This trail passes key sites around the borough visited by members of the Polish Air Force during the Second World War.
Follow the trail on your smartphone, using the interactive map to guide you.
From 1940 to 1945, thousands of members of the Polish Air Force lived and worked within what is now the London Borough of Hillingdon. Most were stationed at RAF Northolt with the Polish Fighter Wing, with a smaller number working at RAF Uxbridge. From their bases, through their social venues, to their final resting places, follow in the footsteps of our brave allied airmen.
- The Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge, from where the RAF's ighter squadrons were controlled, including the Polish Fighter Wing.
Wren Avenue, Uxbridge, UB10 0RN. - The Polish Air Force Memorial, Northolt, was unveiled in 1948 to commemorate fallen Polish airmen and the participation of Polish Squadrons in the war effort. Beside the A40/A4180 roundabout near RAF Northolt.
West End Road, South Ruislip, HA5 6QX. - The Orchard public house, favourite watering hole of the Polish airmen stationed at RAF Northolt.
Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7DR. - Northwood Cemetery, burial site of Polish airmen, mostly from RAF Northolt.
Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, HA6 1HU.
Acknowledgements
The London Borough of Hillingdon would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for their help and support in preparing the Polish Air Force Heritage Trail:
- Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London
- Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment
- Polish Airmen's Association
- Polish Air Force Memorial Committee
- The Orchard (Beefeater/Whitbread PLC)
- The Producers of the feature film 'Hurricane' (2018)
- Wojtek Matusiak
Images provided by the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee.