A POLISH community leader has described how his people stood shoulder to shoulder with the British to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings - just as they did during the war.

Polish people stood together with British neighbours, friends and veterans at Worcester Cathedral to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings at a poignant service last Sunday.

Tomasz Wisniewski, founder and sitting president of the Worcestershire Polish Association, said: “Just as during the war, we found ourselves standing together again side by side with our British friends.

“During the address, we were reminded of some key events of the Second World War when Polish airmen, soldiers and sailors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the western Allies, fighting bravely on all fronts and in all major battles – not least the Battle of Britain, in which Polish pilots played a significant part.

“In addition, Polish Navy ships and Air Force planes supported the D-Day landings.”

Polish Air Force Squadrons at D-Day included 302 Squadron, 308 Squadron and 317 Squadron which were part of the 131 Polish Fighter Wing that took part in the invasion alongside the entire 133 Polish Fighter Wing with 306 and 315 Squadrons.

In addition, 303 Squadron also participated, performing tasks over the landing area to support of the invasion.

As part of the 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force)-305 Bomber Squadron, 304 Coastal Defence Squadron and 300 Bomber Squadron also took part in the operation.

Other members of the Polish Air Force took part indirectly in support roles such as the 316th Fighter Squadron. Polish pilots assigned to RAF Squadrons also flew during the landing. The Polish Navy participated in 665 battles during WWII and escorted 787 Allied convoys.

As part of Operation Fortitude, Polish intelligence officer Roman Czerniawaski who was known by various aliases (Brutus, Armand or Walenty) misled German intelligence by sending false messages to Hitler’s army telling them the Allied invasion would be at Pas de Calais, not Normandy.

Mr Wisniewski said: “There were many brave Polish soldiers who took part in D-Day in various guises and contributed to the success of the operation. Together, we acknowledged the many Polish servicemen and women who gave their lives for freedom in the war against Hitler. We remembered them with gratitude in our hearts. May our nations long-standing friendship continue.”

British and Commonwealth soldiers landed at Juno Gold and Sword. American soldiers were sent to Omaha and to Utah.

Some 5,300 ships and craft, 1,500 tanks, 12,000 planes, and 150,000 men took part in D-Day. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Mr Wisniewski thanked the Royal British Legion and the many people who made the event happen. The service was sung by the Cathedral Choir, conducted by acting assistant director of music, Richard Cook.