Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk corporal pilot, soldier of the Polish Air Forces in the West
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This is a moment to pause and reflect, to see how this story, even after so many years, continues to unfold. Every trace that is found and every detail brought back from oblivion restores his name and the path he walked, before he gave his life in the fight for our and your freedom.
Life and service
Life and service
Plut. pil. Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk was born on 22 November 1919 in Grzymaczew, Sieradz district, in central Poland.
Plut. pil. Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk was born on 22 November 1919 in Grzymaczew, Sieradz district, in central Poland.
In 1938 he graduated from the School for Air Force Non-Commissioned Officers for Minors, gaining qualifications as an aircraft mechanic. He then began his pilot training.
In 1938 he graduated from the School for Air Force Non-Commissioned Officers for Minors, gaining qualifications as an aircraft mechanic. He then began his pilot training.
After the outbreak of war in 1939, he was taken prisoner by the Soviets in the eastern territories and deported to Siberia, where he lived in harsh conditions.
After the outbreak of war in 1939, he was taken prisoner by the Soviets in the eastern territories and deported to Siberia, where he lived in harsh conditions.
After his release, following the agreement after Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union in 1941, he left the USSR with Anders’ Army and travelled through Iran to the Middle East. Due to the urgent need for trained pilots, he was sent to Great Britain.
After his release, following the agreement after Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union in 1941, he left the USSR with Anders’ Army and travelled through Iran to the Middle East. Due to the urgent need for trained pilots, he was sent to Great Britain.
He arrived in England on 2 February, where he continued his flight training. In March he was assigned to the 61 Operational Training Unit and later to the 3 Tactical Exercise Unit.
He arrived in England on 2 February, where he continued his flight training. In March he was assigned to the 61 Operational Training Unit and later to the 3 Tactical Exercise Unit.
After completing his training, he became a pilot in the Polish 306th Fighter Squadron “Toruń”, where he took part in combat operations, including fighting German V1 flying bombs.
After completing his training, he became a pilot in the Polish 306th Fighter Squadron “Toruń”, where he took part in combat operations, including fighting German V1 flying bombs.
Service in Great Britain
Service in Great Britain
Last flight
Last flight
On 27 September 1944, he took off from RAF Brenzett as one of nine pilots escorting Halifax bombers heading towards Sterkrade in Germany, as part of operation “Ramrod 1297”. He flew a North American Mustang MK III, serial number FZ196, code UZ-D. During the flight he reported engine problems and turned back towards base. Shortly afterwards, he disappeared.
On 27 September 1944, he took off from RAF Brenzett as one of nine pilots escorting Halifax bombers heading towards Sterkrade in Germany, as part of operation “Ramrod 1297”. He flew a North American Mustang MK III, serial number FZ196, code UZ-D. During the flight he reported engine problems and turned back towards base. Shortly afterwards, he disappeared.
After his disappearance, a military commission was appointed to determine his fate. For many years it was believed that he had crashed into the sea.
After his disappearance, a military commission was appointed to determine his fate. For many years it was believed that he had crashed into the sea.
Crash and witness
Crash and witness
Only years later was it established that his aircraft had crashed near Veghel, during Operation Market Garden. At that time, the area around Veghel was part of the so-called corridor, the Allied supply route towards Arnhem. It was a region of intense fighting and constant fire.
Only years later was it established that his aircraft had crashed near Veghel, during Operation Market Garden. At that time, the area around Veghel was part of the so-called corridor, the Allied supply route towards Arnhem. It was a region of intense fighting and constant fire.
The crash was witnessed by farmer Van de Crommert. Despite the danger, he decided to go to the crash site. The pilot lay dead beside the wreckage of his aircraft. Together with his son and a relative, he buried the fallen Polish pilot in a makeshift grave, wrapped in cloth.
The crash was witnessed by farmer Van de Crommert. Despite the danger, he decided to go to the crash site. The pilot lay dead beside the wreckage of his aircraft. Together with his son and a relative, he buried the fallen Polish pilot in a makeshift grave, wrapped in cloth.
At that time, Allied soldiers were staying in his house and could not leave without risking immediate gunfire.
At that time, Allied soldiers were staying in his house and could not leave without risking immediate gunfire.
Despite this, he arranged the burial, preventing the fallen pilot from being desecrated or looted.
