Przemysl Airfield Polska
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Gentlemen,
I am a resident of the historic Polish City of Przemysl, which I am sure you are aware was famous during WW1 for the famous siege in 1915. It was also home to an airfield at Hureczo which came into it’s own during the Polish/Ukrainian war in 1918/19 and also the Polish/Soviet War of 1919 to 1921.
Many types of Aircraft were operated by the new Polish Air Force including Austro-Hungarian, German,Italian and of course British types. The famous 7th Kosciuszko squadron made up of American volunteers also operated from the Airfield (see attached photo of memorial) in August 1920.
My request is this: Did any ex RFC/RAF pilots or ground crew operate from the airfield? Also does anybody have any photo’s of the ex British Aircraft at Przemysl during this time or any other information on them. I know that Bristol Fighters and possibly SE5’s were operated here.
One clue I have is from local legend that a British Pilot was killed in a crash in 1919 not far from the Airfield, who was he?
Thanking you all in advance
Martin Foley
The Ai-Britain SE5 book mentions that aircraft went to Poland in the 1920s, but offers no information, merely saying that information on them is ‘sparse’ ! Presumably, these came from the ADC, rather than as part of any official intervention?
There does seems to be a lot of interest in civil aviation (air mail etc).
There are some references in Flight, e.g.:
“French Aeroplanes Sold to Russia ? ACCORDING to M. Andr6 Tardieu a number of French aeroplanes have been sold to the Russian Soviet Government. With regard to these transactions, M. Tardieu urged the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chamber of Deputies to ask M. Poincare to state whether the sales were made with the Government’s approval and how many machines had been sold. The Commission, however, refused by a majority of three to put these questions to the Prime Minister. M. Tardieu stated that it was useless to aid Poland by a loan of 400,000,000 francs if at the same time her possible adversary obtains French aeroplanes. ” 2.2.1923Flight,
“British Aviators in Warsaw ACCORDING to the Polish information Committee, the Handley Page aeroplane newly arrived in Warsaw by air, in response to an invitation from the Polish National Aeronautic Society, has been making exhibition flights in the presence of the Ministers and diplomats. After the flights the British aviators, Captains Herne and McNaught Davis, and Lieutenants Wilcox and Capps, the special representative of the Handley Page firm, Mr. Richard, and the members of the organising committee of the Polish National Aeronautic Society, were entertained to dinner at the officers’ mess in the military flying headquarters by the Inspector-General of the Army Air Forces. The British Minister was present at the dinner, during which speeches were made noting the friendly relations between Poland and Great Britain. The British flying men were presented by General Macewicz with the distinctive decorations of the Polish Air Forces.” Flight 5.2.1920
“He was glad to say that British firms had secured considerable contracts for aircraft in South Africa, China, Poland and Scandinavia. Of the 123 emergency landing-grounds appealed for by Gen. Seely a year ago, 109 had been provision-ill selected up to February 24.” Under Secretary for Air, Flight, 18.3.1920
“More Aeroplanes for Poland ? ACCORDING to the Polish Information Bureau, a telegram from Warsaw, dated August 23, says that Sir Reginald Tower has informed the State Council of Danzig that eight , railway cars, containing aeroplanes for Poland, en route for Poland, have been detained in Danzig. The Burgomaster, Dr. Sahm, proposed to the Assembly to reply to the High Commissioner to the effect that, in view of Danzig’s neutrality, the State Council would not intervene.” Flight 2.9.1920
“FOLLOWING the example of the Allies during the War, Poland is making good use of aeroplanes for propaganda work amongst the Bolshies. In connection with the big advances which the Poles have made and the taking of Grodno. Polish aeroplanes have been flying over the Bolshevist lines and distributed large quantities of ” prisoners’ passes,” telling the Red Army men that if they come over with these slips of paper they will be well received and well fed. These prisoners’ passes ” have been a great success.” Flight 7.10.1920
“Aeroplanes for Poland Stopped IN spite of the clause of the Peace Treaty which states that navigation on the Kiel Canal is entirely free, the Germans appear to have stopped a Dutch steamer, bound for Dantzig at the Holtenau Lock and ordered the captain to either return to Rotterdam or discharge cargo. It appears that the cargo consists mainly of American tinned beef for the Polish Army with two English (? American) aeroplanes and three machine guns.” Flight 21.10.1920
“” Jupiters ” in Poland. Doubtless to a large extent as a result of the French successes with the ” Jupiter,” Poland has recently ordered no less than 32 twin-engined Farman ” Goliaths ” with ” Jupiter ” engines, in addition to which, 50 ” Jupiters,” which are destined to equip the first 50 Bleriot-Spad single-seater fighters purchased by the Polish Government, have just been delivered. Furthermore, deliveries are being continued of ” Jupiter ” engines to equip two-seater reconnaissance and bombing machines.” 26.11.1925
I assume that you are aware of the book ‘Flight of Eagles’ on the US volunteers which was published in the 1970s ?Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply. I have indeed read the book ‘Flight of Eagles’ and would have no hesitation in recommending it.
I would of course be very interested to know the fate of the aircraft seized in Danzig. Any leads on the F2b’s would also be very welcome, I have seen photographic evidence of these Aircraft at Przemysl. Thank you again
MartinAccording to ‘White Eagles’ by Bartlomiej Belcarz & Robert Peczkowski, Poland purchased 107 Biffs and two SE5as from Britain. Colour profiles of both types are included. Some of the Biffs look to have been Hispano powered. On page 84 is a photo of a line up of Biff of 5Eskadra at Prezemsyl.in 1921, including 20.39 (H1278) & 20.44 (H1274).
Two Camels were operated 1918-24 (one of which was captured), 10 x Dolphins, 1 x Avro 504k, an RE8 (captured), 3 x Sopwith Strutters (captured) and 20 x DH9s.
‘Godto i barwa w lotnictwie polskim 1918-1939’ by Tomasz J Kowalski contains Biff pictures, though these are of indifferent quality as the 1981 book is printed on low grade paper.
Poland was gifted 30 aircraft by Britain in 1920.
Captain Gawel of the Polish Military Purchasing Committee visited 5EARD Henlow and Kenley on the 12th March and selected 10 Dolphins. A further 10 DH9 and 10 Bristol Fighters were selected.
The 10 Bristol Fighters (H1010, H5960, H5963, H5952, H1038, E2093, E2655, E5282, E2656 and E2089) were cancelled and replaced with 10 DH9.
The following Hispano Dolphins were delivered by air from Kenley to Handley Page in March for onward delivery: J39, J151, J7128, E4815, J153 and E4722
The following Dolphins were sent to J.Mount & Co in London during April:
J162, J169, J178 and J181 (replacing the original allocation of E4821, D5731, E4721 and E4666)
During March 1920 the following DH9 were delivered to Handley Page from Manston for Poland:
D1081, H4279, H4262, E9031, F1173, F1174, D3242, H4259, D1258 and E9022
And in April the following DH9:
D1273, D5733, H4260, H5702, D1325, H4315, D1275, F1217. H5721, D2178The Brisfit and SE5 were presumably later purchases from ADC
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