Several flags of this type are currently known, mainly in museum institutions in Poland and the United Kingdom. These flags are usually of similar dimensions not exceeding 150 cm in length. The flag donated to the Museum measures 350 x 170 cm and is most likely the only flag of such large size preserved to this day.
This is an airfield flag of the Polish Air Force in Great Britain from the World War II period — a unique item on a global scale.
The material and method of manufacture leave no doubt whatsoever as to the authenticity of the item. Several historical photographs are known showing flags of this type of such large dimensions. The flag bears numerous darning repairs and traces of use. It was brought by Polish pilot Jozef Brudnicki from Great Britain from the 35th Reunion of Polish Airmen in England, which took place in London on 1-3 September 1995.
The flag consists of two strips of material sewn together, white and red. It is finished with a so-called swallowtail. On the white (upper) part, on the side of the staff, there is a hand-painted aviation checkerboard and a national coat of arms.
The flag was donated to the Museum by Mrs Alina Brudnicka, wife of Colonel Pilot Jozef Brudnicki, who had already been a multiple-time donor to our Museum. In previous years, she donated mementoes of her husband to the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow, including his dress uniform, medals and decorations with documents, as well as navigation instruments.
We are sincerely grateful!
