Flight Lieutenant Michał Karol Maciejowski DFC, DFM
“He was involved in what he called an ‘embarrassing moment’ when he scrambled at 5am still in pyjamas”
Ihave long had huge admiration for the Polish servicemen who fought with Britain and its allies to try and regain their homeland during World War Two. Scores of these brave men served with the RAF having already learnt to fly with the Polish Air Force prior to their country being invaded by Nazi Germany in September 1939.
Few Poles serving in the RAF between 1939 and 1945 were more courageous or more skillful than Michał Maciejowski, diminutive in stature but a formidable opponent in the skies. Affectionately known as ‘Mickey Mouse’ by his British comrades, because they struggled to pronounce his surname, he was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross during a dazzling wartime career. Furthermore, I am delighted to say that I am the proud custodian of this wonderful man’s gallantry and service medals.
Michał Karol Maciejowski is believed to have been born in Poland in the town of Gródek Jagdowski on October 29, 1913.
After he finished his secondary education, his family moved to Poznań, where he entered St M…
