Spitfire Books
squadron 303 arkady fiedler signed
SQUADRON 303
SQUADRON 303

SQUADRON 303

The Polish Fighter Squadron with the RAF

Presentation to MRAF Sir Cyril Newall

    Sold

    Presentation copy to MRAF Sir Cyril Newall 

    This book has a presentation inscription in Polish on the front end paper.
    The gist of it is: ‘To their Excellencies Sir Cyril and Lady Newall, in memory
    of the part played by my countrymen in the Battle of Britain’
    Wellington 12/II/43
    Maria Wodzicka

    Countess Maria Wodzicka was the wife of the Polish Consul General to New Zealand, Count Kazimierz Wodzicki, during WWII.  Following his time as Chief of the Air Staff from 1937-1940, MRAF Sir Cyril Newall was appointed Governor General of New Zealand in 1941.  As this book was published in 1942, one can imagine a quantity being delivered hot off the press to the Polish embassy in Wellington and this copy being swiftly presented to a man who had played a crucial part in the Battle of Britain.

    Published by Peter Davis, First Edition, first print 1942.  116 pages and well illustrated with photographs.

    Fine condition hardback book in very clean blue boards with bright white titles.  The unclipped dustjacket is in Near Fine condition with a closed tear on the front panel and a couple of edge chips.  A super copy of the true first edition of this book which looks smart in its protective cover.

    This is the tale of Polish defiance. Of the dashing fury with which a few gallant exiled airmen charged into the midst of the enemy and turned 303 Squadron into the top scoring RAF unit of the Battle of Britain and created a legend.  Chapter 15 tells the story of ‘Witur’ aka Witold Urbanowicz.

    Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Cyril Louis Norton Newall, 1st Baron Newall, was a distinguished British military officer born in India in 1886. He began his career in the British Army, serving with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and later the 2nd Gurkha Rifles. In 1911, he transitioned to military aviation, gaining flying certificate number 144, and joined the Royal Flying Corps.

    During World War I, Newall rose through the ranks, eventually commanding the 41st Wing RFC, the main strategic bombing force. His post-war career saw him in various staff positions, culminating in his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff in 1937. In this role, he played a crucial part in expanding aircraft production and modernizing the RAF and supporting Dowding in refusing to transfer fighter squadrons to a collapsing France.  Newall’s tenure as Chief of the Air Staff ended in October 1940, but he continued to serve as Governor-General of New Zealand from 1941 to 1946. He passed away in 1963.  See his full biography here: Sir Cyril Newall

    A scarce Battle of Britain book in this condition with an outstanding association.