Guest post by Philip Grant
Brent Libraries are putting on a good variety of events this month, but this is about two at Kingsbury Library (see poster), and especially the first talk, which I am looking forward to.
The Facebook Page for Willesden Jewish cemetery which records the heritage project there can be found HERE
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Brent Libraries are putting on a good variety of events this month, but this is about two at Kingsbury Library (see poster), and especially the first talk, which I am looking forward to.
I was pleased to read two articles in the “Kilburn Times” (1st
November), which drew attention to the part played, on the British side, by
Indian and Somali soldiers during the First World War. Many of us have grown up
with a view of history which fails to acknowledge the contribution made by
those not of a typically “British” background, and are only now learning the
full picture. Richard King’s illustrated talk on Thursday 15th
November (2-3pm) is another example of this, from the Second World War.
Most of you
reading this will have heard of the Polish War Memorial, but it is more
than just the name of a roundabout on the A40, mentioned in travel bulletins on
the radio. It is the reminder of a close link between Britain and Poland which
goes back to the dark days of 1939 and 1940.
Although the
prospect of war with Nazi Germany had been growing for several years, it was
Hitler's invasion of Poland in September 1939 which triggered World War Two.
Although their country was soon overrun, some of Poland's pilots managed to
escape, and make their way to France, then Britain.
At first
there was some political resistance – they were “foreigners”, they spoke little
or no English. However, by June 1940 they were accepted as volunteers into the
RAF, and organised into their own squadrons. 303 (Polish) Squadron, based at
Northolt aerodrome, was one of the first of these.
Pilots of
303 (Polish) Squadron in October 1940 (courtesy of
the RAF Museum)
It soon
became apparent that the skills and combat experience which the pilots had
brought with them matched, or even exceeded, that of their British and
Commonwealth comrades. Many of the fighter pilots who defended the skies over
West London, and beyond, from Luftwaffe bombers during the Battle of Britain
were Poles, and a number of them died in the conflict. That is a story which
deserves to be known, and will be told at Kingsbury Library on 15th
November.
Philip Grant.
The Facebook Page for Willesden Jewish cemetery which records the heritage project there can be found HERE
