Grandys Wacław

Wacław Grandys (1914–1939) was an officer cadet observer of the Polish Army, a participant in the September Campaign of 1939. He was born on 27 October 1914 in Krzepice. He graduated from the Henryk Sienkiewicz Gymnasium in Częstochowa, where in 1936 he passed his matura examination. He then began his studies at the Air Force Officer Cadet School in Dęblin (XII promotion). After completing his training he was assigned for practical service to the 2nd Aviation Regiment in Kraków, one of the main centres of military aviation of the Second Polish Republic. After the outbreak of World War II he was assigned as an observer to the 22nd Bomber Squadron of the Bomber Brigade. On 3 September 1939 he took part in a combat flight in a PZL.23 “Karaś” aircraft over the Radomsko, Włoszczowa and Koniecpol area, the aim of which was to reconnoitre and attack German armoured columns. During the mission the aircraft was attacked by German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters. As a result of the gunfire Grandys was seriously wounded. The crew managed to bring the damaged aircraft in for a landing in the Kamień area, but during the touchdown the machine crashed and caught fire. Grandys died as a result of the injuries sustained and the fire of the wreckage. He was buried at the military cemetery in Radom.