HUNDREDS gathered to remember the Polish airmen who served with the RAF in the Second World War.

Veterans, civic dignitaries, air cadets, scouts and personnel from RAF Northolt came together for the Polish War Memorial in South Ruislip on September 7.

The ceremony was attended by the new Polish Ambassador, Mr Witold Sobków, the Mayors of Ealing and Hillingdon, the Deputy Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham and a group from the Polish Air Force Academy at D?blin.

The Officer Cadets, led by Major Mariusz Garbacz, recited the ‘Roll Call of the Fallen’ and laid a wreath on behalf of the group.

RAF Northolt Station Commander Group Captain Andy Bacon and the Acting Polish Defence Attaché Colonel Piotr Pacek laid a wreath, in their role as co-presidents of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, which now organises the ceremony.

Music was provided by the Middlesex Wing Air Training Corps band and a trumpeter and drummer from the band of the RAF Regiment based at RAF College Cranwell.

Event organiser, Richard Kornicki CBE, said: “I was delighted with the turnout and how smoothly everything ran on the day. It is so important to remember the contribution made by Polish airmen and women during the Second World War and that contribution is exemplified by the Polish airmen who served at RAF Northolt.

“The link between the Polish Air Force and the RAF is as strong as ever and is evident in the support given by RAF Northolt in organising this annual event.”

RAF Northolt was home to Polish Fighter Squadrons during the war, including the famous 303 Squadron, top scoring squadron in the Battle of Britain.