Always on
This project successfully funded on 11th November 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Memorial to Polish Pilots - Battle of Britain 85th
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
They fought alongside the RAF in the Battle of Britain. Let’s honour the Polish pilots with a memorial at the Aviation Museum in Kraków.
DEAR FRIENDS, DRODZY PRZYJACIELE,
HELP US COMPLETE AND UNVEIL THE MEMORIAL, INITIATED ON THE OCCASION OF BOB85, ON VE-DAY — 8 MAY 2026 — A DATE OF PROFOUND SYMBOLIC RESONANCE
With steelworks advancing steadily, only assembly and transport remain. To release the completed elements from the steelplants, we must now secure the final tranche of funding. Your strong support will strengthen our case for major sponsorship and match-funding.
This unveiling carries special meaning: Polish forces were never invited to march in the 1946 Victory Parade in London in a controversial political move to appease the Soviet Union after the war, despite the immense contribution of the Polish airmen, navy and land forces to the Allied victory. Honouring them on VE-Day restores a long-overdue recognition and affirms their place in the shared history of freedom of the free nations.
The works are being organised by Alexander Smaga Architects (London), under the patronage of the British Embassy in Warsaw, in close coordination with our partner the Museum of Aviation in Poland. A parallel campaign is underway there, and our international community of supporters continues to grow !
Join us for the final big push. Before 11 November, we invite you to stand with us - on a day of profound significance that marks both Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom and Polish Independence Day.
With your help, we can cross the finish line and honour their legacy with the dignity it deserves !
Join us - every contribution brings us closer.
Battle of Britain1940, Pilots of No. 303 Kościuszko Polish Squadron.
From left: Ferić, Kent, Grzeszczak, Radomski, Zumbach, Łukuciewski, Henneberg, Rogowski, Szaposznikow.
Below you can see the different work stages of the steelworks during the last 3 months.
Photo from the steelworks at the Imperial S.C. steel plant, October 2025
Steelworks at the Imperial S.C. steel plant, September 2025 - This photo was taken before the polishing of the stainless steel.
Watch our films an reels:
You can watch and follow our short clips and exciting construction updates on FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AuE8vUXrv/
Watch our short films of the construction works: https://youtube.com/shorts/myjIMXa6tA8 Welding process
https://youtube.com/shorts/03ltKojDVS4 Polishing of the stainless steel structure
DRODZY PRZYJACIELE!
Obecnie zdecydowanie dążymy do odsłonięcia pomnika w Dniu Zwycięstwa, 8 maja 2026 roku – dacie o głębokim, symbolicznym znaczeniu. Prace stalowe postępują dynamicznie, a do ukończenia projektu pozostały już tylko montaż i transport. Aby odebrać gotowe elementy ze stalowni, musimy teraz zabezpieczyć ostatnią transzę środków.
Prace są organizowane przez pracownię Alexander Smaga Architects (Londyn), pod patronatem Ambasady Brytyjskiej w Warszawie, we współpracy z naszym partnerem – Muzeum Lotnictwa Polskiego. Równolegle trwa kampania w Polsce, a nasza międzynarodowa społeczność darczyńców stale się powiększa.
Dołączcie do nas w tym ostatnim, wielkim wysiłku. Przed 11 listopada zapraszamy Was do wspólnego działania – w dniu o wyjątkowym znaczeniu, który łączy Dzień Pamięci w Wielkiej Brytanii i Narodowe Święto Niepodległości w Polsce.
Z Waszą pomocą możemy przekroczyć linię mety i uczcić ich dziedzictwo z należną godnością!
Jan Zumbach in front of his Hurricane aircraft, 1940
Thanks to the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, we have secured a profoundly meaningful site: the former airfield of the 2nd Polish Flying Regiment — the very root of the RAF 308 "City of Kraków" Squadron. The materials are ready. The site is secured. All we need now is your help to bring the steelwork to life.
