SPITFIRE ACE DIES

[v2]

BATTLE of Britain hero Ltn Mirek Shelton (Miroslaw Szelestowski- 303 PAF), one of just 90 surviving Spitfire aces who fought off the Luftwaffe, has died at 88.

December 19, 2006

 

[mkloby]

Godspeed

 

[Gnomey]

 

[R-2800]

 

[FLYBOYJ]

 

[Wurger]

 

[the lancaster kicks ass]

i think 90's quite a few all things being considdered..........

 

[mkloby]

In Richard Collier's Eagle Day - BoB he covers 303 Squadron - Polish aviators, among many other RAF and Luftwaffe units, throughout the battle. RAF had the Poles tasked w/ learning English, afraid that their poor English would interfere w/ combat ops. They were stuck in training flights, until a training flight bumped into a raid, and Poles peeled off the formation and attacked. From that day on they were fully operational.

 

[Nonskimmer]

303 Sqn. scored the highest number of enemy aircraft shot down during the BoB, if I'm not mistaken.

Rest in peace, and thanks.

 

[v2]

If you are interesting in this story.... it's for you:
A Qustion of Honor

 

[Chingachgook]

In spring of 1940 my mother was evacuated to Blackpool. She was 6 years old. She and 2 of her sisters were billeted at a home with several Polish pilots who had made it to England via Dunkirk. They were there at Blackpool to form the 303 squadron. My mom has fond memories of these pilots, they were very kind and spent time with the girls because undoubtedly they felt sorry for them. She also remembers that they were homesick for Poland. They taught her the Polish national anthem, which she can sing word perfect (in Polish) to this day!
I do not know if this pilot is one of the ones that had been billeted with my mother but thank you for posting this. I will send his name and photo to her.

 

[Nonskimmer]

If you are interesting in this story.... it's for you:
A Qustion of Honor

I knew a little about 303 Sqn. already, but that made for a helluvan interesting read! The Poles had the skill and the guts alright. Thanks for the link!

 

[Emac44]

The Poles were a brave ally not just in the Air but ground forces as well. with great respect Mirek Shelton RIP in God's Care

 

[Wildcat]

 

[Soundbreaker Welch?]

Rest in Peace. Germany is now a friend.

 

[v2]

I knew a little about 303 Sqn. already, but that made for a helluvan interesting read! The Poles had the skill and the guts alright. Thanks for the link!

If you are interesting in story 303 Sq- here it is:
Battle of Britain - 303 Squadron Diary - Polish Aviation History Page

 

[mhuxt]

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