2018 was a historic year, not only was it the 100th anniversary of founding of the State of Czechoslovakia, on 28 October 1918, but also the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF, and also the 100th anniversary of the Czechoslovak Air Force. To commemorate these anniversaries, we, at the Free Czechoslovak Air Force Associates ltd instigated our Project CzRAF 100 wherein we had our red, white and blue carnation bouquet – the Czech national colours – with a traditional Czech tricolour ribbon at each of the graves of the 240 Czechoslovak RAF airmen and 1 Czechoslovak WAAF who lost their lives during their WW2 RAF service, are to be found in numerous cemeteries located around the United Kingdom. We also commemorated the 149 Czechoslovak airmen, who have no known grave, were also commemorated at the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede. A challenging task, successfully completed, as the extent of this CzRAF commemoration in the UK is something that has never been achieved before.
Rok 2018 byl rokem historickým. Nejenže jsme si připomínali 100. výročí vzniku Československa 28. října 1918, ale také 100 let od vzniku československého letectva a Britského královského letectva. U příležitosti těchto výročí jsme ve Free Czechoslovak Air Force Associates, Ltd. přišli s projektem CzRAF 100, v rámci něhož jsme umístili naši červenomodrobílou květinu spolu s tradiční československou trikolórou na každý z 240 hrobů československých letců RAF nacházejících se na mnoha hřbitovech po celé Británii. Rovněž jsme si v britském Runnymede připomněli 149 československých letců, kteří žádný hrob nemají, a jejichž jména jsou uvedena pouze na deskách v tamním Air Forces Memorial. Šlo o náročný projekt, který se však podařilo dotáhnout do úspěšného konce. Vzpomínková akce podobného rozsahu, vztahující se k památce československých letců RAF, nebyla nikdy předtím v Británii uskutečněna.
For 2019, we decided to extend this task to include all the WW2 graves, or memorials, for CzRAF airmen who are buried outside the UK, namely: Azores, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary and Poland. A total of 129 graves or memorials at 44 locations amongst those countries, with out bouquets being laid at each grave or memorial by 28 October 2019. Like our earlier project in 2018, the extent of this CzRAF commemoration in these 10 countries is something that also has never been achieved before.
V roce 2019 jsme se rozhodli rozšířit tento projekt na všechny hroby a pomníky československých letců RAF pohřbených mimo území Velké Británie. Šlo o Azory, Bahamy, Belgii, Kanadu, Egypt, Francii, Německo, Holandsko a Polsko. Celkem jsme do akce zahrnuli 129 hrobů a pomníků na 44 místech ve výše zmíněných zemích. Před datem 28. říjen 2019 byly na všechny z nich položeny květiny. Stejně jako u našeho projektu z roku 2018 šlo o vzpomínkovou akci, jejíž rozsah nemá v historii obdoby.
We are very pleased to advise that this project was successfully completed on time. Between these two projects, every Czechoslovak RAF WW2 grave in the world has now been visited and remembered by one of our team of volunteers.
Jsme velmi rádi, že můžeme oznámit dokončení tohoto projektu v době, kterou jsme si stanovili. V průběhu těchto dvou akcí byl našimi dobrovolníky navštíven každý známý válečný hrob československých letců v RAF po celém světě.
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Azores:
Lajes War Cemetery, Lajes, Azores.
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BROCHARD Dalibor, 20, W/O, 246 Sqn., Wireless Operator
* 11/05/24, Nitra
† 14/03/45, Langens, Azores
Grave ref: Row D. Grave 10.
A symbolic urn, no 5, was returned to Slovakia 1945.
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JÍLEK Václav, 28, F/O, 246 Sqn., Pilot
* 11/07/16, Písečné, Žďár nad Sázavou
† 14/03/45, Langens, Azores
Grave ref: Row D. Grave 8.
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KONDZIOLKA Ludvík, 32, W/O, 246 Sqn., Pilot
* 24/08/12, Dolní Lutyně, Karviná
† 14/03/45, Langens, Azores
Grave ref: Row E. Grave 1.
A symbolic urn, no 5, was returned to Ostrava Hrabyni in 1945.
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VOLEK Alois Jaroslav, 28, F/Lt, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 11/05/16, Vienna, Austria
† 14/03/45, Langens, Azores
Grave ref: Row D. Grave 6.
A symbolic urn, no 5, was returned to Prague Olšanský hřbitov in 1945.
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Bahamas:
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Nassau War Cemetery, Nassau, Bahamas.
At 15:00 7 August 1943 a B25 Mitchell aircraft, FY953, of 111 OTU, took-off on a training flight from Oakes Fields airbase. At 15:02 it had achieved an altitude of 250/350m when the nose rose very sharply, then the aircraft then dived into the ground and burst into flames. On board were the crew of six Czechoslovak airmen. There were no survivors from the crash.
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BŘÍZA Vítězslav, 23, Sgt, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 21/03/20, Brno
† 07/08/43, Nassau, Bahamas
A symbolic urn, No 3, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
Grave ref: West. A. 3.
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HADRÁVEK Jan, 25, P/O, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 11/02/18, Horní Bukovsko, České Budějovice.
† 07/08/43, Nassau, Bahamas
A symbolic urn, No 4, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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MAREŠ Jaroslav, 39, F/Lt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator
* 14/04/04, Batelov, Jihlava.
† 07/08/43, Nassau, Bahamas
A symbolic urn, No 6, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
Grave ref: East. A. 3.
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SALZ Karel, 31, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 17/09/11, Stod, Plzeň.
† 07/08/43, Nassau, Bahamas
A symbolic urn, No 2, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
Grave ref: East. B. 1.
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ŠOTOLA Josef, 23, F/Sgt, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 11/02/20, Lipiny, Rychnov nad Kněžnou.
† 07/08/43, Nassau, Bahamas
A symbolic urn, No 5, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
Grave ref: West. A. 4.
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TURNA Jozef, 26, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator
* 02/01/17, Čierny Balog, Banská Bystrica.
† 07/08/43, Nassau, Bahamas
A symbolic urn is also interred in Airman’s Memorial, Slovakia.
Grave ref: West. A. 5.
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In the Lych gate entrance to the Cemetery, are four bronze panels which bear the names of airmen with no known grave, who were killed while based in The Bahamas. Six Czechoslovaks, from 111 OTU, the crew of a B25 Mitchell bomber, FV952, that failed to return from a night navigational flight over the Caribbean Sea, are commemorated on these panels and are also commemorated on the Ottawa Memorial, Canada.
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FUCHS Pavel, 27, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 29/05/16, Rakovník
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2.
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KRUPICA Rupert, 26, Sgt, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 23/01/17, Chvalčov, Kroměříž
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2.
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OPLATKA [Brdský] Adolf [Petr], 22, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator
* 28/05/21, Prague
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 1.
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ŠIMANDL Josef, 29, F/O, 111 OTU, Navigator trainee
* 08/10/14, České Budějovice
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 4.
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STYBLÍK Miroslav, 29, W/O, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 10/06/14, Rožďalovice, Nymburk
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 4.
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TOMEK [Treulich] Hanuš, 24, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 21/07/19, Pardubice
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 4.
