Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sierzant

Unit:

No. 300 (Masovian) Squadron, Royal Air Force

"On 27th August 1942, this Airman was pilot of an aircraft which was attacked and severely damaged by an enemy fighter, while returning from an attack on Hamburg.

All members of the crew except the pilot were wounded and when the aircraft made a forced descent on german territory, they where captured by a party of soldiers. Sergeant Bakalarski was separated from his companians and transferred to a Prisoner's Camp, here he was closely questioned, but refused all information beyond his Name, Number, Rank and Date of Birth.

He was then sent to another camp, where he remained for one month, before making his first attempt at escape. On this occasion, he and a Canadian soldier were recaptured after 3 days at a point near the Polish frontier.

On being returned to the camp, Sergeant Bakalarski was sentenced to two weeks in the cells and later was one of those who were chained as a "Reprisal" measure.

This punishment lasted 4 months in all and ended in March 1943, when he was transferred to another part of the camp.

Finding that, here no chance of escape was available, he volunteered for work in a Coal Mine and from it he in company with Sergeant Raginis, made his second attempt assisted by a Polish Civilian.

This man was unfortunately killed during the escape, but Sergeant Bakalarski succeeded in boarding a train, only to be rounded up later as a Polish Patriot. He was so brutally treated however, that he disclosed his Identity and was sent back to the Camp, where he was sentenced to two months imprisonment.

On being taken from the Prison he again escaped and after several incidents made his way to Cracow, where he was rejoined by Sergeant Raginis.

They were able to proceed to Germany in the guise of volunteer workers, from there they travelled into France making for the Spanish Frontier. They arrived at Luneville on 15th September 1943 and later in company with some others, they set out to cross the Pyrenees on foot, snow was falling and was more than knee deep in the mountains.

One of the party became very ill and Sergeant Raginis and the guide went ahead to find help, thus becoming separated from Sergeant Bakalarski who continued his exhausting journey with only one companion. The weather continued to be most severe and his passage through the mountains occupied two days and a night.

Andorra was reached on 27th October 1943 and from here touch was made with an organisation which arranged the subsequent journey to England."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

No. 300 (Masovian) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

No. 300 (Masovian) Squadron, Royal Air Force

With swords

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

No. 300 (Masovian) Squadron, Royal Air Force