Sqn Ldr JAN BLAZEJEWSKI

SL Jan Blazejewski

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

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