Need Photos of Polish Airforce in Exile.

[GregFK]

Hi all,

Lurked here from time to time and finally decided to join. I have a request for you and hopefully it's in the appropriate forum. I'm looking for period photos of Polish Exile Pilots in uniform for a project I'm working on. If you have some you would like to share then please post them here. If you'd rather not then please feel free to email them to me. You will be given credit on any and all photos used and none of them will EVER be re-distributed or printed without your express permission.

Many thanks in advance to all who can help.

Cheers,
Greg

[Franek Grabowski]

Could you be more specific, please?

[GregFK]

Dziendobry Franek,

I'm specifically looking for photos of Polish pilots in the various squadrons out of England. To be even more specific I am looking for photos of the fellows in uniform (in full flight gear and without) and in both service dress and battle dress. The reason I am looking for these is that I am writing an article (that will later be turned into a website for all to access) on the uniforms and insignia of pilots in the PAF in exile. This will include period photos and photos of tunics from various collections.


Dziekuje,

Grzegorz

[Franek Grabowski]

Grzegorzu
There are literally thousands of such photos, so without any hint, it would be hard to pick up the ones that will suit your needs best.

[GregFK]

Francisek,

To be absolutely specific I am asking for photos of men in uniform. I would very much like them to show the different insignia (shoulder titles, Polish wings, RAF wings, etc.) and some of the variations. I would also like to get some photos of men in flight gear (mae west, flight helmets, etc.) to illustrate the different types of gear in wear. I am not particular about squadron as the insignia and equipment were very similar from squadron to squadron. I'm not asking for every photo but just some examples to post to comparisons of original photos and of uniforms and insignia in collections. When I get home I can post a couple of photos that are the type I'm looking for.

Dziekuje,
Grzegorz

[Franek Grabowski]

Grzegorzu
By specific I mean that you have to provide a list of needed photos, eg. full view of a fighter pilot in flying kit in 1942, or a portrait with a cap well visible, or a groundcrew in a battledress of any type, etc. Some could be few photos but also could be hundreds.

[GregFK]

Hi,

Okay. Gotcha. Group photos are okay but not the best. I need individual (preferably full body but waist up will suffice) of single or small groups of pilots. As of right now I will be focusing on all pilots (fighter, bomber, etc.). I will be focusing on all the different manner of uniforms and flight equipment used by the Poles in England. I was hoping to show the differences in types, and wear of the various insignia on both the service and battle dress. Add to that the different types of flight gear in wear. The list as follows:

- Men in all squadrons wearing 4 pocket service dress (out of flight gear). Close ups of insignia (shoulder titles, wings, collar insignia, ribbons, rank) would be good but not absolutely req'd. Wearing both the visor or the sidecap.

- Same as above but in flying gear.

- Men in battle dress (out of flight gear) again with insignia visible.

- Same as above but in full gear.

I understand that this may sound overwhelming but as I am starting from scratch so I don't have a "specific" list. I only have a very small amount of photos at present. As I accumulate photos then I can start to be picky about exactly what types of gear and which insignia I will need to see. Until then any and all help is a HUGE benefit.

Pozdrawiam,
Grzegorz

[GregFK]

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone that has contributed thus far. I am currently sorting through the ones I have and will be able to be more specific in the near future. Could still use some additional photos though if anyone has any to share.

Thanks,
Greg

[Csaba B. Stenge]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

Grzegorzu
There are literally thousands of such photos.

It is off topic, but I'm so envy always, when read such a statement... About the Hungarian air force, just very few photos remained from the most frequented wartime periods...

[Franek Grabowski]

Greg
Could you send me a PM with your email as well as size requirements? I should have just what you need.

Csaba
Well, I am complaining as well, though I am lacking photos of specific mounts or specific periods. For example, there are no photos of Skalski's Hurricanes of 501 Sqn, extremelly few of his Hurricanes or Spitfires from 306 Sqn, no Spitifre Vs of PFT, practically no Spitfires of 601 Sqn (I have only poor scans of Levy's photos), no photo of his personal Spitfire SS and last but not least there is no wartime colour photo of him.
I think you will understand my pain.