Let’s join forces to build and unveil this lasting Polish Air Force Memorial in Kraków for the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—on the 15th of September, Battle of Britain Day.
History deserves remembrance, and heroes deserve honour. We are delighted to share with you a special project by Alexander Smaga. The Polish Aviation Museum has selected a truly prestigious location for the memorial exhibit—right at the former airfield site of the 2nd Polish Flying Regiment, the predecessor of the RAF 308 „City of Kraków” Squadron.
This placement adds profound historical significance to our tribute to the Polish pilots who bravely took to the skies during the Second World War.
The Battle of Britain (July–October 1940) was a crucial air campaign in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended Britain against relentless attacks by the German Luftwaffe. It was the first major military battle fought entirely in the air and a turning point in WWII.
Polish pilots played a vital role, with 145 Polish airmen joining the fight alongside the RAF. Despite making up only 5% of the total pilots, they were responsible for 12% of enemy aircraft shot down.
The 303 „Kosciuszko” Squadron became the most successful Allied squadron of the battle. Their skill and bravery earned them widespread recognition, with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding later stating that without the Polish squadrons, Britain might not have won.
The memorial exhibit has been thoughtfully placed beside JP II’s helicopter, in close proximity to the historic hangars of the Polish Air Force and the main exhibition venue, ensuring a meaningful connection to Poland’s aviation heritage.
This location is particularly significant as it is part of the Polish Aviation Museum, one of the world’s most renowned aircraft museums. Established in 1964, the museum is housed on the grounds of the former Kraków-Rakowice-Czyżyny Airport, which dates back to 1912, making it one of the oldest airfields in the world. Over the years, the museum has grown into a vast collection of historic aircraft and engines, preserving Poland’s rich aviation legacy and honouring the contributions of Polish aviators throughout history.
A truly fitting place for a memorial dedicated to the courage and achievements of the Polish Air Force!
The memorial has been designed by Alexander Smaga, the RIBA architect. He previously designed the Polish Air Force Memorial in Normandy, which serves as the inspiration for this new tribute. His work focuses on preserving historical legacies through architecture, ensuring that Polish aviators’ contributions are honoured and remembered.
Smaga also designed and built the D-DAY 75 Allied Airmen Memorial in Plumetot, Normandy, which pays homage to the Allied forces, including the Polish Air Force, who fought for victory during WWII. His designs are deeply rooted in historical significance, blending artistic vision with commemorative purpose.
Additionally, Smaga has personal ties to Poland’s military history—his grandfather fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the most pivotal battles of WWII. His dedication to honouring Polish heroes through architecture ensures their legacy lives on. He lives and works in London and Kraków, dedicating his career to commemorative architecture that ensures Polish aviation heroes are remembered.
British Poles is a media patron of the project.
WHERE: Polish Aviation Museum, Kraków, Jana Pawła II 39, 31-864 Kraków, Poland
WHEN: 14 or 15 September 2025
CROWDFUNDING: here
