Bio / Text:
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Kazimierz Wunsche was born on 5th June 1919 in Jaroslaw, Poland. He joined the Polish Air Force at Bydgoszcz in 1936 and graduated from Krosno in 1939 as a fighter pilot. In September 1939 he was serving with 111 Fighter Squadron and on the 8th he shared in the destruction of a Hs126.
When Poland fell Wunsche escaped to France, via Romania, arriving there on 11th November 1939. He joined l'Armee de l'Air and was sent to the Polish depot at Lyon-Bron to convert to the Bloch MB152. He was then posted to Groupe de Chasse II/8 at Villacoublay.
After the French collapse Wunsche made his way to La Rochelle, where on 19th June he boarded the Alderpool, arriving in Plymouth on 22nd June.
He was enlisted in the RAFVR at RAF Eastchurch and from 1st June 1940 he was with the Polish Wing at 3 School of Technical Training Blackpool to await a posting.
On 2nd August 1940 Wunsche joined 303 Squadron at its formation at Northolt. He claimed Me109's destroyed on 31st August and 5th September and destroyed a Me109 and probably another on the 6th.
Wunsche was shot down on 9th September by Me109's in combat over Beachy Head, he baled out with slight burns and after landing near Devil's Dyke was admitted to Hove Hospital. His Hurricane, P3700, crashed and burned out at Saddlescombe Farm, Newtimber Hill*
He did not rejoin 303 until 23rd October.
Wunsche was awarded the VM (5th Class)(gazetted 23rd December 1940), destroyed a Me109 on 23rd June 1941 and received the KW (gazetted 10th September 1941). He shared in the destruction of a Ju88 on 3rd July 1942, was awarded a Bar to the KW (gazetted 20th August 1942) and was posted away to 58 OTU Grangemouth on 6th September as an instructor.
Wunsche was awarded the DFM (gazetted 15th November 1942) and he was commissioned in December 1942.
He rejoined 303 Squadron, then at Debden, on 17th March 1943. He left the squadron on 1st October for duties at the Polish Air Force Depot Blackpool and was awarded a second Bar to the KW (gazetted 20th October 1943).
On 18th April 1944 Wunsche joined 315 Squadron at Coolham. He became a Flight Commander on 6th December, was awarded a third Bar to the KW (gazetted 30th December 1944) and remained with the squadron until 24th August 1945, being then posted to RAF Coltishall on staff duties.
He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 26th May 1945).
Wunsche was released from the Polish Air Force in December 1946 as a Flight lieutenant. He was repatriated to Poland in 1947 and was accepted for service in the Polish Air Force as an instructor. He was discharged in 1952 by the communist regime.
After 1957 he joined the Air Medical Service and also flew air/sea rescue operations, for which he later received a decoration.
Wunsche died in Warsaw on 10th July 1980 aged 61
He is buried at Powązki Military Cemetery - B 39 Row: 9 Tomb: 6.
Married Irena Wunsche. They divorced. Both dates unknown.
Ref
Battle of Britain Monument