This monument isn’t just a structure — it’s a message: of unity, of gratitude, and of shared sacrifice. It will stand tall, shaped in the spirit of Churchill’s V-sign, as a beacon of Polish-British friendship and remembrance.
As the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain draws near, the Polish Air Force Memorial Team warmly invites you to support a powerful tribute taking shape at the Kraków Aviation Museum - a memorial honouring the brave Polish pilots who fought in Britain’s skies.
The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, Poland has selected a prestigious location for the memorial exhibit - right at the former airfield site of the 2nd Polish Flying regiment the predecessor of the RAF 308 "City of Kraków" Squadron, adding a powerful historical significance to the tribute.
The materials are secured, and the project is fully adapted to the site. With the museum laying the foundation, all that's left is to bring this tribute to life in a steel plant - now we need your support for the works to make it happen!
This location is particularly significant as it is part of the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, one of the world's most renowned aircraft museums. Established in 1964, the museum is housed on the grounds of the former Kraków-Rakowice-Czyżyny Airport, which dates back to 1912, making it one of the oldest airfields in the world. Over the years, the museum has grown into a vast collection of historic aircraft and engines, preserving Poland’s rich aviation legacy and honouring the contributions of Polish aviators throughout history.
The memorial exhibit has been thoughtfully placed beside JP II's helicopter, in close proximity to the historic hangars of the Polish Air Force and the main exhibition venue, ensuring a meaningful connection to Poland’s aviation heritage.
A truly fitting place for a memorial dedicated to the courage and achievements of the Polish Air Force!
Currently under construction, the stainless steel structure takes inspiration from Winston Churchill’s iconic V-for-Victory gesture. It symbolises not only the unwavering bravery of the Polish airmen, but also the enduring bond between Britain and Poland, a shared history shaped by courage and sacrifice.
We have made huge progress!
The materials are secured, and the project is fully adapted to the site. With the museum laying the foundation, all that's left is to bring this tribute to life in a steel plant - now we need your support for the works to make it happen!
The construction of the PAF Memorial at the National Aviation Museum in Kraków was launched at the occasion of BoB85. Our aim was to unveil the memorial during the 85th anniversary period, ideally by the end of October 2025. However circumstances have changed and we had to adapt the time frame.
Our new unveiling date is now VE-Day, 8 May 2026 !
AS Architects are experienced memorial designers. We have already built and unveiled one in Normandy for D-DAY75 ! Watch the Unveiling of the PAF Normandy Memorial AS Architects in London built for D-DAY75
The Battle of Britain (July–October 1940) was a crucial air campaign in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended Britain against relentless attacks by the German Luftwaffe. It was the first major military battle fought entirely in the air and a turning point in WWII.
Polish pilots played a vital role, with 145 Polish airmen joining the fight alongside the RAF. Despite making up only 5% of the total pilots, they were responsible for 12% of enemy aircraft shot down.
The 303 "Kosciuszko" Squadron became the most successful Allied squadron of the battle. Their skill and bravery earned them widespread recognition, with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding later stating that without the Polish squadrons, Britain might not have won.
Flt Sgt Mieczyslaw Popek No 303 Polish Squadron Royal Air Force
If you support this project you will receive:
- A BoB85 Tribute Pin symbolising victory and alliance
- Your name engraved on a Plaque of Memory in various sizes 10mm - 45mm)
- A Diploma of Gratitude and commemorative and exciting books
Every pledge of £5, £10, £20, £40, or £60 brings us closer to the planned unveiling on 15th September - Battle of Britain Day.
As a special token of appreciation we are happy to add this exciting BOB85 poster to any Flight Lieutenant and 303 Squadron Package ! Check its availability
All Our Friends and Donor will receive the following Awards:
A Special "BoB 85" Pin Badge size 30mm x 40mm
EVERYONE WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL "BOB 85" Pin Badge inspired by the memorial design as a gift*!
size 30mm x 40mm, surface antique silver
Dispatch: Royal Mail 1st class in the UK - Poczta Polska in Poland
* minimum pledge 10 GBP
For more information: check the awards section below
Here’s a full summary of all crowdfunder rewards for supporting the BoB85 Polish Air Force Memorial in Kraków:
🎖 Air Cadet (£10) – Downloadable Diploma to commemorate your contribution.
