Exhibition and flag raising ceremony to remember the heroes of 307 Squadron

Published: 15 November 2021

The Polish flag was flown above Exeter’s historic Guildhall on Monday in honour the Polish 307 Squadron and the part it played in defending the city during World War Two.

A free exhibition was also held at the Guildhall between 10am and 4pm.

For Your Freedom & Ours, organised by 307 Squadron Project with support from the City Council and the Polish Embassy, remembers 307 Squadron, which was based at Exeter Airport during the War.

The squadron defended the South West during the conflict and helped prevent Exeter from being totally destroyed during the blitz on the city in 1942.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Polish squadron arriving in Exeter.

The exhibition included the story of the Polish 307 Squadron and the history of Exeter Airport where 307 Squadron were based between 1941 and 1943.

The Polish flag was raised over the Guildhall at 10am on Monday by the past Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Peter Holland. The Defence Attaché and Vice Consul from the Polish Embassy in London attended, together with Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk and Chief Executive Karime Hassan.

At 2pm a wreath was laid at the 307 Squadron memorial in Exeter Cathedral.

307 Squadron Project is a British-Polish registered charity established to promote the role and carry out further research on the squadron that were known as the ‘Lwow Eagle Owls’.