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Belgium:
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| Map key: | Cemetery: | Town: |
| 1 | Ypres Town cemetry extension | Ypres |
| 2 | Schoonselhof Cemetery | Antwerp |
| 3 | Brugge General Cemetery | Brugge |
1 – Ypres Town cemetry extension, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen.
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PAVLÍK Karel, 23, Sgt, 313 Sqn., Pilot
* 19/10/18, Plzeň
† 05/05/42, Kemmelberg
Shot down in combat during Circus 157.
Grave ref: 4. A. 41
A symbolic urn, No 30, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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2 – Schoonselhof Cemetery, Antwerp, Antwerpen,
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MRTVÝ Arnošt, 28, W/O, 313 Sqn., Pilot
* 12/01/16, Hrdibořice, Prostějov
† 19/04/44, Herentals
Killed in emergency landing during combat flight.
Grave ref: IVa. C. 7
A symbolic urn, No 30, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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3 – Brugge General Cemetery, Brugge, West-Vlaanderen.
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DONDA Zdeněk, 23, F/Lt, 312 Sqn., Pilot
* 15/08/21, Rakovník
† 31/12/44, Sevel Seget
Killed in emergency landing during combat flight.
Grave ref: Plot 63. Row 6. Grave 5
A symbolic urn, No 32, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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Canada:
| Map key: | Cemetery: | Town: |
| 1 | Hillside cemetery. | Medicine Hat |
| 2 | Rosedale cemetery. | Moose Jaw |
| 3 | Ottawa Memorial. | Ottawa |
Hillside cemetery, Medicine Hat, Alberta.
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PŘÍHODA Bohuslav, 29, F/Sgt, 34 SFTS., Pilot
* 03/08/14, Svratka, Žďár nad Sázavou
† 12/12/43, Medicine Hat, Alberta
During an aerobatic training flight his Harvard, 2742, dived into the ground and was burnt out.?
Grave ref: Lot 10. Block 139C. Sec. C.
A symbolic urn, is also interred at Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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ŠABÍK Julius, 22, LAC, 34 SFTS., Pilot trainee
* 09/07/20, Verešvár, Nitra
† 12/06/43, Medicine Hat, Alberta
Killed in a training flight accident
Grave ref: Lot 5. Block 139D. Sec. C.
A symbolic urn, No 5, is also interred in the Slovak Republic.
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Ottawa Memorial, Ottawa, Ontario,
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FUCHS Pavel, 27, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 29/05/16, Rakovník
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2. Column 2
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KRUPICA Rupert, 26, Sgt, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 23/01/17, Chvalčov, Kroměříž
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2. Column 2
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OPLATKA [Brdský] Adolf [Petr], 22, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator
* 28/05/21, Prague
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2. Column 2
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ŠIMANDL Josef, 29, F/O, 111 OTU, Navigator trainee
* 08/10/14, České Budějovice
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2. Column 2
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STYBLÍK Miroslav, 29, W/O, 111 OTU, Pilot
* 10/06/14, Rožďalovice, Nymburk
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2. Column 2
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TOMEK [Treulich] Hanuš, 24, Sgt, 111 OTU, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 21/07/19, Pardubice
† 23/11/43, NW New Providence, Bahamas
Grave ref: panel 2. Column 2
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Rosedale cemetery, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
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BLATNÝ Benedikt, 29, F/Lt, 32 SFTS, Pilot
* 21/03/14, Lovčice, Hodonín
† 08/07/43, Moose Jaw
Killed in training flight accident in Anson AS625 when it collided with Anson AS229 probably due to both pilots being blinded by the sun.
Grave ref: Lot 8. Block 10. Grave 236.
A symbolic urn, is also interred at Hodonín, Czech Republic.
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MALÝ Svatopluk, 28, LAC, 32 SFTS, Pilot trainee
* 06/12/14, Křelov, Olomouc
† 08/07/43, Moose Jaw
Killed in training flight accident in Anson AS229 when it collided with Anson AS625 probably due to both pilots being blinded by the sun.
Grave ref: Lot 8. Block 10. Grave 237.
A symbolic urn, No 3, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic.
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France:
| Map key: | Cemetery: | Town: |
| 1 | Pihen-les-Guines Communal Cemetery | Pas de Calais |
| 2 | Calais Canadian War Cemetery | Pas de Calais |
| 3 | Boulogne Eastern Cemetery | Boulogne |
| 4 | Etaples Military Cemetery | Etaples |
| 5 | La Targette | Pas de Calais |
| 6 | St. Valery-en-Caux Franco-British Cemetery | Seine-Maritime |
| 7 | Bayeux War Cemetery | Calvados |
| 8 | St. Brieuc Western Communal Cemetery | St. Brieuc |
| 9 | Creil Communal Cemetery | Oise |
| 10 | Mazargues War Cemetry | Marseilles |
1 – Pihen-les-Guines Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais
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FEJFAR Stanislav, 29, F/Lt, 313 Sqn., Pilot
* 25/11/12, Štikov, Jičín
† 17/05/42, Boulogne, France
Shot down, in Spitfire Vb, RY-S BL973, between Guines and Audembert, France, by fighters while escorting bombers on raid to Boulogne.
Grave ref: Row C. Grave 8.
A symbolic urn, No 45, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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2 – Calais Canadian War Cemetery, Leubringhen, Pas de Calais
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KULHÁNEK Jaroslav, 34, F/Lt, 124 Sqn., Pilot
* 03/11/07, Prague
† 13/03/42, North France
Shot down in Spitfire Vb ON-L BL758, near Offrethun, 10km SouthEast of Boulogne, France.
Grave ref: 3. E. 3.
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3 – Boulogne Eastern Cemetery
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KAUER Jaroslav, 25, F/Sgt, 310 Sqn., Pilot
* 08/03/19, Dlouhomilov, Šumperk
† 23/12/44, Bologne, France
Shot down 5km north of Bologne, France, his Spitfire IXc F, NN-F, MH878 crashed into the English Channel. He survived the crash but badly injured and was taken to the hospital at St Omer where he died from his injuries.
Grave ref: Plot 10. Row B. Grave 14A
A symbolic urn, No 31, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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PAVLOVIČ Matěj, 26, F/Lt, 303 Sqn., Pilot
* 07/03/15, Vlkovice, Horažďovice
† 20/04/41, English Channel
Shot down at 27,000 ft. near Le Tourquet, France in Spitfire IIA RF-V, P7859.
Grave ref: 26 Plot XIII Row A Grave 19
A symbolic urn, No 15, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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ZAUF Miloslav, 25, Sgt, 313 Sqn., Pilot
* 01/01/15, Brodek u Přerova, Přerov
† 18/03/42, North France
Shot down, in a Spitfire VB, AA869, near Boulogne, France.
Grave ref: Plot 12. Row E. Grave 8.
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4 – Etaples Military Cemetery, Etaples – Pas de Calais
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POSLUŽNÝ Ondřej, 32, F/Lt, 32 Sqn., Pilot
* 05/08/14, Brno
† 25/06/42, Stella Beach, Calais, France
His Hurricane IIc, Z3088 GZ- Failed to return from an operational flight over France, body washed up on Stella Beach, near Touquet, France.
Grave ref: 46. D. 6.
