The Forgotten Few
The Polish Air Force in World War II
(Author) Adam ZamoyskiBy the beginning of 1941 there was a fully fledged Polish Air Force operating alongside the RAF. With 14 Squadrons it was larger than any other of the Air Force from Nazi-occupied Europe that had joined the Allies. Over 17,000 men and women passed through the ranks of the Polish Air Force while it was stationed in the UK. They shot down 745 enemy aircraft, with a further 175 unconfirmed. They dropped thousands of bombs and laid hundreds of mines, flying 102,486 sorties notching up a total of 290,895 operation flying hours. They achieved this at a cost of 1,973 killed and 1,388 wounded. They won 342 British gallantry awards.
Adam Zamoyski
Adam Zamoyski is a British historian and author of Polish descent, known for his works on European history, particularly focusing on Poland. His most notable works include "The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History of the Poles and Their Culture" and "1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow." Zamoyski's writing style is characterized by meticulous research, engaging narrative, and a deep understanding of the historical events he covers. He has made significant contributions to the literature on Polish history and has helped bring awareness to the country's rich cultural heritage. "1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow" is considered his most famous work, shedding new light on one of the most pivotal moments in European history.