Sqn Ldr JAN BLAZEJEWSKI P.0004 POLISH AIR FORCE
Sqn Ldr Jan Blazejewski was born 4th February 1904 at Winnica, Polode. He attended the Aviation Cadet School at Deblin where he trained as a pilot, graduating on 15th August 1933. He was assigned to 6th Air Regiment as an observer and completed his training by 1934 at Pilot school at Sadkow.
When the Germans Invaded Poland, Jan escaped via Romania to France and then onto England, where he joined 304 (Silesian) Squadron. He had the rank of Kaptain in the Polish Air Force, and by the time of his death had been awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for courage and exemplary leadership during 20 bombing operations over France, Germany and occupied Europe – a total of 120 hours. He was also awarded the Polish medals, VM 5th Class and Four Times FW.
On 16th December 1941, Wellington R1064 took off from RAF Lindholme to the docks at Oostende at 16.57. A distress call was heard at 19.05 close to Manston, and then nothing. The aircraft was seen to plunge into the sea believed to have fallen victim to a night-fighter.
CREW OF WELLINGTON R1064-NZ: click on the names to see their entry in our Losses Database
Sgt Boguslaw Golabek P79367 Air Gunner Panel 40
F/O Jan Komlacz P.0301 Observer Panel 60
Sgt Hubert Rutkowski P.781201 Air Gunner Panel 93
Sgt Kazimierz Suwalski P.780356 Air Gunner Panel 103
F/O Marian Szczodrowski P.76740 Pilot Panel 104
Jan is buried in Dunkirk Town Cemetery, France; Plot 11, Row 3, Grave 2.
Photo courtesy of Polish War Graves
There are more stories about those who suffered and served with Bomber Command on the IBCC Blog Space