🎖 Pilot (£20) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (8mm letters).
🎖 Flying Officer (£40) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (12mm letters) + personalized Diploma.
🎖 Flight Lieutenant (£60) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (16mm letters) + all previous rewards + exclusive commemorative artwork.
🎖 Squadron Leader (£80) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (20mm letters) + all previous rewards + invitation to the unveiling event.
🎖 Wing Commander (£100) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (25mm letters) + all previous rewards + VIP tour of the memorial site.
🎖 Group Captain (£500) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (30mm letters) + all previous rewards + special recognition at the unveiling ceremony.
🎖 Air Marshal (£1,000) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (34mm letters) + all previous rewards + dedicated VIP experience at the memorial unveiling.
🎖 Air Chief Marshal (£3,000) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (40mm letters) + all previous rewards + a Spitfire Aircraft Cast 1:50 + an exclusive VIP experience at the unveiling, plus a private tour of the Aircraft Museum with a champagne reception.
🎖 Supreme Commander (£10,000) – Name on the Plaque of Memory (45mm letters) + all previous rewards + a special maquette of the V-shaped memorial + an exclusive VIP experience at the unveiling, plus a private tour of the Aircraft Museum with a champagne reception.
The Polish Air Force Memorial in Normandy honours their courage, and its replica in Kraków symbolises their journey—commemorating their fight for freedom. This tribute will hold a prominent place as one of the main exhibits at the National Aviation Museum in Kraków.
It is fitting because No. 303 Squadron, the highest-scoring Allied squadron of the Battle of Britain, and No. 308 City of Kraków Squadron passed through Normandy on their way back to a free Poland after WWII.
Here You can find out more about the memorial: https://www.facebook.com/PAFNormandy/
The author of the memorial wishes that the funds raised through this crowdfunder will be transferred directly via a UK registered charity to pay for the instalments arranged with the local steel plant in Kraków.
They will be securely held as a deposit and released to cover the costs of constructing the memorial replica in Poland, ensuring both transparency and financial security.
To effectively break down the £30,000 cost estimate in relation to the three-month memorial-building milestones, here’s a breakdown of the budget.
As a generous contribution to the project, the museum of Polish Aviation in Kraków handled the permits and site preparation, covering permissions, site clearance, and groundwork. It furthermore arranges for the landscaping and lighting of the memorial exhibit.
See the Cost Estimation below
Month 1: Planning & Preparation
Steel Procurement & Engineering – £5,000, First Instalment already paid by a sponsor !
- Covers purchase of the material, engineering consultations, and structural assessments.
Materials are secured!
Month 2: Fabrication & Assembly
Steel Procurement & Fabrication – £15,000
- Purchasing raw steel, cutting, welding, and shaping structural elements.
Surface Treatments & Coating – £3,000
- Applying anti-corrosion treatments and finishing touches for durability.
Month 3: Installation & Unveiling
Transport & Assembly – £5,000
- Covers delivery, on-site construction, and securing the structure.
Final Touches – £2,000
- Includes plaques, lighting, landscaping, and aesthetic details.
The total £30,000 ensures a high-quality replica, honouring Polish Air Force heroes with lasting craftsmanship by the steel plant Imperial sc.o. in Kraków, Poland under its Director Eugeniusz Kolzlowski.
Building a steel memorial within three months requires careful planning and execution.
Here are key milestones to keep the project on track:
Month 0: Purchase of the Materials & Site Preparation (MAY - JUNE)
✅ Site Preparation – Clear and prepare the installation location.
✅ Material Procurement – Order steel and other essential components.
✅ Securing Permits – Obtain necessary approvals for construction.
✅ Finalising Design – Approve the adapted architectural plans and materials.
