Polish Air Force Day commemorated at Battle of Britain Bunker

During the Second World War, nine Polish fighter squadrons, including 303 squadron stationed at RAF Northolt, participated in air campaigns organised by Headquarters No. 11 Group (RAF Fighter Command) based at RAF Uxbridge and coordinated from the Battle of Britain Bunker.  

The commemorative day, held between 10am and 4pm, will feature fascinating historical talks, guided tours and pop-up exhibitions to entertain visitors, along with a range of delicious refreshments on offer at Café at the Bunker.  

Guided tours will run at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm, and in between there will be three talks as part of the bunker's Speaker Series, starting at 11am where David Harvey presents, 'Phantom of a Spitfire - A Pilot's Perspective'.  At 1pm, Kate Vigurs presents, 'Mission Europe', before the final speaker, Richard Kornicki, whose talk, 'Training pilots the Polish way' takes place at 3pm.

Along with connections to Uxbridge and RAF Northolt, in nearby South Ruislip, the Polish Air Force Memorial commemorates all who served during the conflict.  

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "Polish Air Force Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate the remarkable and vital contribution to the Second World War locally from the Polish forces, which is recognised through our ongoing support of the Polish Airmen's Association and Polish Air Force Memorial Committee. 

"This event appeals to all ages and will be a highlight in the busy summer programme of events and activities at the bunker, which also includes family favourites like the popular Pipsqueaks story-time sessions, free children's craft activities and the regular Speaker Series of historical talks." 

All Speaker Series talks cost £5 each. Guided tours include entry to the visitor centre and cost £12.50. Concession prices are available, and tickets are free for under-16s. 

The visitor centre also houses a permanent Polish Air Force exhibition, which documents the perilous journeys undertaken by its personnel following the invasion of Poland and highlights the different roles in the service, including pilots, observers, ground crew and the Polish Women's Auxiliary Air Force. 

Throughout the summer, the bunker hosts weekly family tours and activities. In September, it will be the borough's focal point for commemorations to mark the 85^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and visitors will also be able to get rare access to the site's generator house as part of Heritage Open Days (12 to 21 September). 

Find out more and book your visit at battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/whats-on.