1940 - 1943

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When Germany and the Soviet Union invaded Poland at the outbreak of World War II, the Polish air force was quickly defeated.

Many pilots escaped to France and Britain, eventually forming a force of over 8,000 airmen in Britain, which they called Wyspa Ostatniej Nadziei — "The Island of the Last Hope."

1940The flags of Poland and the British RAF are raised at a base in Britain.

1940 - A Polish pilot is interviewed by an intelligence officer after a sortie for reconnaissance information.

April 27, 1940 - A RAF Polish airman writes out notices in Polish.

Aug. 16, 1940 - Two Polish pilots stationed with the RAF pose during the Battle of Britain.

The Polish airmen quickly gained a reputation for being fearless to the point of recklessness. 

Flying Officer Ludwik Paszkiewicz was on a training exercise when he spotted an enemy plane at his altitude. He veered off and engaged the plane, downing it. For this he earned both a reprimand for breaking formation and congratulations on the squadron's first victory.

October 1940 - A group of pilots of the No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron RAF.

October 1940 - A group of pilots of the No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron RAF after a fighter sortie.

Nov. 4, 1940 - A group of Polish Royal Air Force navigators are briefed before a mission.

Dec. 20, 1940 - A group of Polish pilots balance on the wing of a Wellington bomber to watch aircraft take off from a British RAF base.

Dec. 20, 1940 - Polish airmen review a map in front of an Anson bomber during training at an RAF base.

Dec. 20, 1940 - Polish airmen receive training at an RAF station.

1941 - Three Polish fighter pilots who received decorations from the Polish premier in exile General Sikorski for their services to a Polish wing of the RAF.

1941 - Polish airmen with dogs at an RAF base.

April 7, 1943 - American-born Poles who served with the RAF are transferred to the United States Army Air Force at a ceremony at the United States Army recruiting office in London.

Nov. 17, 1943 - Air Vice-Marshal H.W.L. Saunders decorates Wing-Commander Gabszeqicz with the Distinguished Service Order.

1943 - Polish flying ace Jan Zumbach, left, of the 303 Kosciuszko Polish Fighter Squadron poses with his Supermarine Spitfire. The plane bears his distinctive Donald Duck symbol. With him are Wing Commander Stefan Witorzenc (center) and Flight Lieutenant Zygmunt Bienkowski (right).