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The earliest crash in the Farnsfield area and the only one involving a Fairey Battle — a light bomber already obsolete by 1940. 300 Squadron was Poland's first bomber squadron in exile. Returning from bombing Calais harbour, fog rolled across Nottinghamshire. A German intruder kept RAF Swinderby blacked out so that homing bombers had to wait in the air until fuel was nearly exhausted. F/O Gebicki, an experienced 39-year-old pilot, attempted to land in darkness and the aircraft crashed at Watchwood Plantation, bursting into flames. The memorial cross, inscribed 'Perished for our and your freedom', was erected by coal miners building the railway to Calverton Colliery. In 2019, Gebicki's son, Professor Janusz Gebicki, flew from Australia to attend a memorial service.
Aircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
Fairey Battle Mk.I
Serial Number
L5499
Aircraft Code
BH-Y
Squadron
300 (Ziemi Mazowieckiej) Squadron (Polish)
Station
RAF Swinderby
Date of Loss
1940-10-13
Operation Type
Operational
Target
Calais harbour
Cause of Loss
Lost in fog and blackout conditions returning from France; German intruder kept Swinderby blacked out; forced landing in darkness
Crew (3 members)
Rank
Name
Role
Age
Nationality
Fate
Burial / Status
F/O
Jan Gebicki
Pilot
39
Polish
Killed
Wilford Hill Cemetery, NottinghamCWGC
Sgt
Edward Morawa
Observer
35
Polish
Killed
Wilford Hill Cemetery, NottinghamCWGC
Sgt
Tadeusz Egierski
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
22
Polish
Killed
Wilford Hill Cemetery, NottinghamCWGC
About the Crew
F/O Jan Gebicki(age 39)Pilot
F/O Gebicki was a 39-year-old experienced Polish pilot who had escaped occupied Poland to continue fighting with the RAF. His son later became a professor in Australia.
Memorial Details
Type
White stone pillar with steel cross — 'Perished for our and your freedom'
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