A symbolic urn, No 48, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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5 – La Targette, Neuville-Saint-Vaast, Pas de Calais
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BARTOŇ František, 25, lieutenant, CIC Chartres, Pilot.
* 14/08/14, Mošnov, Novy Jicin.
† 06/10/39, Chartres.
Killed on training flight in Curtis Hawk H75, lost speed and crashed near Chartres.
Grave ref: grave 143.
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BENDL Josef, 26, sergent, GC I/6, Pilot.
* 27/03/14, Miškovice, Prague.
† 07/06/40, Amiens.
Killed when his MS-406C, no. 898, fighter aircraft was shot down near Moliens whilst attacking German tanks between Formerie and Forges les Eaux.
Grave ref: grave 144
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BÍEBERLE František, 28, lieutenant, GC I/6, Pilot.
* 23/02/12, Zjoř.
† 25/05/40, Arras.
Shot down during combat flight.
Grave ref: grave 145
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ČERNÝ Jan, 25, sergent, CIB Châteauroux, Pilot.
* 25/01/15, Heřmanice, Moravsky Krumlov.
† 11/05/40, Châeauroux.
Severely wounded in air raid attack on Ste Anne airfield, died in local hospital from his injuries.
Grave ref: grave 146
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DEKASTELLO Josef, 29, lieutenant, GC I/8, Pilot.
* 24/06/10, Prague.
† 03/06/40, Thieux.
Shot down by allied anti aircraft fire.
Grave ref: grave 148
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DÝMA František, 23, lieutenant, GC III/7, Pilot.
* 28/12/16, Olomouc.
† 21/05/40, Senlis.
Shot down, suffered head injuries and died in hospital.
Grave ref: grave 147
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EICHELMAN Zdeněk, 21, sergent, CIB Toulouse, Pilot.
* 10/04/19, Rynholec, Slany.
† 29/04/40, Toulouse.
Killed in a training accident.
Grave ref: grave 149
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FLANEK Leopold, 27, sergent, GC III/2, Pilot.
* 13/12/02, Bieżanów, Poland.
† 15/05/40, Ardennes.
Killed when his MS 406 crash landed in the Ardenes.
Grave ref: grave 150
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GLEICH Jaroslav, 27, lieutenant, GC II/3, Pilot.
* 04/03/13, Kunčice, Ostrava.
† 13/06/40, Avord-Beaugi.
Killed when aircraft crashed.
Grave ref: grave 151
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HAMŠÍK Timoteus, 32, capitaine, GC I/5, Pilot.
* 31/12/07, Zádveřice, Zlin.
† 14/05/40, Sedan.
Killed after parachuting from his aircraft.
Grave ref: grave 172
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HRANIČKÁ Josef, 27, sergent, GC I/6, Pilot.
* 11/03/03, Vlašim, Benešov.
† 05/06/40, Compiègne.
Separated from the rest of his Squadron during combat, was flying alone between Creil and Mondidiere, shot down in MS 406 C.1, no 1035 at 11:40 by a Me 109 and crashed at Compiègne.
Grave ref: grave 173
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KOREC Otakar, 21, lieutenant, GC I/3, Pilot.
* 26/11/08, Nejdek.
† 05/06/40, Agrouves, Somme.
Shot down in his D520 during aerial combat.
Grave ref: grave 174
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KOŠNAR Josef, 23, caporal-chef, GC III/7, Pilot.
* 03/09/16, Pečky.
† 05/06/40, Amiens.
Shot down during combat patrol, in MS406 no 144, near Camronne.
Grave ref: grave 175
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KRÁKORA Jan, 25, caporal-chef, GC I/1, Pilot.
* 12/04/14, Lysolaje, Prague.
† 23/04/40, Senlis.
Killed during a training flight in a D520.
Grave ref: grave 178
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KRÁL Jiří, 30, lieutenant, GC I/1, Pilot.
* 15/03/10, Polanka nad Odrou, Jičín.
† 08/06/40, Montdidier.
Killed in combat. His Bloch MB 152, no 299, was shot down about 40 km NW of Paris, bailed-out from his burning aircraft but parachute failed to open.
Grave ref: grave 176
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KRÁLÍK Antonín, 23, caporal-chef, GC I/8, Pilot.
* 16/06/16, Vranice, Kutná Hora.
† 27/05/40, Amiens.
Killed on operational patrol near Conde-Folie.
Grave ref: grave 177
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KŘÍŽEK Jaroslav, 25, sergent, CIB Toulouse, Pilot.
* 10/06/14, Dolní Sytová.
† 16/11/39, Toulouse.
Killed on training flight when his MB.200 bomber aircraft crashed near Toulouse.
Grave ref: grave 179
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KUČERA Vladimír, 29, sergent, EPP Etampes, Pilot.
* 07/05/11, Malá Černá, Ckum u Třeboně.
† 14/05/40, d’Etampes.
Killed during a training flight.
Grave ref: grave 180
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MIKOLÁŠEK Antonín, 23, lieutenant, GC II/3, Pilot.
* 06/09/06, Prague.
† 25/05/40, Remigny.
Shot down during operational patrol.
Grave ref: grave 182
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MORÁVEK Emil, 26, sergent-chef, GC I/5, Pilot.
* 08/06/14, Slepotice.
† 15/06/40, Heuilley-le-Grand.
Pilot with GC I/5, from 01/06/40 with GC I/8. Shot down and crashed behind German lines, suspected of being shot later.
Interred at grave 167
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NOVÁK Jaroslav, 24, sergent-chef, EP Istres-Miramas, Pilot.
* 08/07/15, Prague.
† 15/12/39, Villefort.
Killed in a crash during bomber pilot training.
Grave ref: grave 185
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NOVÁK Josef, 28, sergent, GC III/3, Pilot.
* 06/03/12, Zboněk Boskovice.
† 02/06/40, Portet, Toulouse.
Killed in training accident.
Grave ref: grave 184
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POPELKA Stanislav, 23, sergent, GC I/6, Pilot.
* 12/12/17, Františky, Vysoké Mýto.
† 03/06/40, Ozoir-la-Ferrière.
Killed in aerial combat in MS406, no. 693 which crashed at Ozoir-la-Ferrière.
Grave ref: grave 186
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RAJTR Miroslav, 36, sergent, CIC Chartres, Pilot.
* 26/08/03, Žerčice, Mlada Boleslav.
† 11/01/40, Chartres.
Killed in training flight in a MB151.
Grave ref: grave 168
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STOKLASA Jaroslav, 22, sergent, CIB Pau, Pilot.
* 24/03/17, Lhota, Opava.
† 04/03/40, Pau.
Killed in training flight in Potez XXV, no 841 which crashed at Pau.
Grave ref: grave 169
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VAŠEK Vladimír, 22, caporal-chef, GC I/5, Pilot.
* 08/08/14, Sedlec, Kutna Hora.
† 02/01/40, Meuse, Malancourt.
Killed in collision during combat patrol in a Curtis H75, no 13, aircraft crashed at Verdun.
Grave ref: grave 171
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6 – St. Valery-en-Caux Franco-British Cemetery, Seine-Maritime
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BOUDA František, 28, F/O, 21 Sqn., Navigator
* 06/04/16, Vienna, Austria
† 21/06/44, France
Mosquito VI. FB NT182 YH- did not return from a night offensive sortie to attack German ground targets around Mezidon, in the Normandy region of France. Exact reason for the aircraft loss is not known.
