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New plaque pays tribute to Polish pilots Mieczysław Waszkiewicz and Bogusław Mierzwa who died over Dungeness
14:28, 11 May 2021
updated: 14:29, 11 May 2021
A tribute to two Polish fighter pilots killed over Dungeness during the Second World War has been updated and unveiled.
The memorial stands on a quiet area of the EDF-owned estate, on shingle near the old railway line to the north of the main car park.
It marks the deaths of Polish pilots Mieczysław Waszkiewicz and Bogusław Mierzwa, who had both joined their country’s air force in 1939.
After the German and then Soviet invasions, the pair travelled to Romania and then on to England where both joined the 303 Squadron, one of two Polish units which fought alongside the RAF throughout the Battle of Britain.
On April 16 1941 pilots from the 303 Squadron escorted bombers to northern France on a raid but on the way home they were attacked by German fighter planes.
Pilot Officer Waszkiewicz was shot down over the English Channel, his body was never recovered.
Pilot Officer Mierzwa was shot down and died when his Spitfire crashed at Dungeness.
A new plaque was unveiled on the 80th anniversary of their deaths by the Vicar of Lydd, Chris Maclean and his curate Jacky Darling.
John Benn, station director of EDF’s nearby Dungeness B power station, said: "Dungeness estate has a long, varied and interesting history.
"But the night during the Second World War that the two pilots died here is one of the darker moments of that history.
"When we realised this year marked the 80th anniversary of that night we felt something should be done to flag the bravery of the pilots and the sacrifice they made.
"So the company collaborated with Richard Kornicki, chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, Wojtek Matusiak, an historian, and the Polish Air Force, to gather up the correct information and then put together the board.
"I hope the completed memorial prompts visitors to take a moment to reflect on these amazing individuals."
Mr Kornicki added: "These two Polish pilots fought 'For Your Freedom and Ours'.
"It is deeply moving that, so many years later, the place of their sacrifice is remembered and honoured by those who live and work there.
"I would like to thank all those involved with the memorial for the time and effort they have spent to make sure that the memory of these pilots lives from generation to generation. They deserve nothing less."
