Polish Memorial Ceremony

Tuesday 16th April 2019 saw a small gathering at the memorial site of the two 303 Squadron, Polish Air force Officers, Pilot Officers Boguslaw Mierzwa and Mieczyslaw Waszkiewicz, who lost their lives on that day in 1941.

A memorial service, organised by local British Legion member David Harris, was conducted by the local Legion Padre, Peter Firth.

Polish Memorial Ceremony Dungeness April 2019

No. 303 Squadron RAF was one of 16 Polish Squadrons in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. On 16th April 1941, 303 Squadron flew as an escort operation codename, “Circus”, giving support to operations of the RAF Bomber Command on a raid to Berck-surMer. The formation was attacked by enemy fighters over the channel.

Pilot Officer Waszkiewicz was shot down and killed when his Spitfire crashed into the sea off Dungeness Point. The pilot and aircraft were never found. He is commemorated on the Polish War Memorial at Northolt in Middlesex.

Pilot Officer Mierzwa was shot down and died when his spitfire crashed a few yards from the site of the memorial which is alongside the old mainline branch line from Lydd to Dungeness. He is buried in Northwood Cemetery.

The guests at the service included Colonel Norbert Czerbniak (Deputy Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Poland). Artur Bildziuk (Chairman, Polish Airmen’s Association UK), Councillor Peter Coe (The Right Worshipful Mayor of New Romney) and Zuzanna Tyburcy (EDF Energy).

Victor and Jonathon Kellett also attended. Their father was Wing Commander Kellett, who formed 303 Squadron and lead them through the Battle of Britain.

Eight Standards were on parade from the local Branch, the RAF Association and the Hastings Veterans Association. The Last Post and Reveille were played by Del Jones.

Following the prayers, the ceremony concluded with the congregation singing of the ‘Airmen’s Hymn’, Eternal Father Strong to Save and finally, the Polish National and British National Anthems.

Colin Clayton, a local Lydd on Sea resident (seen below speaking with Colonel Czerbniak), has been instrumental in creating the memorial (and a few others locally) for many years, keeping them in good order – and all at his own expense.

19-April-Colin-Clayton-with-Polish-air-Force

Thanks to David Harris, New Romney RBL (who was responsible for the organising of the memorial service) and David Wimble of ‘The Looker’ for most of the text to go with the many photographs – which appear in our photo gallery.

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About the Author: Mike Golding

Born in Ashford a long time ago I have had a lifelong relationship with Dungeness having spent every year here for a fortnights holiday up to the age of 15. In those good old days there was no electricity and hence no radio, no running water and no adequate sewage solutions. Nothing to do other than enjoy the vast expanse of the Ness and all it offered for the young children of that era. Out after breakfast and back before nightfall. There were lakes to swim in. Same lakes to boat on (well old railway sleepers). A derelict school and long disused railway station in and on which to play. Gun emplacements, underground shelters. Sheer bliss. That all ended at 16 when I joined the RAF, finally purchasing a shack – as indeed it was then – in 1971 for the princely sum of £750.00. Only 15 years prior to that we could not afford the £150.00 asking price for what was then known as ‘Windwhistle’, reported to be one of Queen Victoria’s entourages carriages. Still there today, sold last year (2022) and still awaiting planning permission to re construct, but the original structure still concealed behind painted shiplap. Leaving the mob I travelled, retuning ‘home’ as oft I could, and realistically, only becoming a permanent fixture since 1977. In those days there was a vibrant community here with annual gatherings for the Mayday festival – spit roast and all and open days at the Lifeboat station – with bosuns chairs, zip wires to keep the kids happy. I think Health and Safety put paid to that and other activities, as did the moving away of many locals. The result of which , today there are probably less than 20 families residing here permanently, (I have been told not to use the word ‘shacks’ as now, at £650,000.00 plus they are 'desirable bungalows in a well sought after locale'. So ‘Shacks’ they are! End. P.S A few originals left to rent from £500 per week.