Despite this, he arranged the burial, preventing the fallen pilot from being desecrated or looted.
He collected and recorded the details of the fallen pilot and passed them on to the local butcher, G. van Beljouw, who then forwarded them to the municipal office, where they were officially registered.
He collected and recorded the details of the fallen pilot and passed them on to the local butcher, G. van Beljouw, who then forwarded them to the municipal office, where they were officially registered.
The report was recorded on 2 October 1944 by the civil registrar in Veghel. However, due to an error, the name was written as “T. Kozonski”. Years later, during research conducted by Jan van Boxtel and Jan Hey, this issue was revisited. It was established that the name belonged to a soldier who had been taken prisoner, which meant it could not refer to the pilot who had died near Veghel.
The report was recorded on 2 October 1944 by the civil registrar in Veghel. However, due to an error, the name was written as “T. Kozonski”. Years later, during research conducted by Jan van Boxtel and Jan Hey, this issue was revisited. It was established that the name belonged to a soldier who had been taken prisoner, which meant it could not refer to the pilot who had died near Veghel.
Unknown identity and its restoration
Unknown identity and its restoration
On 3 july 1946, the pilot’s body was transferred to the Lambertus cemetery in Veghel. The reburial was carried out by the British Army Graves Concentration Unit, which prepared an official archival report.
On 3 july 1946, the pilot’s body was transferred to the Lambertus cemetery in Veghel. The reburial was carried out by the British Army Graves Concentration Unit, which prepared an official archival report.
For over 70 years he rested there as an unknown soldier. The original gravestone bore the inscription: “An airman of the 1939–1945 war. Polish Forces. Known unto God.”
For over 70 years he rested there as an unknown soldier. The original gravestone bore the inscription: “An airman of the 1939–1945 war. Polish Forces. Known unto God.”
Thanks to many years of effort by Jan van Boxtel and Jan Hey, in cooperation with the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom in Warsaw, his true identity was finally established.
Thanks to many years of effort by Jan van Boxtel and Jan Hey, in cooperation with the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom in Warsaw, his true identity was finally established.
On 14 September 2014, a ceremony was held to restore his name.
On 14 September 2014, a ceremony was held to restore his name.
Resting place
Resting place
Restoration of identity
Restoration of identity
Search for the crash site
Search for the crash site
For many years, the exact crash site remained uncertain. Various locations were suggested, but none could be confirmed.
For many years, the exact crash site remained uncertain. Various locations were suggested, but none could be confirmed.
In September 2024, the search was resumed and information began to be gathered again.
In September 2024, the search was resumed and information began to be gathered again.
Numerous letters were sent to institutions in Poland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Interviews were conducted with witnesses and their families, including the family of Van de Crommert, and archival materials were analysed. Thanks to information provided, among others, by Marcel Hermens, the most probable location was identified.
Numerous letters were sent to institutions in Poland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Interviews were conducted with witnesses and their families, including the family of Van de Crommert, and archival materials were analysed. Thanks to information provided, among others, by Marcel Hermens, the most probable location was identified.
On 18 October 2025, with the participation of the search group Kryptonim T4, field investigations were carried out. During the work, a fragment of the aircraft and a .50 calibre bullet were found, confirming the crash site.
On 18 October 2025, with the participation of the search group Kryptonim T4, field investigations were carried out. During the work, a fragment of the aircraft and a .50 calibre bullet were found, confirming the crash site.
Two stories in one place
Two stories in one place
For years, the Van de Crommert family kept a propeller believed to be from Kołoszczyk’s aircraft. Later it was established that it actually came from a Halifax bomber, in whose crash a four-man British crew was killed. In this way, one story revealed another.
For years, the Van de Crommert family kept a propeller believed to be from Kołoszczyk’s aircraft. Later it was established that it actually came from a Halifax bomber, in whose crash a four-man British crew was killed. In this way, one story revealed another.
Today, Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk rests at the Lambertus cemetery in Veghel. On both sides of his grave are two other graves. One belongs to the British soldier Allen Middleton, who was killed on 30 September 1944 at the age of 20. The other is the grave of an unknown soldier from the years 1939–1945.
Today, Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk rests at the Lambertus cemetery in Veghel. On both sides of his grave are two other graves. One belongs to the British soldier Allen Middleton, who was killed on 30 September 1944 at the age of 20. The other is the grave of an unknown soldier from the years 1939–1945.
