3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 Today 1940 Battle of Britain Day: climax of the Battle of Britain, tide begins to turn as the Royal Air Force repulses a major Luftwaffe attack, losing 29 aircraft to the Germans' 57-61. surely merited a mention on the news 🤔 Anyway , thank you to the brave men and women who took part , lest we forget . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maple Leaf Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 6 minutes ago, 3fingersreid said: Today 1940 Battle of Britain Day: climax of the Battle of Britain, tide begins to turn as the Royal Air Force repulses a major Luftwaffe attack, losing 29 aircraft to the Germans' 57-61. surely merited a mention on the news 🤔 Anyway , thank you to the brave men and women who took part , lest we forget . Absolutely. There were several pivotal battles in WWII, but none where the consequences were as clear cut as the Battle of Britain. If the RAF had lost the battle, the world today would be an entirely different place. Special nod to the non-British pilots who comprised about 20% of the total number in the RAF. Highest number of these was the Poles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 12 minutes ago, 3fingersreid said: Today 1940 Battle of Britain Day: climax of the Battle of Britain, tide begins to turn as the Royal Air Force repulses a major Luftwaffe attack, losing 29 aircraft to the Germans' 57-61. surely merited a mention on the news 🤔 Anyway , thank you to the brave men and women who took part , lest we forget . I don't know what news you listen to or watch but it was all over the radio this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo-Jimbo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 Just now, I P Knightley said: I don't know what news you listen to or watch but it was all over the radio this morning. And breakfast TV as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cade Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 (edited) I did wonder why there was slightly more than usual WW2 fetish stuff on the BBC today. Edited September 15, 2020 by Cade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 1 minute ago, I P Knightley said: I don't know what news you listen to or watch but it was all over the radio this morning. Forth 2 afternoon news , fair enough of it was mentioned elsewhere 👍🏻 6 minutes ago, Maple Leaf said: Absolutely. There were several pivotal battles in WWII, but none where the consequences were as clear cut as the Battle of Britain. If the RAF had lost the battle, the world today would be an entirely different place. Special nod to the non-British pilots who comprised about 20% of the total number in the RAF. Highest number of these was the Poles. Years ago I used to have the pleasure of picking up a wee old lady called Margaret Mazcek ( sp) now sadly passed away , her dad was one of the most decorated Polish pilots in WW2 , I’m sure he has a plaque naming his actions on a wall somewhere in Marchmont ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 I’d edit my OP but for some reason I can’t 🤷🏻♂️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redjambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 2 minutes ago, 3fingersreid said: Years ago I used to have the pleasure of picking up a wee old lady called Margaret Mazcek ( sp) now sadly passed away , her dad was one of the most decorated Polish pilots in WW2 , I’m sure he has a plaque naming his actions on a wall somewhere in Marchmont ? He wasn't a pilot, but is this your guy? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisław_Maczek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 4 minutes ago, Maple Leaf said: Special nod to the non-British pilots who comprised about 20% of the total number in the RAF. Highest number of these was the Poles. I'm full of admiration of these guys. There was a handful of them in my neighbourhood growing up and, as a West Londoner these days, I regularly go past the Polish War memorial in Northolt/Ruislip. It's disgraceful how some meat-heads treat them as second class citizens while trumpeting the 'two world wars, one world cup' mentality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 7 minutes ago, redjambo said: He wasn't a pilot, but is this your guy? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisław_Maczek It’s got to be , especially when I see his picture , despite his daughters severe disabilities she was his double . I was told he was a pilot , having a mare with my info on this 🙈🙈😂😂 cheers for the link though 👍🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redjambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 Just now, 3fingersreid said: It’s got to be , especially when I see his picture , despite his daughters severe disabilities she was his double . I was told he was a pilot , having a mare with my info on this 🙈🙈😂😂 cheers for the link though 👍🏻 No, it was excellent that you mentioned the guy. He led an extremely interesting life. Shameful however that the UK government didn't give him a general's pension and it was left to the Dutch government to secretly give him some measure of a pension. A nice touch that his surname in Polish means "poppy". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie Hamilton genius Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 28 minutes ago, 3fingersreid said: Forth 2 afternoon news , fair enough of it was mentioned elsewhere 👍🏻 Years ago I used to have the pleasure of picking up a wee old lady called Margaret Mazcek ( sp) now sadly passed away , her dad was one of the most decorated Polish pilots in WW2 , I’m sure he has a plaque naming his actions on a wall somewhere in Marchmont ? Plaque is in Arden Street i think. The General was a great guy, and not bitter despite being treated like crap by British establishment If you guys don't know about it, you should visit the Polish map of Scotland at Barony House Eddleston It's dedicated to Mazcek and is something to behold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 11 minutes ago, redjambo said: No, it was excellent that you mentioned the guy. He led an extremely interesting life. Shameful however that the UK government didn't give him a general's pension and it was left to the Dutch government to secretly give him some measure of a pension. A nice touch that his surname in Polish means "poppy". Not the first and won’t be the last time good people like himself are mistreated 😡 His daughter had to use a computer to speak to you such was her illness but what a brilliant sense of humour that wee woman had , never absolutely never moaned about anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redjambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 21 minutes ago, Willie Hamilton genius said: Plaque is in Arden Street i think. The General was a great guy, and not bitter despite being treated like crap by British establishment If you guys don't know about it, you should visit the Polish map of Scotland at Barony House Eddleston It's dedicated to Mazcek and is something to behold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 1 hour ago, Willie Hamilton genius said: Plaque is in Arden Street i think. The General was a great guy, and not bitter despite being treated like crap by British establishment If you guys don't know about it, you should visit the Polish map of Scotland at Barony House Eddleston It's dedicated to Mazcek and is something to behold 👍🏻👍🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpie Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 My memory of the Polish during and after the war was that they were not popular with the Edinburgh people. I guess it may have had something to do with the numbers that arrived as the fled what they could see coming in Poland. Of course there was the blinkered view of why are the lassies going out with them they are here and our boys are away fighting the Germans. The aluminum factory in Kinlochleven was another source of pseudo racism, damn D.P.s a common term. Fortunately as time progressed understanding cured the problems and as in the war years the Polish were seen to be very intelligent, industrious and just good all round people. Of course if you weren't from Edinburgh or at least Scotland in my childhood days, you weren't worth speaking to,of or about . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 1 hour ago, Maple Leaf said: Absolutely. There were several pivotal battles in WWII, but none where the consequences were as clear cut as the Battle of Britain. If the RAF had lost the battle, the world today would be an entirely different place. Special nod to the non-British pilots who comprised about 20% of the total number in the RAF. Highest number of these was the Poles. Was there not alot of Americans (Pre entry to war) and Canadians, who flew in the battle of Britain, too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo-Jimbo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 1 hour ago, Willie Hamilton genius said: Plaque is in Arden Street i think. The General was a great guy, and not bitter despite being treated like crap by British establishment If you guys don't know about it, you should visit the Polish map of Scotland at Barony House Eddleston It's dedicated to Mazcek and is something to behold Visited that just a few weeks ago, we had lunch at the Barony Castle Hotel and afterwards I visited the map. There used to be an old Pole who lived right across from me. The usual story, fled Poland at the start of the war, made his way to the UK, joined the Polish Army, very badly injured at Monte Casino, shipped back to the UK, spent time in a hospital in Peebles, after the war stayed in Scotland as he hated the Russians more than he hated the Germans, met a local girl, settled in Innerleithen where several other Poles had settled after the war. He left Poland in 1939 and didn't set foot on Polish soil until about 1992/3 after the Russians had left, one year he went to Poland the next some of his family came here. Must be 15+ years since he died. Top tip, never try matching the Poles drink for drink when they get the vodka out, I made that mistake once, never again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maple Leaf Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 23 minutes ago, ri Alban said: Was there not alot of Americans (Pre entry to war) and Canadians, who flew in the battle of Britain, too? Yes, there were over 500 foreign pilots in total. iirc, there were about 15 different countries represented. They consisted of, in order, Poles (140), Kiwis (130), Canadians (115), Czechs (85). As you point out, there were also Americans (10). They all flew as members of the RAF, and their contribution was vital to the RAF's ultimate victory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ri Alban Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 1 hour ago, Maple Leaf said: Yes, there were over 500 foreign pilots in total. iirc, there were about 15 different countries represented. They consisted of, in order, Poles (140), Kiwis (130), Canadians (115), Czechs (85). As you point out, there were also Americans (10). They all flew as members of the RAF, and their contribution was vital to the RAF's ultimate victory. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seaside jambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 My dads mate was a spitfire pilot during the war , just a normal guy from porty.Rose to the rank of air commodore i think Jimmy Rankin was his name , think there was a portrait of him in the old British legion in portobello My dad always told me he was a real hero had great respect for him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redjambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 Just now, Seaside jambo said: My dads mate was a spitfire pilot during the war , just a normal guy from porty.Rose to the rank of air commodore i think Jimmy Rankin was his name , think there was a portrait of him in the old British legion in portobello My dad always told me he was a real hero had great respect for him Here's the chap: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Rankin_(RAF_officer) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seaside jambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 1 minute ago, redjambo said: Here's the chap: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Rankin_(RAF_officer) That’s the man Thanks for that , looks like he was one of the few after all , I take my hat of to him and the rest of the men and women like him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo Chiefo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 3 hours ago, 3fingersreid said: Forth 2 afternoon news , fair enough of it was mentioned elsewhere 👍🏻 Years ago I used to have the pleasure of picking up a wee old lady called Margaret Mazcek ( sp) now sadly passed away , her dad was one of the most decorated Polish pilots in WW2 , I’m sure he has a plaque naming his actions on a wall somewhere in Marchmont ? I'm sure there is also a statue of him in the quadrangle at the City Chambers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redjambo Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 14 minutes ago, Enzo Chiefo said: I'm sure there is also a statue of him in the quadrangle at the City Chambers. There is indeed. https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/statue-of-wwii-general-who-ended-up-pulling-pints-in-scotland-unveiled-in-edinburgh-3044 There's also a General Maczek Walk on Bruntsfield Links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3fingersreid Posted September 15, 2020 Author Share Posted September 15, 2020 19 minutes ago, Enzo Chiefo said: I'm sure there is also a statue of him in the quadrangle at the City Chambers. 2 minutes ago, redjambo said: There is indeed. https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/statue-of-wwii-general-who-ended-up-pulling-pints-in-scotland-unveiled-in-edinburgh-3044 There's also a General Maczek Walk on Bruntsfield Links. At least the city of Edinburgh has honoured the man in a proper manor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpie Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 Just after the war I remember an airman returned from service and he had terrible scars mostly on his face. A few years later I saw him and he was a postie delivering mail. His scars had been improved probably by the new plastic surgery, bit disfigurement was still there. That disfigurement caused some bumps on shoulders to point them out, and in some cases wee giggles. Its possible he liked the job and it was what he wanted, but I often thought it didn't seem much of a reward for the pain ,disfigurement and I am sure he heard some terrible comments about his injuries. The young men who flew in planes had more guts than any man should have to need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whodanny Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 (edited) On 15/09/2020 at 15:46, Willie Hamilton genius said: Plaque is in Arden Street i think. The General was a great guy, and not bitter despite being treated like crap by British establishment If you guys don't know about it, you should visit the Polish map of Scotland at Barony House Eddleston It's dedicated to Mazcek and is something to behold Stayed in the Barony Castle Hotel about 18 months ago, it's a wee bit run down, even after renovations, but the map of Scotland is very impressive. They have an elevated platform to view it from, well worth a look. Edited September 17, 2020 by whodanny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 15 hours ago, whodanny said: Stayed in the Barony Castle Hotel about 18 months ago, it's a wee bit run down, even after renovations, but the map of Scotland is very impressive. They have an elevated platform to view it from, well worth a look. They do ( or did ) decent deals but never been. Would be interesting To see the map. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shanks said no Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 My Grandads brother was in the Royal Air Force 141 Squadron, flying out of Turnhouse. He was killed in action in 1942, age 24. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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