Month 1: Planning & Preparation (JUNE - JULY)
✅ Steel Cutting & Shaping – Begin fabricating key components.
✅Metal Casting- Casting of the Spitfire aircraft in the foundry.
Month 2: Fabrication & Assembly (AUGUST)
✅ Structural Welding – Assemble the core framework.
✅ Surface Treatments – Apply anti-corrosion coatings and special polishing.
✅ Foundation Work – Prepare the base for installation.
Month 3: Installation & Unveiling (SEPTEMBER)
✅ Transport & Assembly – Deliver and erect the memorial on-site.
✅ Final Touches – Install plaques, lighting, and landscaping.
✅ Inspection & Approval – Ensure safety and quality compliance.
✅ Unveiling Ceremony – 15th of September Battle of Britain Day
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the PAF memorial team I would like to invite you to join our special BoB85 Tribute.
Let us build and unveil it together for the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on the 15th September on Battle of Britain Day!
Hope to see you in Kraków!
yours sincerely
Alexander Smaga RIBA Architect
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Alexander Smaga is the RIBA architect and designer behind the BoB85 Polish Air Force Memorial Replica in Kraków. He previously designed the Polish Air Force Memorial in Normandy, which serves as the inspiration for this new tribute. His work focuses on preserving historical legacies through architecture, ensuring that Polish aviators' contributions are honoured and remembered.
Smaga also designed and built the D-DAY 75 Allied Airmen Memorial in Plumetot, Normandy, which pays homage to the Allied forces, including the Polish Air Force, who fought for victory during WWII. His designs are deeply rooted in historical significance, blending artistic vision with commemorative purpose.
Additionally, Smaga has personal ties to Poland’s military history—his grandfather fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the most pivotal battles of WWII. His dedication to honouring Polish heroes through architecture ensures their legacy lives on. He lives and works in London and Kraków, dedicating his career to commemorative architecture that ensures Polish aviation heroes are remembered.
Archive Picture from the project launch at the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, London (2019)
from left to right: Architect Alexander Smaga, Jan Black Stangryciuk, SQDRN LDR James Tenniswood
The history of the Polish pilots and their motto "For our freedom and yours" stand forever as a testament to courage and sacrifice. The "V" shape of the memorial symbolizes Victory, yet it is also a double-edged sword—Polish soldiers were not allowed to march in the 1946 Victory Day parade to appease Joseph Stalin. Poland never had an official Victory Day, despite being Britain's only ally in the first years of the war and the third-largest military force by its end.
Despite Poland's unwavering fight for freedom, the nation itself was swallowed by the Soviet Union and disappeared behind the Iron Curtain for 45 years. The hard-won victory was bittersweet, as Poland lost its sovereignty and endured decades of oppression.
Today, we ensure all their legacies are honoured—the soldiers, the pilots, the workers who kept the world fighting for freedom.
Aviation24.PL
https://www.aviation24.pl/?view=article&id=12230:z-okazji-85-rocznicy-bitwy-o-anglie-powstaje-replika-pomnika-polskich-lotnikow&catid=51
Liberté, France
https://actu.fr/normandie/plumetot_14509/pres-caen-monument-hommage-aviateurs-polonais_24905981.html
International Excellence, UK
https://internationalexcellence.co.uk/luxury-magazine/content/roger-aitken/air-force-memorial-normandy-polish-pilots-launches-crowdfund
Ouest-France
https://www.ouest-france.fr/d-day/75e-anniversaire-du-debarquement-plumetot-n-pas-oublie-les-aviateurs-polonais-6389449
https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/plumetot-14440/plumetot-arrivee-du-monument-dedie-aux-aviateurs-polonais-6355975
https://www.ouest-france.fr/d-day/75e-anniversaire-du-debarquement-le-programme-du-week-end-des-8-et-9-juin-6388442
Property Design, Poland
http://www.propertydesign.pl/architektura/104/pomnik_polskich_lotnikow_w_normandii_to_projekt_autorstwa_architekta_alexandra_smagi,24005.html
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made