Thread: 1 in 8 pilots who fought THE BATTLE of BRITAIN were Polish

Not only that, but as a whole they were the best pilots fighting in this crucial stand against the mighty German war machine at this all important moment in WWII history. For all this and more about this important and quite possibly decisive WWII BATTLE OF BRITAIN GO TO: [ http://info-poland.buffalo.edu/web/h...tain/link.shtm ]. Had the British failed to defeat the German Luftwaffe at this point in time, the German`s may very well have won WWII.
One of the reasons I say that is that it very well may have bought the Russians enough time to at least somewhat prepare themselves for the German onslaught of operation Barbarossa in the Spring of 1941.
I just learned of the very significant role the Polish pilots played in THE BATTLE of BRITAIN this very night, and was amazed that I had never learned of it before. Of course it is never taught in American schools that all we did was sit back and watch these world shaking and defining moments take place. I do recall that some American pilots also served in this crucial battle. And of course there was the heroic AVG, American Volunteer Group, THE FLYING TIGERS, fighting the Japanese in China years before America as a Nation entered that war. Those extremely heroic men only recently were officially recognized by our Government as deserving the status and benefits of being a VETERAN. Interesting stuff for any WWII buffs out there. ...Dr.Syntax

Originally Posted by dr.syntax

Of course it is never taught in American schools that all we did was sit back and watch these world shaking and defining moments take place.

That is a rather cavalier dismissal of the efforts of Roosvelt, the introduction of lend-lease, the commitment of naval forces to provide convoy escort and doubtless other actions beside. You don't seem to know your own history very well.

[quote="Ophiolite"]

Originally Posted by dr.syntax

Of course it is never taught in American schools that all we did was sit back and watch these world shaking and defining moments take place.

That is a rather cavalier dismissal of the efforts of Roosvelt, the introduction of lend-lease, the commitment of naval forces to provide convoy escort and doubtless other actions beside. You don't seem to know your own history very well.[/quote



REPLY: You made a good point. But,all you said is not true. I was not sure of the dates regarding lend lease and such. I know Roosevelt wanted to get the USA involved as soon as possible. I also knew dickheads like Charles Lindberg, Prescott Bush,Henry Ford, and a host of other prominent Americans who were straight out Nazi sympathizers and enablers. And yes, Roosevelt had to deal with such as them. So, I agree with much of what you said. Actually, lend-lease did not begin until about 5 months after THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN. So,essentially I am correct in that we did nothing to aid Britain in that crucial battle. ...DS

[quote="Ophiolite"]

Originally Posted by dr.syntax

Of course it is never taught in American schools that all we did was sit back and watch these world shaking and defining moments take place.

That is a rather cavalier dismissal of the efforts of Roosvelt, the introduction of lend-lease, the commitment of naval forces to provide convoy escort and doubtless other actions beside. You don't seem to know your own history very well.[/quote




REPLY: I suggest you get your facts straight before you start getting snooty with me again. I will not make the mistake of giving you the benefit of doubt again. I had seemed to remember that it was the BATTLE of BRITAIN itself that became a turning point in American opinion and allowed Roosevelt to push through lend-lease and such. Prior to that most Americans wanted nothing to do with the war. ...DS

Originally Posted by dr.syntax

Not only that, but as a whole they were the best pilots fighting in this crucial stand against the mighty German war machine at this all important moment in WWII history. For all this and more about this important and quite possibly decisive WWII BATTLE OF BRITAIN GO TO: [ http://info-poland.buffalo.edu/web/h...tain/link.shtm ]. Had the British failed to defeat the German Luftwaffe at this point in time, the German`s may very well have won WWII.
One of the reasons I say that is that it very well may have bought the Russians enough time to at least somewhat prepare themselves for the German onslaught of operation Barbarossa in the Spring of 1941.
I just learned of the very significant role the Polish pilots played in THE BATTLE of BRITAIN this very night, and was amazed that I had never learned of it before. Of course it is never taught in American schools that all we did was sit back and watch these world shaking and defining moments take place. I do recall that some American pilots also served in this crucial battle. And of course there was the heroic AVG, American Volunteer Group, THE FLYING TIGERS, fighting the Japanese in China years before America as a Nation entered that war. Those extremely heroic men only recently were officially recognized by our Government as deserving the status and benefits of being a VETERAN. Interesting stuff for any WWII buffs out there. ...Dr.Syntax

REPLY: Read ALL ABOUT The Battle of Britain at: [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Britain ]. A very thorough account of this crucial battle is described in great detail at this website. Included are dates as to when it began and ended. It began in July of 1940 and ended in October 1940. American Lend-Lease begins in March of 1941. As I said, about 5 months AFTER that battle ended. It is an extremely detailed account of that important event. ...Dr.Syntax

Thank you Dr Syntax for remembering them.

As a side note:

Originally Posted by dr.syntax

may have bought the Russians enough time to at least somewhat prepare themselves for the German onslaught of operation Barbarossa in the Spring of 1941.

Ironically, the Polish pilots thus helped the country that had stabbed Poland in the back in 1939.

The Russians would soon come again, on the heels of the defeated Germans, to dominate Poland for half a century. As a consequence, many of those pilots would never dare return to their country.

My, wasn't it fun to be trapped between two bloodiest regimes on the continent....

Originally Posted by Leszek Luchowski

Thank you Dr Syntax for remembering them.

As a side note:

Originally Posted by dr.syntax

may have bought the Russians enough time to at least somewhat prepare themselves for the German onslaught of operation Barbarossa in the Spring of 1941.

Ironically, the Polish pilots thus helped the country that had stabbed Poland in the back in 1939.

The Russians would soon come again, on the heels of the defeated Germans, to dominate Poland for half a century. As a consequence, many of those pilots would never dare return to their country.

My, wasn't it fun to be trapped between two bloodiest regimes on the continent....

REPLY: Thank you sir for entering into this discussion of WWII history. I read that link you provided. One thing I learned there is that the Polish People alone, with no aid from any others, stood up longer than the combined forces of France and Britain to the onslaught of not only Nazi Germany, but also Soviet Russia.
It was humbling for me to read of these events. Anyone interested in the true and actual history of WWII needs to read this article at: [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_invasion_of_Poland ]. Why is it important ? Because we Americans and just perhaps more than a few British like to cling to the HOLLYWOOD VERSION of WWII. Which is to a large degree a bunch of self serving bullshit. To here HOLLYWOOD tell it you would think we Americans and British won the Goddamn War. Ironically it was the Russians who did the lions share of the fighting and destroying of the German War Machine. This true story of what happened to the Polish people in their heroic stand against BOTH Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia is a must read for anyone attempting to understand what really happened during WWII. Some people may say: why should I give a damn what happened ? My answer to you is that the world we live in today is quite possibly verging on a WWIII. There are important lessons to be learned from history. Tragically they are rarely learned.
In my opinion we have already entered the period when important decisions are now being made that will decide just how crucial events are shaping up, the stage is being set, for the next world shaking WAR. I know where I stand, which side I am on. I am on the side that opposes muslim extremist insanity. I am on the side of opposing any and all theocracies. This is the issue before us now, the one that is being actively fought over. Well who the f,,, am I you say. I am a 2 tour Marine veteran of the Viet Nam War. No armchair warrior. I know what has to be done. We have to defeat these religious fanatics with the same vigor and fortitude it took to defeat the Nazis. Kill them before they kill you. I do not wish to say more at this time because I get so pissed off thinking about it. ...Dr.Syntax