Polish 307 Squadron remembered at poignant ceremony

November 15, 2022 - Members of the Polish ‘307’ Nightfighter Squadron which defended Exeter during the Second World War were honoured with a plaque in Exeter Cathedral as the city marked the 75th anniversary of the Exeter Blitz.

The events were part of ‘307 Squadron Day’, recalling the same date in 1942 when the squadron presented the city of Exeter with the Polish flag as a sign of international cooperation. 

Ambassador Rzegocki unveiled a plaque in the Cathedral’s St James Chapel, rebuilt after wartime damage destroyed the original, medieval structure. He then attended a special service of Choral Evensong led by the Cathedral Choir.

Canon Dr Mike Williams, Acting Dean of Exeter, paid tribute to the 307 Squadron and the sacrifices they made, describing the plaque as “a permanent memorial and reminder of the bravery of the few in the defence of the many.”

The Squadron was responsible for patrolling and protecting most of the South West region. The Squadron was named after the Polish city of Lwow and was nicknamed ‘Eagle Owls’ because it was a night fighter squadron.