Why a Polish Memorial at Plumetot ?
WHY A MEMORIAL TO POLISH PILOTS FLYING WITH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AT PLUMETOT ?
Immediately following the landings of 6th June 1944, numerous landing grounds were created to provide support for the ground forces. B10 at Plumetot was one of these. It was operational from 10th June 1944. From August to September, this aerodrome served as the base for three Polish fighter squadrons. It marked the return of the Polish Air Force to the mainland of Europe.
The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) , based in London, is charged with maintaining the memory of the contribution made by the Polish Air Force in the West during the Second World War. The Committee is under the Chairmanship of Richard Kornicki and is accountable to the Polish and Royal Air Forces.
To commemorate this key event in the history of the Polish Air Force (PAF), the PAFMC wanted to erect a memorial in the commune of Plumetot in memory of the airmen who flew from there for your freedom and ours.
THE POLISH AIR FORCE
The Polish Air Force in the West comprised 18 Squadrons or equivalent units, some 19,400 personnel, and around 500 combat aircraft. Almost all Polish squadrons were engaged on 6th June over Normandy, and from the 11th Spitfires of 131 Wing used the airfield at Plumetot by day.
The Wing comprised 302, 308 and 317 Polish fighter squadrons, and was stationed at Plumetot from 3rd August, where they remained until 3rd September. The Wing accredited itself well in interception and offensive missions in Belgium and then in Germany right up until the victory.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE MONUMENT
Origin and features of the Monument
To bring about this memorial, the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (PAFMC) launched an international competitiion, calling widely for entries.
8 dossiers were sumitted and delivered to the Mairie at Plumetot. A Jury was formed with the following members:
Jean-Pierre TARLET, Mayor of the commune of Plumetot
Franck JOUY, President of the community of communes « CŒUR DE NACRE »
Richard KORNICKI, Chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee
Lt Col Dariusz PITA, Deputy Defence Attaché, Polish Embassy,
M. LAPRIE-SENTENAC, Architect of Bâtiments de France
Sqn Ldr James TENNISWOOD, observer, Royal Air Force.
The Jury selected the project submitted by Alexander Smaga, an architect of Polish origin.
Donors and Contributors
The list of Donors and Contributors of this monument is visible on the town hall of PLUMETOT to the right of the entrance.
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