The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. W Sasak

Wilhelm Sasak was born on 11th October 1916 in Nowy Targ, south of Krakow. His service in the Polish Air Force and subsequent journey to England is currently undocumented.

He enlisted in the RAFVR in February 1940 at RAF Eastchurch. From 1st June he was at the Polish Wing at 3 School of Technical Training at Blackpool, awaiting a posting.

On 23rd August 1940 Sasak went to No. 1 School of Army Cooperation, Old Sarum on the 5th Polish Pilots Course, for testing and grading.

On 1st September Sasak, then an LAC, arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge. After converting to Hurricanes he joined 32 Squadron at Acklington on the 21st, as a Sergeant.

After the Battle of Britain he was posted to 145 Squadron at Tangmere, joining it on 5th November.

On 30th November 1940 he was returning from a squadron patrol when his engine caught fire, he broke out of formation but did not bale out, being possibly overcome by fumes.

His Hurricane P3704 crashed at Donnington, south of Chichester.

Sasak was killed and is buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Chichester.

Sasak is also commemorated (above) on the Polish War Memorial at Northolt.