The Airmen's Stories - P/O J K M Daszewski

Jan Kasimierz Michal Daszewski was born on 5th April 1916 and was serving with the Polish Air Force at the outbreak of war. Serving with Fighter Squadron 112, operating the PZL11, he destroyed a Ju87 on 5th September and the next day shared a Do17.

When Poland collapsed Daszewski went to France and joined l'Armee de l'Air.

In the fighting of May 1940 he served with the fighter group defending Romorantin airfield, south of Orleans, flying the MS406. On 5th June he claimed a He111 destroyed. After the fall of France Daszewski sailed from Bayonne on the 'Arandora Star', arriving at Plymouth on the 23rd June.

He was processed into the RAF, converted to Hurricanes and joined 303 Squadron at its formation on 2nd August 1940.

He claimed a Do215 destroyed and probably another on 7th September but was then shot down himself by Me109s over the Thames Estuary. Daszewski baled out, severely wounded in the thigh, and was admitted to Waldershare Hospital near Dover.

His Hurricane, P3890, crashed near Canterbury Gate, Selsted.

He was awarded the VM (5th Class)(gazetted 23rd December 1940).

Out of action for several months, Daszewski rejoined 303 Squadron in early 1941. On 20th April he claimed a probable Me109 and a week later he destroyed another. He was awarded the KW (gazetted 30th October 1941).

On 4th April 1942 303 Squadron joined up with 316 and 317 Squadrons to provide an escort for Bostons detailed to bomb St. Omer railway station. The Spitfires were intercepted by Me109s and Fw190s and a general combat ensued.

Daszewski, in Spitfire AD455, sent out a distress call but was not heard from again.

He is remembered on the Polish Air Force Memorial, Northolt.

He was awarded a Bar to the KW (gazetted 20th August 1942) and two more Bars (gazetted 31st October 1947).