Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 124:
Description
On 15 August 1934, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant (podporucznik) and assigned to the Polish 112th Fighter Escadrille. During the German invasion of Poland, he assumed command of his unit on 6 September 1939 following the death of Stefan Okrzeja, and on 9 September he shot down a Heinkel He 111. After the September Campaign, he was evacuated to France, where he served with the Opulski section in Romorantin. Following the fall of France, _apkowski made his way to the United Kingdom and, on 3 August 1940, was posted to No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron, taking part in the Battle of Britain. On 5 September 1940, he shot down a Junkers Ju 88 but was himself wounded when his aircraft was damaged, forcing him to bail out by parachute; it is from this action that the Merlin relic from his Hurricane originates. On 5 May 1941, he was appointed commander of his squadron, and on 2 July 1941, No. 303 Squadron engaged approximately 60 Bf 109s over Lille. _apkowski was later killed over the English Channel; his body washed ashore and he was buried at Lombardsijde, Belgium. He was highly decorated for his service, receiving the Virtuti Militari Silver Cross and the Cross of Valour four times.
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