Originally posted by Angus
Back to the BoB.
The Polish were held a bit back in the beginning. When did they enter at full force?
(Brimming with aggressiveness and lust for revenge no doubt)
And a little input from a RAF pilot who didn't like Poles in his squad, especially not as a wingman! He said that they were famous for going red-hot against any LW aircraft as son as seen, and that is not good latin, if you see (or especially don't see!) your wingman just diving away from you. Now, we can do this in AH, and maybe get away with it, - we will still live another day. But in RL....?
My point there is, was that also a factor when Poles were formed rather in entire squad? (of course moral etc etc, but language really comes MUCH slower that way. I know Poles that have been in my country for up to 10 years, and NEITHER master our native language, nor English!!!! Just Polish and some broken basics.)
Always good to ponder on things I think.
And as a sidenote, weren't the Poles mostly quite experienced fighter pilots (apart from fast birds like the Spitty)? More or less, and had already been fighting the LW? Same goes to the Czhechs?
are you trying to insult Poles?
Polish AF was 3rd force in a row of western allies, after USAF and RAF
Some does not like Polish troops in British squadrons, sure.
Some of RAF pilots does not like Canadians, Australians, South Africans, Indians as well.
Hot head? don't think so. Those who where send as replacement for RAF squad had at list good knowledge of English, as well as mastered air-air combat. Most of them had already couple confirmed aerial victories. They know how to do the job.
Many of them start service in June of 1940.
Mby experienced in air combat pilots don't like to be slaughter as RAF pilots was. Flying wingtip to wingtip coses many unnecessary RAF losses.
Oh, thats long story. It cost many life's
But could be tweak in to "bad Polish wingman" story.
More, ever heard of 4 finger formation?
Those of Polish pilots who had very basic knowledge of English (mostly cuz they learn French as they second language), where group in Polish squadrons under RAF command (303rd, 302nd and more).
During the Battle of Britain, between August 30th and October 11th, No. 303 Squadron tallied 126 enemy aircraft destroyed, 13 probably destroyed and 9 damaged.
I know Poles that have been in my country for up to 10 years, and NEITHER master our native language, nor English!!!! Just Polish and some broken basics.)
If they don't have reason for that, why bother? Also some people are brighter then others, i guess none of them are rocket scientist but regular workers, right? In this kind of work witch don't require sophisticated knowledge of your language.
