No. 308 Squadron — City of Kraków

No. 308 “City of Kraków” Polish Fighter Squadron was formed at the RAF Polish Depot, Squires Gate, Blackpool, in September 1940, drawing its pilots from the pre-war 2nd Aviation Regiment based in Kraków. The squadron flew Hawker Hurricanes from October 1940 before converting to Supermarine Spitfires the following spring, subsequently operating from RAF Northolt as part of 11 Group, Fighter Command, flying offensive sweeps and bomber-escort missions over occupied France. In 1943 the unit transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force, redesignated as a fighter-bomber squadron within 84 Group, and took part in the Allied advance into north-west Europe following the Normandy landings of June 1944. During the campaign it rendered notable support to the 1st Polish Armoured Division near Falaise, and Polish squadrons in the same wing distinguished themselves repelling the Luftwaffe’s Operation Bodenplatte on 1 January 1945. By the close of hostilities the squadron had been credited with 69 confirmed aerial kills, 13 probables, and 21 damaged, alongside the destruction of hundreds of vehicles, locomotives and other ground targets. It was disbanded at RAF Ahlhorn, Germany, on 18 December 1946, after serving as part of the British occupation forces.