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303 "Kościuszko" Squadron

The summer of 1940 and the Battle of Britain—the darkest days of World War II. France, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Norway had all been crushed by the powerful Nazi German war machine. Great Britain stood alone, fighting for its life.

Thrilling action story of the celebrated squadron of Polish fighter pilots whose superb daring and aerial combat skills helped save England during its most desperate hours. The 303 "Kościuszko" Squadron flew with the RAF, downing three times the average RAF score, while incurring only one-third the average casualties during the Battle of Britain. Underdog heroes who rose to defend against the deadliest German Luftwaffe attacks, the pilots of 303 Squadron were lionized by the British press, congratulated by the King and adored by the British public.

With an immediacy that vividly brings to life those harrowing days, Arkady Fiedler paints the bravery, the poignancy, the breathtaking gambles with death risked daily by this exceptional group of young men far from home, who fought to preserve freedom for all.

Includes nearly 200 black and white photos, maps and illustrations; contextualizing historical material; nine appendices: Glossary, Polish Air Force Ranks and their RAF Equivalents, 303 Squadron Personnel in the Battle of Britain, Bios of all the featured 303 Squadron pilots, 303 Squadron Claimed Victories, The 303 Squadron Badge and the Original Kosciuszko Squadron, The Song of 303 Squadron, The Creation of the Polish Air Force Colour, Operational Units of the Polish Air Force in Great Britain.