349 (Belgian) Squadron

[Trevor 886]

I mentioned on another thread that my uncle worked for Supermarine. Here is another photo taken at Chilbolton. it is a hand over ceremony for a Mark XIV Spitfire for the Belgian Air Force. My uncle - Bill Tucker - is wearing the long overcoat. He had signed off the aircraft for flight. He mentioned that some of the Belgian officers could speak English as they had served in the RAF, but others could only speak French.

For those with copies of 2nd TAF Spitfire by Hugh Smallwood, turn to page 79 in the 349 Squadron chapter. Look at the two pilots sitting on the grass on the right hand side - F/Sgt Albert Van Hamme and F/O Van de Wale. Also Page 80 of Van Hamme. They are two of the officers in the Chilbolton picture.

Albert Van Hamme also flew ML407 operationally.

Has anyone else any interesting pictures which tie in with the history of ML407?



Trevor 886

[Jacek Mainka]

Hello from Poland,

I don't have 100% sure pictures of ML407 but ... a small story to tell:.

In Smallwood's book one can find a name of pilot pilot who once (Jan 22nd, 44) flew ML407 - Wacek Stanski. He was commander and then a friend of my grandfather for many years.

My grandfather, Ryszard Kwiatkowski, was born in 1914 - Warszawa, Poland. In 1939, he was an
engineer with 114 Fighter Squadron 1st Air Regiment in Warszawa. After end of September Campaign
he escaped via Romania, Hungary etc. ? to France. June 1940 he landed in UK and became a part of RAF
and - first - 303 Kosciuszko Squadron. In 1942, he was moved to 308 Sqd and he stayed with up to end
of WWII. He returned to Poland in 1947. He worked in brewery industry until retirement in 1989. He died
in 2002.

My grandfather photo album has a photo ? exactly the one published in Hugh Smallwood?s book ? with ?Rysiowi - the best engineer from 308 Sqd ? in memory; Feb 2nd, Brussells?. I am almost sure that
my grandfather was in charge for ML407 for Stanski flight Jan 22, 1945. I remember them talking about a ?their? Spitfire restoration back in 80's.

I am not sure if I can insert here some photos. I could send you some - from my grandfather "file".
I made one with a page of Hugh Smallwood's book ? front and reverse of the Wacek Stanski photo
with dedication for my grandfather.

Well, a bit of belive for me... It is just "MY big story" - when I realised that a Spitfire once my grandfather
was taking care of - is still flying fine...

All the Best,
Jacek Mainka

[James Wheeler]

If you want to post pictures up to accompany your story feel free to do so. Are they hosted on a website anywhere? If not you can email them directly to me and I will post them up for you.

Let me know how you want it done and I will get it sorted for you

[Trevor 886]

Jacek

That's a great story, thanks for sharing it with us. It's marvellous how a Spitfire can bring peole together from all around the world.

Trevor 886

[Jacek Mainka]

I can not attach - post photos here - config problem or (rather!) "operator of the controls" w/o proper training ...
Pls write me jacekmainka@yahoo.com - so I can send you email back w/photos.

[James Wheeler]

Here is on of the photos Jacek wanted to share:

My grandfather is helping a pilot... it just MIGHT be ML407.

I have been given permission to post the pictures