Grave ref: Joint grave B, 31-32.
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STRÁNSKÝ Josef, 29, S/Ldr, 21 Sqn., Pilot
* 10/12/14, Borová, Havlíčkův Brod
† 21/06/44, France
Mosquito VI. FB NT182 YH- did not return from a night offensive sortie to attack German ground targets around Mezidon, in the Normandy region of France. Exact reason for the aircraft loss is not known.
Grave ref: Joint grave B, 31-32.
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7 – Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, Normandy
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BAUER Jiří, 20, Sgt, 310 Sqn., Pilot
* 03/11/23, Trutnov
† 28/06/44, Caen, France
Did not return from operational sortie. His Spitfire IXe LF, NH570, probably shot down by flak near Caen, France.
Grave ref: XV. M. 24.
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FAJT Linhart, 32, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Flight Engineer
* 26/11/10, Jablonné nad Orlicí
† 18/11/43, Bay of Biscay
Liberator BZ872 went missing while on patrol over the Bay of Biscay, body washed ashore. Probably shot down by fighter.
Grave ref: VIII. C. 19.
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8 – St. Brieuc Western Communal Cemetery Cotes-d’Armor
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JEŘÁBEK Jan, 22, Sgt, 313 Sqn., Pilot
* 08/11/19, Milevsko, Písek
† 15/07/42, English Channel
Spitfire Vb, AD372, shot down by fighter over English Channel about 60km South of Bolt Head, Devon.
Grave ref: Plot H. Row A. Grave 13
_______________________________________________________________
STEFAN Benignus , 24, F/Lt, 313 Sqn., Pilot
* 09/05/18, Hradec Králové
† 08/03/43, Rennes, France
Spitfire Vc, AR547, shot down by fighter near Paimpol, France.
Grave ref: Plot H. Row A. Grave 10
_______________________________________________________________
9 – Creil Communal Cemetery Oise
______________________________________
HRADIL Bohuslav, 26, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 24/09/15, Bolelouc, Olomouc
† 03/03/42, Paris, France
Wellington Ic, KX-Y Z1070, shot down near Creil whilst on bombing raid to Paris.
Grave ref: Plot 2. Coll. grave 341-345
_______________________________________________________________
KORMANOVIČ Imrich, 40, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 23/10/01, Krmeš, Galanta
† 03/03/42, Paris, France
Wellington Ic, KX-Y Z1070, shot down near Creil whilst on bombing raid to Paris.
Grave ref: Plot 2. Coll. grave 341-345
_______________________________________________________________
KOTRCH Jan, 24, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 09/06/17, Sušice, Klatovy
† 03/03/42, Paris, France
Wellington Ic, KX-Y Z1070, shot down near Creil whilst on bombing raid to Paris.
Grave ref: Plot 2. Coll. grave 341-345
_______________________________________________________________
STRACHOŇ Přibyslav, 22, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 12/12/19, Velké Pavlovice, Břeclav
† 03/03/42, Paris, France
Wellington Ic, KX-Y Z1070, shot down near Creil whilst on bombing raid to Paris.
Grave ref: Plot 2. Coll. grave 341-345
_______________________________________________________________
SVOBODA Josef, 30, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 20/01/12, Vienna, Austria
† 03/03/42, Paris, France
Wellington Ic, KX-Y Z1070, shot down near Creil whilst on bombing raid to Paris.
Grave ref: Plot 2. Coll. grave 341-345
_______________________________________________________________
TOLAR Alois, 27, P/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 09/01/15, Brno
† 03/03/42, Paris, France
Wellington Ic, KX-Y Z1070, shot down near Creil whilst on bombing raid to Paris.
Grave ref: Plot 2. Coll. grave 341-345
A symbolic urn, No 43, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
10 – Mazargues War Cemetry Marseilles, Bouches-du-Rhone
_______________________________________________________________
BONK [BAK] František [Franciszek], 21, W/O, 304 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 13/10/23, Víťazovce
† 27/07/45, Chonas L´Amballan, France.
On a return flight to North Weald, his Warwick aircraft caught in a lightening storm and crashed near the village of Chon l’Amballan, killing all onboard.
Grave ref: Plot X Row A Grave 6
_______________________________________________________________
Egypt:
El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt
_______________________________________________________________
ANDERLE Leo, 29, F/Lt, 138 Sqn, Pilot
* 24/05/13, Vyškov
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 247
_______________________________________________________________
FRIEDL Konstantin, 31, LAC, 14 Sqn, Ground Staff
* 25/04/11, Zelená, Usti nad Orlici
† 25/06/42, Bu Ahmut, Libya
Killed in German air raid on Bu Ahmut airfield where he served as ground crew.
Grave ref: Column 264
_______________________________________________________________
HÁJEK Bohumil, 29, F/Sgt, 138 Sqn, Flight Engineer
* 25/12/12, Popovice, Beroun
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 249
_______________________________________________________________
KRCHA Viktor, 28, F/Lt, 138 Sqn, Navigator
* 22/07/14, Vienna, Austria
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 247
_______________________________________________________________
PÁNEK Václav, 27, F/Lt, 138 Sqn, Pilot
* 02/10/15, Ústí nad Orlicí
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 249
_______________________________________________________________
ROZPRÝM Miroslav, 22, P/O, 138 Sqn, Air Gunner
* 28/02/20, Újezd, Sokolnice, Brno
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 249
_______________________________________________________________
TESAŘ Josef, 23, P/O, 138 Sqn, Air Gunner
* 19/04/19, Horní Štěpánov, Prostějov
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 249
_______________________________________________________________
VANÍČEK František, 27, P/O, 138 Sqn, Air Gunner
* 03/11/15, Červené Pečky, Kolín
† 10/12/42, Missing between Malta and Egypt
Halifax NF-Y, W1002, disappeared on flight between Cairo and Malta, no survivors from crew or ten passengers found.
Grave ref: column 249
_______________________________________________________________
Germany:
| Map key: | Cemetery: | Town: |
| 1 | Reichswald Forest War Cemetery | Kleve |
| 2 | Sage War Cemetery | Oldenburg |
| 3 | Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery | Berlin |
1 – Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Six Czechoslovak RAF airmen are buried here, their Wellington, KX-L R1015 had taken-off from East Wretham, at 19:55, for a bombing raid on Hamburg. It was attacked by a Luftwaffe night-fighter flown by Gefr Rudolf Frank 1/NJG3 at 23:30 north-west of Meppen at 23:30. The Wellington crashed Andervenne 17km eastsoutheast of Lingen-Em, Holland.
The crew were initially buried at Neuer Friedhof and, after the war, reinterred at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Their grave ref: collective grave 27, row F, 12-15.
_______________________________________________________________
BABÍČEK Zdeněk, 21, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 07/11/19, Brno
† 15/09/41, Andervenne, Germany
A symbolic urn, No 22, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
JARNOT Alois, 23, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 16/06/18, Karviná, Český Těšín
† 15/09/41, Andervenne, Germany
_______________________________________________________________
MIKLOŠEK Ján, 25, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 01/02/16, Galanta, Velký Diosek
† 15/09/41, Andervenne, Germany
_______________________________________________________________
SEDLÁČEK Mojmír, 27, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 14/11/13, Hradec Králové, Dohalice
† 15/09/41, Andervenne, Germany
_______________________________________________________________
SOUKUP Vilém, 27, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 14/11/13, Hradec Králové, Dohalice
† 15/09/41, Andervenne, Germany
A symbolic urn, No 25, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
ZIMMER Antonín, 27, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator
* 14/11/13, Hradec Králové, Dohalice
† 15/09/41, Andervenne, Germany
_______________________________________________________________
2 – Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg, Niedersachsen.
At 22:52 on the night of 19 July 1941, Wellington bomber, R1371 KX-F of 311 Sqn, took-off from East Wretham for a bombing raid on Hanover. During the flight radio silence was maintained and the aircraft never returned. It is assumed that the aircraft had been damaged by flak or mechanical problems. The aircraft crashed into the Zuiderzee, north of Uithuizermeeden.
Sgt Miroslav Jindra is buried at Uithuizermeeden General Cemetery, Holland.
The bodies of Sgt Pavel Babáček, Sgt Jan Čtvrtlík and Sgt Václav Valeš were never found and they are commemorated on panel’s 30, 42 and 54 respectively at the Runnymede Memorial, UK.
Some time later the body of P/O Jaroslav Partyk was washed ashore on the German island of Borkum. Initially he was buried in the local Lutherian cemetry and post war re-interred at Sage War Cemetry.
_______________________________________________________________
PARTYK Jaroslav, 24, P/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 16/12/16, Rakovník
† 20/07/41, Rottum, Holland
Grave ref: 7. F. 4
A symbolic urn, No 87, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
3 – Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Berlin.
_______________________________________________________________
BLÁHA Oldřich Dennis, DFM, 21, F/O, 44 Sqn., Air Bomber
* 1922, London
† 02/01/44, Berlin
Killed in Lancaster W4831 on bombing raid over Berlin.
Grave ref: Collective grave 2. C. 7-10
_______________________________________________________________
Holland:
_______________________________________________________________
| Map key: | Cemetery: | Town: |
| 1 | Westduin General Cemetery | The Hague |
| 2 | Nieuwe Oosterbegraafplaats [New Eastern Cemetry] |
Amsterdam |
| 3 | Bergen General Cemetery | Bergen |
| 4 | Nieuwe Niedorp | Nieuwe Niedorp |
| 5 | Texel [Den Burg] General Cemetery | Texel |
| 6 | Uithuizermeeden General Cemetery | Groningen |
| 7 | Lemmer General Cemetery | Friesland |
| 8 | Oldebroek General Cemetery | Gelderland |
| 9 | Oosterwolde General Cemetery | Gelderland |
| 10 | Apeldoorn – (Ugchelen – Heidehof) General | Gelderland |
| 11 | Jonkerbos War Cemetery | Nijmegen |
| 12 | Woensel General Cemetery | Eindhoven |
| 13 | Gilzerbaan General Cemetery | Tilburg |
| 14 | Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery | Noord-Brabant |
| 15 | KX-B Memorial | Petten |
| 16 | Harderwijk Memorial | Harderwijk |
1 – The Hague [Westduin] General Cemetery, Zuid-Holland
_______________________________________________________________
Wellington L7788 (KX-E), damaged by flak over Berlin, crashed near Wassenaar. All the crew survived the crash and initially mamaged to evade capture. Whilst evading capture, the crew were betrayed to the Germans. Rather than being captured, Sgt Karel Kuňka committed suicide by shooting himself with a flare gun. P/O Karel Trojáček, Sgt Arnost Zábrz, P/O Zdeněk Procházka, P/O Václav Kilián and Sgt František Knotek were captured and spent the rest of the war as PoW’s.
_______________________________________________________________
KUŇKA Karel, 27, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator
* 27/07/13, Oslavany, Brno
† 25/09/40, S. Gravenhage, Holland
Grave ref: Allied Plot, Grave 56.
A symbolic urn, No 1, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
2 – Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetry, Noord-Holland
_______________________________________________________________
ELBOGEN Arnošt, 24, F/Sgt, 310 Sqn., Pilot
* 08/02/20, Prague
† 11/08/44, Buurmalsen,Holland
Spitfire Vb AR441 shot down at whilst attacking a train between Culemborg a Geldermalsen.
Grave ref: Plot 69. Row A. Coll. grave 2.
A symbolic urn, No 49, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
3 – Bergen General Cemetery, Bergen – Noord-Holland
Wellington bomber T2553 (KX-B), on bombing raid to Bremen, hit by flak over target. On the return flight suffered further problems and crashed into North Sea about 60 miles from the Dutch coast. Five members of the crew managed to survive the crash and get into the dinghy. It was six days before the dinghy reached the Dutch coast, during which time two of the crew had died form exposure. Details of this incident are here.
_______________________________________________________________
MOHR Josef, 29, F/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 05/10/12, Velké Hamry, Jablonec nad Nisou
† 02/01/42, North Sea West of Petten, Holland
Grave ref: Plot 1. Row D. Grave 4.
A symbolic urn, No 16, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
4 – Nieuwe Niedorp, Noord-Holland
On the night of 22/23 June 1941, 311 Sqn Wellington bomber T2990 (KX-T) was shot down at 02:13, whilst returning from a bombing raid on Bremen, by a Luftwaffe night-fighter Me 110 flown by Oblt Egmont Prinz zur Lippe-Weißenfeld, from 4./NJG1. From the Wellington, only the pilot W/O Vilém Bufka managed to bail out, he landing safely but captured by the Germans and became a PoW. The other crew members – F/Sgt. Alois Rozum, P/O Vilem Konstacky, P/O Leonard Smrcek, Sgt. Jan Hejna and Sgt Karel Valach went down with the aircraft which dived into a field at Kostverloren polder near Nieuwe-Niedorp, NE of Alkmaar. During WW2, the field used to be a muddy seabed and still was very soft ground. The aircraft dived some 17 mtrs into the ground and recovery was not possible.
The local community placed a monument on the location and every year on the 4th of May the crew is commemorated here. The five airmen are also remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, UK.
_______________________________________________________________
HEJNA Jan, 26, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 07/02/15, Jaroměř
† 23/06/41, Nieuwe-Niedorp, Holland
_______________________________________________________________
KONŠTACKÝ Vilém, 26, P/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 17/11/14, Čelechovice na Hané
† 23/06/41, Nieuwe-Niedorp, Holland
_______________________________________________________________
ROZUM Alois, 28, P/O, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 06/07/12, Plzeň
† 23/06/41, Nieuwe-Niedorp, Holland
_______________________________________________________________
SMRČEK Leonard, 25, P/O, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator
* 29/12/15, Budišov
† 23/06/41, Nieuwe-Niedorp, Holland
_______________________________________________________________
VALACH Karel, 23, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 26/01/18, Kroměříž
† 23/06/41, Nieuwe-Niedorp, Holland
_______________________________________________________________
5 – Texel [Den Burg] General Cemetery, Noord-Holland
_______________________________________________________________
BACHŮREK Svatopluk, 27, F/Lt, 124 Sqn., Pilot
* 07/03/15, Kroměříž
† 25/04/42, de Koog, Holland
His Spitfire, W3332, shot down in English Channel during combat on Circus 137. Body washed ashore on Dutch coast on 19 June 1942.
Grave ref: Plot K. Row 6. Grave 122.
A symbolic urn, No 44, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
KOTHERA Zdeněk, 23, Sgt, 124 Sqn., Pilot
* 16/03/19, Tetín, Beroun
† 27/04/42, Texel, English Channel
Flying Spitfire, W3758, during Circus 141, escorting Boston light bombers on a raid to Lille, was involved in combat on the return journey about 5 miles north of Lille. Was shot down over the coast of NW France and his Spitfire crashed into the English Channel between Dunkirk and Mardyk. His body was washed ashore near Texel, Holland 16 June 1942.
Grave ref: Plot K, Grave 115.
A symbolic urn, No 45, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial,
Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
6 – Uithuizermeeden General Cemetery, Groningen
At 22:52 on the night of 19 July 1941, Wellington bomber, R1371 KX-F of 311 Sqn, took-off from East Wretham for a bombing raid on Hanover. During the flight radio silence was maintained and the aircraft never returned. It is assumed that the aircraft had been damaged by flak or mechanical problems. The aircraft crashed into the Zuiderzee, north of Uithuizermeeden.
The bodies of Sgt Pavel Babáček, Sgt Jan Čtvrtlík and Sgt Václav Valeš were never found and they are commemorated on panel’s 30, 42 and 54 respectively at the Runnymede Memorial, UK.
Some time later the body of P/O Jaroslav Partyk was washed ashore on the German island of Borkum. Initially he was buried in the local Lutherian cemetry and post war re-interred at Sage War Cemetry.
_______________________________________________________________
JINDRA Miroslav, 25, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 05/03/16, Dolní Krupá, Havlíčkův Brod
† 20/07/41, Rottum, Holland
Grave ref: Row 16. Grave 27.
A symbolic urn, No 26, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
7 – Lemmer General Cemetery, Friesland
Wellington R1718 (KX-N) shot down, at 00:50 on the night of 16/17 July 1941, by Me110 on bombing raid to Hamburg and crashed in the Zuiderzee on the island of Ijsselmeer 5km west of Lemmer. The other crewmembers of Sgt Jaroslav Nyč, Sgt Karel Šťastny, P/O Jaroslav Zafouk, P/O Otakar Černy and Sgt František Knap survived the crash and became a PoW’s for the duration of the war.
_______________________________________________________________
MAREŠ Jiří, 25, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 12/04/16, Níkovice, Písek
† 17/07/41, Ijsselmeer, Holland
Grave ref: Plot C. Row 10. Grave 261.
A symbolic urn, No 35, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
8 – Oldebroek General Cemetery, Gelderland
At 22:52 on the night of 19 July 1941, Wellington bomber, R1371 KX-F of 311 Sqn, took-off from East Wretham for a bombing raid on Hanover. During the flight radio silence was maintained and the aircraft never returned. It is assumed that the aircraft had been damaged by flak or mechanical problems. The aircraft crashed into the Zuiderzee, north of Uithuizermeeden.
The bodies of Sgt Pavel Babáček, Sgt Jan Čtvrtlík and Sgt Václav Valeš were never found and they are commemorated on panel’s 30, 42 and 54 respectively at the Runnymede Memorial, UK.
Some time later the body of P/O Jaroslav Partyk was washed ashore on the German island of Borkum. Initially he was buried in the local Lutherian cemetry and post war re-interred at Sage War Cemetry.
_______________________________________________________________
NETÍK Václav, 30, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 20/09/10, Dvůr Králové, Trutnov
† 20/07/41, Rottum, Holland
Shot down by night fighter while on bombing raid on Hanover.
Grave ref: 18.
A symbolic urn, No 18, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
9 – Oosterwolde General Cemetery, Gelderland
From 18:35 on 16 October 1940, three Wellington bombers from 311 Sqn, began taking-off from East Wretham, Norfolk, for a bombing raid on the naval dockyards at Bremen, Germany. The last to leave, at 18:50 was Wellington KX-T, L7844, was Captained by P/O Bohumil LANDA,43, co-pilot Sgt Emanuel NOVOTNÝ, navigator P/O Hubert JAROŠEK,30, wireless-operator Sgt Karel KLIMT, 28, front-gunner Sgt Otto JIRSÁK, 33, rear-gunner Sgt Augustin ŠESTÁK, 22, but was shortly due to become the squadrons first loss due to a night fighter attack.
At 21:25 it was shot down, over the Zuiderzee, Holland by a Luftwaffe Dornier Do 17Z-10 night fighter, piloted by Oberleutnant Ludwig BECKER with unteroffizier Josef Staub, radar-operator/air-gunner of 4./NJG 1. It was a short combat; a five to six-second burst from the Dornier’s machine guns hit the Wellington, causing its starboard engine to catch fire, then spinning as it dived out of the sky, crashing North-East of Oosterwolde, near Grote Woldweg, Holland.
Three of the crew, Sgt Emanuel NOVOTNÝ, P/O Hubert JAROŠEK, and Sgt Augustin ŠESTÁK, managed to bail-out of the stricken Wellington. NOVOTNÝ and ŠESTÁK landed safely but were captured and spent the remainder of the war as Prisoners of War, but JAROŠEK was killed in the jump.
The remains of P/O Bohumil LANDA, P/O Hubert JAROŠEK, Sgt Karel KLIMT, and Sgt Otto JIRSÁK were interred at Oosterwolde General Cemetery.
_______________________________________________________________
JAROŠEK Hubert, 30, P/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 27/09/10, Vsetín
† 16/10/40, Doornspijk, Holland
Grave ref: Plot 2. Row 2. Grave 62.
A symbolic urn, No 23, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
JIRSÁK Otto, 33, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 03/10/07, Olomouc
† 16/10/40, Doornspijk, Holland
Grave ref: Plot 2. Row 2. Grave 60.
A symbolic urn, No 5, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
KLIMT Karel, 28, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 04/10/12, Prague
† 16/10/40, Doornspijk, Holland
Grave ref: Plot 1. Row 2. Grave 59.
A symbolic urn, No 4, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
LANDA Bohumil, 43, P/O, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 20/12/96, Kročehlavy, Kladno
† 16/10/40, Doornspijk, Holland
Grave ref: Plot 1. Row 2. Grave 61.
A symbolic urn, No 2, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
10 – Apeldoorn – (Ugchelen – Heidehof) General, Gelderland.
Flying as co-pilot in Wellington N2894 of 75 Sqn (New Zealand) on 1000 bomber raid on Cologne. On return flight shot down by Me110 night fighter at 02:25 near Hessen-Allee, 8 km southeast of Apeldorn. P/O David Johnson, F/Lt Hector Batten, F/Sgt Josiah Connor and F/Sgt John McLean also killed in crash and buried at Apeldoorn. F/Sgt Gordon Waddington-Allwright survived and became a PoW for the duration of the war.
_______________________________________________________________
JAMBOR Oldřich, 29, W/O, 75 Sqn., Pilot
* 03/05/13, Tuřany, Brno
† 31/05/42, Hessen-Allee, Holland
Grave ref: Plot 4. Grave 141.
A symbolic urn, No 28, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
11 – Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Nijmegen, Gelderland
Wellington R1599 shot down by Me110 night fighter whilst returning from a bombing raid on Cologne, Germany. Aircraft crashed at 23:39 at Kelpen (Limburg) 9 km SouthEast of Weert, Holland. No survivors from the crash.
_______________________________________________________________
KOŠULIČ Václav, 25, P/O, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator
* 26/09/15, Hodonín
† 17/04/41, Kelpen, Holland
Grave ref: 16. H. 8
A symbolic urn, No 12, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
KRÁČMER František, 24, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 21/05/16, Parník, Ústí nad Orlicí.
† 17/04/41, Kelpen, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 12. A. 7-8.
A symbolic urn, No 9, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
KUBÍČEK Vladimír, 27, F/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 11/10/13, Uherský Brod, Uherské Hradiště.
† 17/04/41, Kelpen, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. 12. A. 9
A symbolic urn, No 8, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
LIFČIC [LIFCZIZ] Rudolf, 30, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 29/03/11, Fryštát, Karviná.
† 17/04/41, Kelpen, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 12. A. 7-8
A symbolic urn, No 10, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
SIXTA František, 27, F/O, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 20/09/13, Česká Třebová, Ústí nad Orlicí.
† 17/04/41, Kelpen, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 12. A. 7-8
A symbolic urn, No 13, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
ŠTĚTKA Václav, 26, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 16/04/15, České Budějovice.
† 17/04/41, Kelpen, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 12. A. 7-8?
A symbolic urn, No 11, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
12 – Woensel General Cemetery, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant
Wellington KX-U, Z1098, of 311 Sqn was on a bombing raid on Dortmund, aircraft damaged by flak over target and shot down by Me 110 nightfighter over Holland. Crashed at 04:00 at Boshoven, northwest of Weert, Holland. Sgt Vladimír Pará, F/O Milan Zapletal and Sgt Jaroslav Klvaňa survived the crash, were captured to become PoW’s.
_______________________________________________________________
HAVLÍK Oldřich, 25, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 25/10/16, Petřvald, Karviná
† 14/04/42, Boshoven, Holland
Grave ref: Plot JJ. Grave 48.
A symbolic urn, No 39, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
TALÁB Josef, 33, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 16/07/09, Hrušky, Hodonín
† 14/04/42, Boshoven, Holland
Grave ref: Plot JJ. Grave 49.
A symbolic urn, No 41, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
VARJAN Pavel, 30, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 22/06/11, Komloša, Bardejov
† 14/04/42, Boshoven, Holland
Grave ref: Plot JJ. Grave 50.
A symbolic urn, No 40, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
_______________________________________________________________
13 – Gilzerbaan General Cemetery, Tilburg, Noord-Brabant
Wellington KX-J, T2971, of 311 Sqn, was returning from a bombing raid on Bremen, aircraft damaged by flak over target. Flying on one engine they were forced to make an emergency landing at 22:36 north of Tilburg, Holland. Sgt Zdeněk Sichovský, Sgt Karel Batelka and Sgt Josef Šnajdr survived the crash, were captured to become PoW’s.
_______________________________________________________________
MAŠEK Rudolf, 23, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 09/09/18, Rozzářín, Brno
† 17/01/42, near Tilburg, Holland
ref: Plot A. Row 1. Grave 23.
A symbolic urn, No 21, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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SVOBODA Jindřich, 24, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 23/05/17, Třebíč
† 17/01/42, near Tilburg, Holland
Grave ref: Plot A. Row 1. Grave 22.
A symbolic urn, No 17, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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BROŽ Jaromír, 25, P/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 13/09/16, Jičín
† 17/01/42, near Tilburg, Holland
Grave ref: Plot A. Row 1. Grave 22.
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14 – Bergen-op-Zoom War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant.
Wellington bomber Z8838, (KX-Z) was shot down by night fighter while returning from a bombing raid on Essen. Aircraft crashed 4.5 km east of Kolhorn, Holland. All the crew were killed and buried at Middenmeer, Holland, five in a communal grave and one in a separate grave. In 2004 the remains were re-interred at Bergen-op-Zoom.
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HRDINA Josef, 30, F/Sgt, 311 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 07/03/12, Všeň, Semily
† 11/04/42, Kolhorn, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 31. A. 5-6.
A symbolic urn, No 55, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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KALENSKÝ Josef, 25, F/Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 17/02/17, Lískovice, Jičín
† 11/04/42, Kolhorn, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 31. A. 5-6.
A symbolic urn, No 51, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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KODEŠ Karel, 21, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Pilot
* 24/05/20, Bratislava
† 11/04/42, Kolhorn, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 31. A. 5-6.
A symbolic urn, No 52, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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PEPRNÍČEK Jan, 22, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 15/12/19, Ostrožská Nová Ves, Uherské Hradiště
† 11/04/42, Middenmeer, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 31. A. 5-6.
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POLITZER Josef, 28, Sgt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
* 17/04/13, Stupné, Povážska Bystrica
† 11/04/42, Middenmeer, Holland
Grave ref: 31. A. 11.
A symbolic urn, No 42, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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RYCHNOVSKÝ Karel, 23, F/O, 311 Sqn., Navigator
* 09/05/18, Konice, Prostějov
† 11/04/42, Middenmeer, Holland
Grave ref: Coll. grave 31. A. 5-6.
A symbolic urn, No 53, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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15 – KX-B Memorial, Petten.
The KX-B Memorial at Petten, is the location of where the dinghy with Sgt Alois Šiška, Pavel Svoboda and F/Lt Josef Ščerba reached land after six days in an open dinghy in the North Sea.
On the night of 26 December 1941, Sgt Alois Šiška piloted a Wellington bomber, KX-B, T2553, on a raid to the German docks at Wilhelmshaven. His crew were Sgt Josef Tománek – co-pilot, F/Lt Josef Ščerba – wireless operator/air gunner, F/O Josef Mohr – navigator, W/O Pavel Svoboda – front gunner, and Sgt Rudolf Skalický – rear gunner. Despite flak damage to the aircraft over the target, Šiška completed the bombing run but on the return journey the port engine caught fire and eventually fell off causing the aircraft to ditch in the North Sea. Sgt Skalický was killed in the crash with the remaining crewmembers evacuating by dinghy. They were at sea for the next six days during which time Sgt Tománek and F/O Mohr died from exposure.
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16 – Harderwijk Memorial, Harderwijk.
The Harderwijk Memorial commemorates the 117 Allied airmen who were killed around Harderwijk in World War II. Many of their aircraft crashed in the Ijsselmeer-lake. After the crash, the victims washed ashore or remained missing. One of these aircraft was Wellington KX-N, R1718, from 311 Sqn in which crashed on the night of 16/17 July 1941. Sgt Jiří Mareš was killed, his body later being washed ashore and buried at Lemmer General Cemetery, Holland. The other crewmembers of Sgt Jaroslav Nyč, Sgt Karel Šťastny, P/O Jaroslav Zafouk, P/O Otakar Černy and Sgt František Knap survived the crash and became a PoW’s for the duration of the war.
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Hungary:
Budapest War Cemetery, Budapest.
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ZEIGLER [Zetland] Jindřich Otto [Henry Osbert], 41, F/O, 104 Sqn., Air Gunner
* 11/03/03, Prague
† 05/05/44, Budapest
Shot down on bombing raid
Grave ref: Coll. grave III. E. 6-10
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Poland:
| Map key: | Cemetery: | Town: |
| 1 | Poznam Old Garrison Cemetery | Poznam |
| 2 | Cmentarz wojenny “Balonna” | Dęblin |
| 3 | Opony Cmentarz | Belźyce |
| 4 | Sagan Memorial | Żagań |
| 5 | Legnica Memorial plaque | Legnica |
1 – Poznam Old Garrison Cemetery, Poznam, Poland.
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VALENTA Arnošt, 31, F/Lt, 311 Sqn., Wireless Operator
* 25/10/12, Svébohov, Šumperk.
† 05/05/44, near Liegnitz, Poland
One of the 50 RAF airmen of ‘The Great Escape‘ that were shot by Gestapo after being captured.
Grave ref: Coll. grave 9. A.
A symbolic urn, No 29, is also interred at the Airman’s Memorial, Prostějov, Czech Republic
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2 – Cmentarz wojenny “Balonna”, Dęblin, Poland.
The Cmentarz wojenny “Balonna” [Balonna War Cemetery] is located by the Zajączek redoubt and has the graves of Polish, Austrian and Russian troops who died during WW1, Polish and Russian soldiers killed in the Polish-Soviet War of 1920, as well as Polish airmen who died between 1927 and 1938.
On 2 September 1939, the Luftwaffe mounted several large air raids on Dęblin airbase, which killed 18 airmen, who were interred at this cemetery, wounding 28 others and destroying the airbase. Czechoslovak airmen, who had joined the Polish Air Force, were at the airbase during those air raids. Four of them were amongst the wounded, whilst the following Czechoslovaks were killed:
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KURKA Štefan, 25, Lt., Infantry Airborne Observer
* 11/12/13, Lužice, Hodonín
† 02/09/39, Deblin, Poland
Grave ref:
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ROUS Zdeněk, 25, Lt., Airborne Observer
* 23/09/11, Bystřička, Slovakia.
† 02/09/39, Deblin, Poland
Grave ref: 20
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ŠANDOR Ondřej, 28, Lt., Pilot
* 15/04/11, Čaňa, Košice, Slovakia.
† 02/09/39, Deblin, Poland
Grave ref: 21
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Unidentified
* ?
† 02/09/39, Deblin, Poland
Grave ref: 22
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Unidentified
* ?
† 02/09/39, Deblin, Poland
Grave ref: 23
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Unidentified
* ?
† 02/09/39, Deblin, Poland
Grave ref: 24
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3 – Opony Cmentarz , Belźyce, Poland.
In the confusion following the German invasion of Poland, on 1 September 1939, a tragic mistake was made. On 8 September, some Czechoslovak airmen, flying in the Polish Air Force, were based at Góra Puławska, a satellite airfield for Dęblin. Their RWD-8 aircraft were short on fuel, so they flew to the nearby village of Zagórz, near Bełżyce, about 26km SW of Lublin, where there was a small airstrip where some Potez XXV were hidden and camouflaged in a nearby forest. čet. Václav Pěšička was one of these pilots. As they were in the forest, taking fuel from these aircraft, they were taken by surprise by some Polish security personnel who were searching for the aircrew of a shot down German bomber. The security men were nervous, and without challenging the identity of the Czechoslovak airmen, hastily shot first. čet. Václav Pěšička was killed in the gunfire and was buried at the Opony Cmentarz, the Municipal Roman Catholic cemetery in Belźyce.
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PĚŠIČKA Václav, 25, čet., Pilot
* 21/09/13, Hostín.
† 08/09/39, Belźyce, Poland
Grave ref:
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4 – Żagań Memorial , Żagań, Poland.
The Żagań Memorial commemorates the 50 Allied airmen who were executed by the Gestapo after their recapture following the Great Escape of the night of 23/24 March 1944 from, Stalag luft III Prisoner of War camp at Sagan [now Żagań]. Some 500 Allied PoW’s at that camp were involved in the construction of three tunnels – Tom, Dick and Harry – for a planned mass escape from the camp. Some 200 were selected to escape that night, but various difficulties, only 76 actually managed to escape before the Germans found out, of those 76, 3 managed to escape to neutral countries. Of the 73 who were captured, the Gestapo executed 50 as a reprisal, one of whom was Arnošt Valenta, a 311 Sqn radio operator. The Germans at Stalag Luft III allowed the PoW’s to build a memorial to those executed, and include the names of the 50.
Ivo Toner and Bedrich Dvorak were two other Czech RAF who escaped that night, but were fortunate to be amongst the 23 not selected for execution.
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5 – Legnica Memorial plaque , Legnica, Poland.
The Legnica Memorial plaque commemorates the 10 Allied airmen whose bodies were cremated at this crematorium after they were executed by the Gestapo after their re-capture following the Great Escape of 23/24 March 1944. One of these ten was Czechoslovak 311 Sqn radio operator Arnošt Valenta.
British: F/Lt Brian Ewans, F/Lt Charles Hall, F/Lt Edgar Humphrey, F/O Robert Stewart, F/Lt Cyril Swain, Canadians: F/Lt Henry Birkland, F/Lt Patrick Langford, F/Lt George McGill and Polish: F/O Włodzimierz Adam Kolanowski.
Our sincere thanks to our team, without whom, this project would not have been possible :
Vyjadřujeme upřímný dík každému z členů našeho týmu, bez jehož podpory by něco takového nebylo myslitelné. A také řadě dobrovolníků z různých míst Velké Británie, kteří nám v rámci projektu pomáhali :
Marcin Arbuz, Paul C. Aranha, Jonny Bay, Bart Beex, Benny Ceulaers, Benoit Colin, Dick Breedijk, Scott Dreveny, Harry Doesburg, Péter Fōldvári, Franciszek Grabowski, Thierry Grier, Alex de Groot, Jos de Groot, Wiesław Grudniak, Sylvie Hancil, Lenka Hlaváčová, Dietrich Jaedicke, Joss Leclercq, Marek Lazarz, Maj Drahoslav Malík, Jean-Michel Martin, Muzeum Sił Powietrznych w Dęblinie, Col Jiří Niedoba, Benoit Paquet, Col Petr Přebinda, Roel Rijks, Délia Silva, Jane Quarmby and Jacek Zagożdżon.
Meet some of the team / Seznamte se s některými členy týmu :
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If you would like to help support our project to remember the Czechoslovak men and women who served in the RAF during WW2, please consider making a donation to help. Donations can be made via the Donate button, in the right hand panel on our Home page here.
Pokud byste chtěli podpořit náš projekt připomenutí všech československých mužů a žen, kteří během 2. svět. války sloužili v řadách RAF, zvažte prosím takovou možnost dárcovské pomoci. Svůj dar můžete realizovat pomocí tlačítka “Donate”, v pravém panelu domovské stránky zde.
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Free Czechoslovak Air Force 