WLADEK GNYS ~ first ‘kill’ of WWII

JUNE & JULY ~ *SIGNATURE OF THE MONTH*

There are some aviation signatures that are very sought after by collectors
from all over the world, from pioneer pilots and designers to aces and astronauts. 

Therefore, each calendar month, Spitfire Books is offering an interesting signature for sale
and invites collectors to submit a ‘best offer’ during the month by email or telephone

Card signed in blue ink by

Squadron Leader Wladek Gnys
302 Polish Squadron

As the German army crossed the border into Poland in September 1939 precipitating WWII, Gnys was a fighter pilot flying antiquated PZL aircraft against the modern might of the Luftwaffe.  Gnys is credited with the first ‘kill’ of WWII.  After the collapse of Poland he escaped first to France, flying with the Armée de l’Air and then to England where he joined the RAF in time for the Battle of Britain. Posted to 302 Squadron, he later rose to command 317 Squadron until he was shot down over France after D-Day. He escaped yet again and returned to England. After the war he married an English girl and emigrated to Canada.

Gnys’s autobiography entitled ‘First Kill’, was published by William Kimber in 1987.  A new biography of him was written by his son Stefan and published in 2017 under the title ‘First Kills’.

 The card measures  5 x 3 inches and is in Fine condition