Operation: Ramrod
Date: 04th April 1943 (Sunday)
Unit: No. 316 Squadron (City of Warsaw)
Type: Spitfire IX
Serial: BS189
Code: SZ-?
Base: RAF Northolt
Location: North of Rouen, France
Pilot: F/O. Bolesław Gęca P-1797 / 783463 PAF Age 25. Evaded
REASON FOR LOSS:
Had an earlier escape when on an escort operation. Spitfire AD119 was attacked by a Fw190. He managed to fly the aircraft back to Northolt, although the pilot was safe the aircraft was written off.
On this operation whilst escorting Boston Bombers on an operation to St. Omer, he was shot down some 10 miles north of Rouen. The pilot evaded capture and returned to his unit. With assistance from French resistance he reached Spain. The British Embassy moved him to Gibraltar and then onward travel to England.
His luck finally ran out on the 07th June the following year.
Flying with 306 Squadron on Mustang III FZ189 UZ-S when during a dive bombing attack a Bf109 hit the bomb he was carrying and the aircraft exploded over Blangyie-Ghâmeati. The pilot was killed.
Trained with 58 Operational Training Unit before joining 316 Squadron, served a short while with 164 Squadron before joining 306 Squadron.
Burial details:
Later: Initially buried at Blangy-le-Chateau, but reinterred after the end of the war at location shown. Also commemorated on the Polish War Memorial, RAF Northolt, Middlesex and the memorial for missing airman in Warsaw.
Fl/Lt. Bolesław Gęca. Polish War Cemetery. Langannerie, France. Grave II.AA.I. Born on the on 23rd December 1917 at Głusk, Lubin, Poland. Son of Karol and Józefa Gęca.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Archiwum Mielnika, Robert Gretzyngier, Wojtek Matusiak, Waldemar Wójcik and Józef Zieliński - 'Ku Czci Połeglyçh Lotnikow 1939-1945' other sources as quoted below:
KTY 12.12.2019
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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