Poland (Republic): The Cross of Combat Action of the Polish Armed Forces in the West. 2nd type issue. With 'Bitwa O Anglie'

2nd issue medal, with larger plain ring suspension

Awarded to Polish aircrew veterans of the 'Battle of Britain' - the epic that was fought-out in the skies over Britain in 1940

In the Battle of Britain, first as part of, and then alongside the RAF, 4 Polish squadrons fought: 2 bomber squadrons (300 and 301); 2 fighter squadrons (302 and 303) and 81 Polish pilots flew in British squadrons.

In the Battle of Britain, Polish pilots serving in all RAF squadrons achieved a remarkable score of 203.5 enemy aircraft destroyed, 35 probables and 36 damaged
Such a feat could not be achieved without a price. Twenty-nine Polish pilots, including legendary pilots Ludwik Paszkiewicz and Josef Frantisek, lost their lives in combat against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain
Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, who once was so reluctant to allow Polish pilots into battle, summarised their contribution in probably the most telling way:
Quote,
'Had it not been for the magnificent work of the Polish squadrons and their unsurpassed gallantry, I hesitate to say that the outcome of battle would have been the same
Unquote.
The medal was established by the Act of May 17, 1989 as an expression of recognition, respect and memory for the armed action of soldiers, pilots and sailors of the Polish Armed Forces , on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the battles fought by them

The cross is the only Polish medal to be issued with battle clasps for wear on the riband. In total there were 15 x different clasps awarded

The cross was awarded to participants of combat operations conducted by the Polish Armed Forces during World War II in 1939–1945. The cross was awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland (until July 1989 - the Council of State ) at the request of the Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Main Board of ZBoWiD. The cross could be awarded to Polish citizens and citizens of other countries, also posthumously

On May 8, 1999, the awarding of the Cross became obsolete

Through to 1999, an estimated 18,033 awards were made, as under:

- 1989 – 41
- 1990 – 8,753
- 1991 – 2141
- 1992 – 1,700
- 1993 – 1018
- 1994 – 751
- 1995 – 1,583
- 1996 – 731
- 1997 – 264
- 1998 – 627
- 1999 – 424

Condition: About EF

Code: 24115