Operation: Circus 46
Date: 12th July 1941 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 308 Squadron (PAF)
Type: Spitfire IIa
Serial: P7888
Code: ZF-B
Base: RAF Northolt
Location: English Channel
Pilot: F/O. Stanisław Wielgus P-0244 PAF Age 28. Killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
Not many details regarding this loss. During the Circus he was shot down off the coast of England in the English Channel with his body being recovered the next day.
308 Squadron pilots taken mid 1940. Front: Felix Cone, Stanislaw Wandzilak, Valerian Jasionowski, Mieczyslaw Wiórkiewicz, Erwin Kawnik. Centre: Stefan Maciejewski, Władysław Grudzinski, Richard Koczor, Paul Smith, unknown. Rear: Stanislaw Wielgus, Wladyslaw Majchrzyk, unknown, unknown, Baginton?
308 Squadron lost two other Spitfires that day. Sgt. Władysław Majchrzyk (1) 783296 flying Spitfire P7629, crash-landed at RAF Manston, Sgt. Ernest Watolski (2) 783288 flying Spitfire P8140, crash landed near Hawkhurst in Kent, after running out of fuel - both pilots survived.
(1) Sgt. Władysław Majchrzyk survived the war as a W/O with 316 Squadron. Died in Hamilton Ontario, Canada on the 14th October 2012.Burial details:
(2) Sgt. Ernest Watolski Survived the war as a W/O. with 315 Squadron - no further information.
F/O. Stanisław Wielgus. Northwood Cemetery. Grave H312. Born on 17th November 1912 in Miedzierza, Końskie, Poland. Next of kin details not currently available.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Robert Gretzyngier, Wojtek Matusiak, Waldemar Wójcik and Józef Zieliński - 'Ku Czci Połeglyçh Lotnikow 1939-1945', Norman L.R. Franks 'Fighter Command Losses' Vol. 1-3, Anna Krzystek, Tadeusz Krzystek - 'Polskie Siły Powietrzne w Wielkiej Brytanii’. The great information supplied by Krzystek’s List, to which Aircrew Remembered contribute.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed
by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior
permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2024
Last Modified: 27 November 2016, 22:24