Kowala Paweł

Paweł Kowala (1913–2004) – senior private pilot of the Polish Army, non-commissioned officer of aviation, soldier of the Polish Air Force in Great Britain, pilot of No. 308 “Kraków” Polish Fighter Squadron. On 5 November 1935 he was called up to active military service and assigned to the 2nd Aviation Regiment at Kraków-Rakowice. After recruit training he completed an aircraft maintenance course, then served as an assistant mechanic in the 122nd Fighter Squadron. In the following years he underwent further NCO and instructor training in the Training Squadron of the 2nd Aviation Regiment and as an instructor on NCO courses. In 1937 he began pilot training, which he completed in 1938. He then attended a course at the Piloting School in Grudziądz, where he trained on PZL P.7 aircraft in aerobatics and air combat. After returning to the 122nd Squadron he served as a pilot, advancing to the rank of professional NCO. After the outbreak of World War II he took part in the September Campaign of 1939. After the defeat he made his way through Romania and France to Great Britain, where he joined the Polish Air Force. He served in No. 308 “Kraków” Polish Fighter Squadron, taking part in the defence of Birmingham and Coventry, as well as patrols over southern England and convoy escorts. After the war he remained in Great Britain, where he was demobilised and stayed in exile. He worked as a civilian watchmaker. He died in December 2004 in London. He was decorated with, among others, the Cross of Valour, the Air Medal (twice), and the Pilot’s Field Badge (No. 564).