No. 303 Squadron — Polish (Kościuszko)

Formed on 2 August 1940 at RAF Northolt from Polish airmen who had escaped the fall of France, No. 303 “Tadeusz Kościuszko Warsaw” Squadron entered the Battle of Britain late but made an immediate impact. Flying Hawker Hurricanes under No. 11 Group, Fighter Command, its pilots recorded 75 confirmed victories during the battle — the highest tally of any squadron engaged. Their combat experience, hardened through campaigns in Poland and France, gave them a decisive edge. From January 1941 the squadron re-equipped with Spitfires and shifted to offensive operations: Rhubarb sweeps, Circus escorts over occupied France, and support for the Dieppe landings in August 1942. It contributed to the defence against V-1 flying bombs in 1944 and, transferring briefly to the Second Tactical Air Force, flew bomber escorts and armed reconnaissance over the Netherlands in 1945. The squadron disbanded on 11 December 1946.