Wodzicki Mariusz

Mariusz Wodzicki (1915–1942) – second lieutenant observer of the Polish Army, officer of the Polish Air Force in Great Britain, associated with the 2nd Aviation Regiment in Kraków. He attended the Romuald Traugutt Grammar School in Częstochowa (1929–1935). He then underwent training in Dęblin, where he prepared for service as a light bomber observer. He served in successive training units, and from 1939 was on a practical placement in the 22nd Line Squadron of the 2nd Aviation Regiment in Kraków, where he was commissioned as second lieutenant. In September 1939 he flew combat sorties within the Bomber Brigade on PZL.23 “Karaś” aircraft. After the Soviet invasion he made his way through Romania and France to Great Britain. In the Polish Air Force he served in No. 301 Bomber Squadron, and subsequently in No. 138 Special Duties Squadron RAF as a navigator. He took part in bombing raids over Germany and in special missions flown from Tempsford airfield. He was killed on 29 October 1942 during a special flight over occupied Europe. His aircraft crashed in Norway and the entire crew perished.