No. 303 Squadron RAF

No. 303 Squadron RAF (Royal Air Force) was the most famous Polish aircraft squadron in during World War II, as well the one that claimed the largest number of aircraft shot down of all 66 Allied fighter squadrons engaged in the Battle of Britain. It remained active since its scrambling in 1940 during Battle of Britain till 1946. 

No. 303 Squadron RAF damaged or destroyed almost 5% enemy airplanes during Battle of Britain, which is astonishing feat, given number of Allied squadrons participating in the fight (66). 

"Had it not been for the magnificent material contributed by the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry," wrote Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, head of RAF Fighter Command, "I hesitate to say that the outcome of the Battle (of Britain) would have been the same."

 Till today No. 303 Squadron RAF is legendary and it is believed to be the best RAF squadron during World War II. Bravery and skill of these young men inspired and still inspire writers and movie directors. Here are some well-known productions about No. 303 Squadron RAF:

During World War II Polish writer, Arkady Fiedler wrote a book about No. 303 Squadron RAF, which became very popular and sold over 1.5 million copies. However, to protect pilots and their families, he changed their identities.

 

In 2010, the squadron was featured in the dramatised documentary The Polish Battle of Britain produced by Hardy Pictures. 

 

In 2018 squadron was subject of the movie Hurricane.

 Till today No. 303 Squadron RAF is legendary and it is believed to be the best RAF squadron during World War II.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT "GROM"

GROM military unit is Polish special operations force, which was modeled after U.S. Delta Force, Seals and British SAS. It was founded 1990 but become revealed to general public in 1994, after combat operation “Uphold Democracy” in Haiti. Most of its operations are classified, but some of them were disclosed, mainly in Balkans (1996, 1999, 2001), Kuwait (2002-2003), Iraq (2003-2004) and Afghanistan (2002-2004, 2007-2013).

Military unit GROM specializes in three main areas:

1.       Counter-terrorism land operations (so-called black tactics):

·         release of hostages from static objects (houses, skyscrapers) and vehicles (airplanes, cars, trains)

·         protection of VIPs and facilities

·         security of activities and operations of other military and non-military services.

2.       Special operations (so-called green tactics):

·         carrying out reconnaissance,

·         destructive activities in the deep rear area of the enemy,

·         eliminating potential personal and technical threats in enemy structures,

·         participation in evacuation of the population,

·         conducting the so-called "fight for the hearts and souls".

3.       Maritime counter-terrorism operations (so-called blue tactics):

·         combating terrorism on the shore and sea, on floating objects and platforms.

 

Symbols:

 

 Flag of Military Unit GROM

Patches (worn on the right shoulder)

 

An identification patch (worn on the right shoulder) for soldiers of GROM combat squadrons.

             The term "CICHOCIEMNY" (literally meaning silent and dark) was coined during the training of "special purpose" soldiers in Great Britain and used even in the training manual of Section VI in 1941. At the request of the GROM Commander the Minister of National Defence introduced the "CICHOCIEMNY" patch, which soldiers are entitled to wear after completing the basic course.