Sgt Marian Domagala, 302 Squadron

[Critfer]

Hi,

I'm looking for information about Sgt Marian Domagala of 302, City of Poznan, Squadron, RAF.

On the evening of 8 May 1941, a flight from 302 Squadron was 'bounced' by JG 51 over Dungeness, Kent - Sgt Domagala's Hurricane (Z2523?) suffered damage forcing him to bail out.

I'm interested to know anything about Sgt Domagala's service - before and after this action - and also about the action itself.

Many thanks!

Chris

[Franek Grabowski]

Domagała was one of the few so you can find him in Wynn or in Zielinski's Polish airmen in the Battle of Britain. If those books are not available to you, let me know.

[nick de carteret]

Hi Chris... Sgt Marian Domagala flew as my uncle's wingman during the BOB when he was with 238 Squadron. They remained friends after the war and were in touch until he died in the early nineties I believe.

[gedburke3]

Hi Nick,
I'm intrigued - what was your uncles name?
Gerry

[Chris Goss]

In answer to your original question, he was claimed by Stab I/JG 51-Hptm Joppien and Fw Flieg who also shot down Sqn Ldr Laguna (who also baled out unhurt)

[robert]

Hi Chris,

it was Fleig not Flieg.

Regards

Robert

[Chris Goss]

I before E except after C...except in German!!

[nick de carteret]

Originally Posted by gedburke3

Hi Nick,
I'm intrigued - what was your uncles name?
Gerry

Hi Gerry, he was Air Commodore H.A. 'Jimmy' Fenton CBE, DSO, DFC. During the BOB he was a Squadron Leader in command of 238 Squadron. Here is what he said in his book regarding Sgt Domagala :-

"Vernon Simmonds had usually flown as my No.2 but now led a section himself so I drafted in Sgt. Marrion Domagala, a Pole into the position and found it reassuring to have a man of his determination and ability on my wingtip. I remember an incident a month or two later. We were together trying to intercept a German 'Recce'. There were huge thunderstorms and inside one my airspeed indicator iced up and failed as the heater was on the blink. I could keep straight but went up and down violently. All this time Domagala stuck to my wingtip like glue!

For some months I flew with Domagala (Polish) and Bernard (Czech) on each side and reckoned I had the finest section in the Command".

[gedburke3]

Hi Nick,
Many thanks for this info. I recall talking to Gordon Batt several times about Air Commodore Fenton. In fact I recall Gordon had a painting of Hurricanes on his wall at home that I believe was done by your uncle, he was very proud of it. I have a photograph of it somewhere if you would like a copy.
I was unaware that he had written a book - what was it called I will try and get a copy. I have attached a pic of Marian Domagala for you in case you don't have one.
Gerry

[nick de carteret]

Originally Posted by gedburke3

Hi Nick,
Many thanks for this info. I recall talking to Gordon Batt several times about Air Commodore Fenton. In fact I recall Gordon had a painting of Hurricanes on his wall at home that I believe was done by your uncle, he was very proud of it. I have a photograph of it somewhere if you would like a copy.
I was unaware that he had written a book - what was it called I will try and get a copy. I have attached a pic of Marian Domagala for you in case you don't have one.
Gerry

Hi again Gerry... yes, he was an amateur artist and did various small paintings depicting Hurricanes. His book of his years in the RAF and WW2 was privately published in the early nineties and is very hard to obtain now. It mainly went to old comrades, family members and various libraries and associations as far as I know but is an excellent read covering his time in India in before the war, the BOB, the Desert Air Force, 2nd TAF, station commander at Kenley with J.J. etc. etc.
Picture here : http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...ey2/017_18.jpg