On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at 4:00 PM, the Polish Air Force Memorial in Ruislip, West London (HA4 6QX) will once again glow with thousands of flickering candles. The annual patriotic event, “Light a Candle for Polish Airmen” (“Zapalmy Znicz Polskim Lotnikom”), invites everyone — Poles, Britons, and friends from around the world to gather and pay tribute to the brave Polish pilots who fought and died during World War II.

Organised by the Polish Air Squadrons Association, this moving ceremony is more than a national remembrance. It’s a moment of shared European gratitude, recognising the courage of the men who helped defend the skies over Britain when freedom itself was under threat.

The Heroes of the Skies

To understand why this event matters, you must travel back to 1940, the year of the Battle of Britain. As Nazi Germany sought to crush the United Kingdom from the air, hundreds of Polish pilots, who had fled their occupied homeland, joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). Among them were the legendary 303 Squadron airmen, whose unmatched skill and bravery made them some of the most effective fighter pilots of the entire war.

Despite language barriers and tragic losses, these pilots played a decisive role in securing victory. British commanders often said, “Never have so many owed so much to so few”—and among those few, Poles stood proudly at the front.

Their valour didn’t just protect Britain—it protected democracy and freedom across Europe. That’s why the “Light a Candle” ceremony isn’t just a Polish affair. It’s a moment of global reflection, a reminder of what unity and courage can achieve.

A Modern-Day Commemoration

During the event, participants will sing the Polish national anthem, offer prayers, and listen to heartfelt speeches from organizers and guests. The most powerful moment comes when attendees—young and old—light candles beneath the monument, turning the memorial into a sea of shimmering red and white.

As the song “Rota” echoes through the evening air, London’s autumn twilight becomes a canvas of remembrance. For two hours, past and present meet in the gentle glow of gratitude.

Journalists and media representatives are warmly invited to attend, record interviews, and share the story of this extraordinary gathering. It’s not only an act of remembrance—it’s an act of storytelling, keeping the legacy of these heroes alive for future generations.

Did You Know?

• The Polish 303 Squadron shot down the highest number of enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain, more than any other Allied squadron.

• Many of these pilots were in their early twenties. Some had already fought in Poland and France before taking to the British skies.

• The Polish Air Force Memorial, unveiled in 1948 near RAF Northolt, lists the names of over 2,000 Polish airmen who gave their lives in WWII.

• Every year, people from different nationalities join this event proving that remembrance knows no borders.

United by Memory

“The light of memory never fades—as long as we keep it burning,” say the organisers. And indeed, on that November evening, London will shine with thousands of flames, each one symbolising gratitude and respect for the defenders of freedom.

So, whether you have Polish roots or simply believe that heroes deserve to be remembered—come, light a candle, and be part of history.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 1st November 2025

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Polish Air Force Memorial, Western Avenue, Ruislip, HA4 6QX, West London

Organisers: Polish Air Squadrons Association

Contact: polskiedywizjony@icloud.com | Facebook & TikTok: @polskiedywizjonylotnicze

British Poles is a media patron of the event.

Beata Wójcik

Cover photo: Polskie Dywizjony Lotnicze

The article was firstly published on Energy Radio