The social enterprise, For Your Freedom and Ours, and the Lottery Heritage Fund have recently commenced the “Polish Wings” project, commemorating the legacy of the Polish Airmen who served valiantly in Northern Ireland during World War II and played a vital role in the UK’s victory in the Battle of Britain.

The Polish Airmen circumvented Nazi-occupation, escaping to the UK and eventually creating an independent Air Force and joining the RAF. They then formed the most successful squadrons during the Battle of Britain, shooting down more enemy aircraft than any other RAF squadron.

“Had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of the Battle would have been the same.” Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh Dowding

Polish Squadrons 303 and 315 were then relocated to Northern Ireland, where they provided crucial air defence until the end of the war and where many of their families still reside today. In total, fifteen Polish Airmen are laid to rest in locations across the province.

The project will include a community-led creation of an exhibition on the Polish Airmen to be installed permanently at the Ulster Aviation Society on 22nd September.

For Your Freedom and Ours are asking locals in North Down and throughout Northern Ireland to come forward with any information, materials, photographs or stories they may have of this time period related to the Airmen that could be incorporated into the exhibition.

Leading up to September, “Polish Wings” invites you to 1) take part in site visits to places of historical and cultural significance – including RAF Ballyhalbert and the Polish Consulate, 2) conduct investigations on various crash sites and airfields and 3) undertake research opportunities and creative workshops.

Training will also be provided – For Your Freedom and Ours are seeking facilitators for future OCN-accredited programmes. They welcome anyone interested in participating to contact info@foryourfreedomandours.com.

“At For Your Freedom and Ours, we agree with the Air Chief Marshal’s sentiments and we want to bring more public awareness to the bravery these men showed and the sacrifices they made – not just for Poland, but for Northern Ireland, too.” Michael Avila, Project Co-ordinator

You can find out more about the project on its website: www.foryourfreedomandours.com

The project is funded by the Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland.