Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2019.1.83 |
Object Name |
|
Title |
Dead Calm |
Artist |
Gorka, Piotr |
Description |
Framed aviation print entitled "Dead Calm" depicting four Mosquito Mk.VIs bombers of the 307 Squadron Polish Air Force flying through the dawn sky. The bombers are painted in green and grey camouflage colours with bullseye signs on each wing (representing the Royal Air Force symbol) and a red and white chequered square (symbolising the Polish Air Force) in the front of the plane. The frame is mounted on a green mat enclosed in a silver frame. Positioned below the print, on the left side, is the 307 Polish Squadron sign, while on the right is a badge that reads "Poland." Below the print, there is explanatory text detailing the event. |
Provenance |
This print was created by Polish artist Piotr Gorka. It depicts the summer of 1943 when four Mosquito MkVI aircraft of B Flight, 307 Lwow Eagle Owls, were on a routine training flight. The squadron was originally formed as a night fighter unit in the summer of 1940. However, on August 7th, 1943, it was transferred to Coastal Command for day combat operations. Along with another Polish squadron, The 304 Slask Bomber Squadron, it distinguished itself in operations in the Bay of Biscay and during the decisive days of the Battle of the Atlantic. |
Additional History |
The No. 307 (City of Lwów) Polish Night Fighter Squadron was formed in Great Britain on August 24th, 1940, following an agreement between the Polish Government in Exile and the United Kingdom. It was the only Polish night fighter squadron to fight alongside the Royal Air Force during World War II. Named after the Polish city of Lwów, it was nicknamed the "Eagle Owls". The squadron was primarily based in the City of Exeter, England, sharing the motto "Semper Fidelis" (Latin for "Ever Faithful") with its namesake city of Lwów in Poland. On August 7th, 1943, the squadron was transferred to Coastal Command for day combat operations. Alongside the No. 304 Slask Bomber Squadron, it distinguished itself in operations in the Bay of Biscay and during the decisive days of the Battle of the Atlantic. The squadron remained active in various operations against German night fighters until 1945 and was disbanded on January 2nd, 1947. |
People |
Gorka, Piotr |
Search Terms |
No. 307 Polish Bomber Squadron Polish Air Force Royal Air Force Mosquito |
References |
Dead Calm, February 22, 2015. https://www.aviationart.pl/links/45.html. |