Bio / Text:
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Tadeusz Leon Kumiega was born on 16th October 1916 in Antoniow, west of Wroclaw. He joined the Polish Air Force and graduated from the Academy at Deblin in 1938. His subsequent service is currently undocumented until he reached England in late 1939 and was commissioned in the RAFVR in January 1940 at RAF Eastchurch.
He went to the Polish Wing at 3 School of Technical Training Blackpool on 1st June 1940 to await a posting.
From there Kumiega went to 15 EFTS Carlisle from 18th July to 1st August for testing and grading. He then went to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge, converted to Hurricanes and joined 17 Squadron at Tangmere on 1st September 1940.
Kumiega shared in destroying a Me109 on 29th October. He was posted to 317 Squadron at Acklington at its formation on 22nd February 1941.
He claimed a Me109 destroyed on 18th December, was awarded the KW (gazetted 5th May 1942), was posted to RAF Northolt on 6th July 1942 and received a Bar to the KW (gazetted 20th August 1942).
On 16th September 1942 Kumiega went as Liaison Officer to RAF Matlask. He was posted to HQ ADGB on 30th June 1944 for staff duties as an Acting Squadron Leader. On 21st August 1946 he went to RAF Coltishall, as a supernumerary for flying duties.
Postwar Kumiega stayed on in the RAF in the Secretarial Branch.
He retired on 1st June 1966 as a Flight Lieutenant and settled in Britain.
Kumiega died on 28th October 1995 and he is buried in Queensgate Cemetery, Beverley, Yorkshire.
Ref
Battle of Britain Monument
