317 "Wilenski" Squadron

[paul peters]

A second try to get my question posted. I think the change is still difficult, especially when you are getting older.
Our Polish readers must be able to give an answer to this question.
317 Squadron was named "Wilenski". What does "Wilenski" mean?
Has it to do with the town Wilno?
There were also infantery battallions with the name "Wilenski".
Tia,
Paul

[Benoit Douville]

Paul,

Probably Wilno. Here is an excellent site with all the Polish Squadrons. You will find a lot of info about the 317 Fighter Squadron.

http://fly.to/Polishsquadrons.com

Regards

[karaya]

Very nice site!

Do you have any more info about Crotian Bf-190 G-10 flonw by polish pilots, expetially some more photos of 109 before beeing repainted in RAF collors.

[Franek Grabowski]

Peter
Wileński means 'of Wilno' or 'coming from Wilno'. In case of military units like 317 Sqn (ex-III/5 Dywizjon) or Home Army Infantry Division it means that they originated or were based in the city or area. In case of surnames (there is such) it indicates a person living or originating from the city. A general rule is that names having their origin in cities are Jewish ones.

Karaya
My article covering history of Croat/Polish 109G-14/AS was published in (Polish) Model Hobby magazine 2/2003 (available through SS). 7 photos in Croat markings and 3 in Polish were included, those are all that I am awared of.

[Chris Goss]

Having just driven past the Polish War Memorial at Northolt, it was inscribed 'City of Wilno'

[Audrius]

hello,

Originally Posted by paul peters

Has it to do with the town Wilno?

Yes you are right the name of the regiment came from the name of Lithuanian capital - Vilnius (http://www.vilnius.lt/new/en/vadovybe.php) or Wilno ( in polish). Perhaps it will be interesting for you to know that there was a russian regiment that was given by same name as well - 66 GIAP, flown Yak-3.

Regards from Vilnius

[paul peters]

Hi Audrius,
Thanks for the addition.
paul