, he found that every other squadron had a mascot, while the Polish unit had none. One day, walking through the village, he saw a goose. He recalled the story of the geese in ancient Rome that saved the city. So, he decided to steal a goose. At night, while everybody else was having a good time in the Sergeants' Mess, he accomplished his plan. That was all he had to say in his defence.
" 'Well', asked the judge ironically, 'has a German aeroplane fallen into the hands of the defendant, too?'
"The counsel for the defence, a British officer, asked permission to speak, which was granted by the judge.
" 'Two days after the goose was brought to the aerodrome', said the consel, 'the defendant shot down a Dornier during a patrol...'
"... On hearing this the policeman asked the court to close the case, paid several pound sterling in costs, and shook the Polish airman's hand, saying 'sorry'."