Puchacz z Częstochowy Porucznik pilot Hieronim Dudwał (1913–1940)
The Eagle Owl from Częstochowa. Lieutenant Pilot Hieronim Dudwał (1913–1940)
Author(s): Grzegorz ŚliżewskiSubject(s): Local History / Microhistory, Military history, Political history, Social history, Pre-WW I & WW I (1900 -1919), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Fascism, Nazism and WW II
Published by: Wojskowe Biuro Historyczne im. gen. broni Kazimierza Sosnkowskiego
Keywords: Hieronim Dudwał; Polish Airforce; Polish Air Force in France 1940; Air Force Cadet Officer’s School in Dęblin; 113 Fighter Escadrille; Pursuit Brigade; GC II/10; Bajan List; aerial victories;
Summary/Abstract: Lieutenant Hieronim Dudwał was one of the most successful fighter pilots during the initial period of World War II. He shot down four German aircraft during the 1939 Polish Campaign. After escaping across the Polish border, Dudwał arrived in France three weeks later and joined I Polish Fighter Squadron. This unit never participated in action as a whole squadron and after the German invasion of France on 10 May 1940 it was split up, with some pilots being assigned to frontline squadrons whilst others flew protective patrols over French cities that focused on war production. At the beginning of June 1940 Dudwał was moved to the frontline and posted to GC II/10 squadron. On 7 June 1940, the 27-year-old officer died when his plane crashed into „La Marre” forest after being shot down whilst singlehandedly engaging several Messerschmitt 109s. He is buried in the Polish soldier’s cemetery in Aubérive. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Cross of the War Order of Virtuti Militari.
Journal: Przegląd Historyczno-Wojskowy
- Issue Year: XXIII/2022
- Issue No: 3
- Page Range: 187-209
- Page Count: 23
- Language: Polish