Three graves stand side by side. A Pole, a British soldier, and an unknown soldier. United by place, time, and the same sacrifice.
Three graves stand side by side. A Pole, a British soldier, and an unknown soldier. United by place, time, and the same sacrifice.
A memorial plaque is being prepared at the site where Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk lost his life. It is dedicated to his memory and to all those who gave their lives for our freedom and yours.
A memorial plaque is being prepared at the site where Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk lost his life. It is dedicated to his memory and to all those who gave their lives for our freedom and yours.
Memorial site
Memorial site
The discovery of the crash site made it possible, after more than eighty years, to permanently commemorate the place where Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk’s final flight ended on 27 September 1944.
The discovery of the crash site made it possible, after more than eighty years, to permanently commemorate the place where Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk’s final flight ended on 27 September 1944.
A memorial plaque was created in memory of Tadeusz and all those who fell for our freedom and yours. It stands at the place where he lost his life, so that his story will not be forgotten and the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom can be passed on to future generations.
A memorial plaque was created in memory of Tadeusz and all those who fell for our freedom and yours. It stands at the place where he lost his life, so that his story will not be forgotten and the memory of those who gave their lives for freedom can be passed on to future generations.
In the following months, preparations began to create the memorial site.
The area was prepared and the memorial plaque was installed.
In the following months, preparations began to create the memorial site.
The area was prepared and the memorial plaque was installed.
Ceremonial unveiling of the memorial plaque
Ceremonial unveiling of the memorial plaque
On 13 September 2026, a ceremony was held in Veghel to unveil the memorial plaque dedicated to Cpl. Pilot Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk and all those who fell.
On 13 September 2026, a ceremony was held in Veghel to unveil the memorial plaque dedicated to Cpl. Pilot Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk and all those who fell.
Earlier that day, before the unveiling ceremony, the annual Holy Mass for the fallen was celebrated at St Lambertus Church in Veghel as part of the commemoration of the liberation of Veghel. This year, Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk was also remembered in prayer. His family and others who had come to Veghel for the memorial ceremony attended the Mass.
Earlier that day, before the unveiling ceremony, the annual Holy Mass for the fallen was celebrated at St Lambertus Church in Veghel as part of the commemoration of the liberation of Veghel. This year, Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk was also remembered in prayer. His family and others who had come to Veghel for the memorial ceremony attended the Mass.
At Tadeusz's grave
After the Holy Mass, Tadeusz’s family, together with those accompanying them, went to the Lambertus Cemetery. They lit candles on Tadeusz’s grave and on the graves of the two soldiers resting beside him.
At Tadeusz's grave
After the Holy Mass, Tadeusz’s family, together with those accompanying them, went to the Lambertus Cemetery. They lit candles on Tadeusz’s grave and on the graves of the two soldiers resting beside him.
At the memorial plaque
In the afternoon, participants gathered at the memorial plaque. Poles, Dutch, Americans and French, representing different generations, came together in remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom.
At the memorial plaque
In the afternoon, participants gathered at the memorial plaque. Poles, Dutch, Americans and French, representing different generations, came together in remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom.
The family of Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk, the Van de Crommert family and the family of Jan van Boxtel were present. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Municipality of Meierijstad, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, the Polish Armed Forces and the United States Army, representatives from France, clergy, veterans, historical organisations and groups, and local residents.
The family of Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk, the Van de Crommert family and the family of Jan van Boxtel were present. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Municipality of Meierijstad, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, the Polish Armed Forces and the United States Army, representatives from France, clergy, veterans, historical organisations and groups, and local residents.
Video by: Radosław Kozdój (Radelli Fotography)
After welcoming those gathered and recalling the purpose of the ceremony, the national anthems of Poland and the Netherlands were played. This was followed by the military signal “Śpij, kolego”, after which the fallen were honoured with a minute of silence.
After welcoming those gathered and recalling the purpose of the ceremony, the national anthems of Poland and the Netherlands were played. This was followed by the military signal “Śpij, kolego”, after which the fallen were honoured with a minute of silence.
The story of Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk’s life and final flight was then recalled. Speeches were given by the Mayor of Meierijstad, Kees van Rooij, and Capt. Piotr Langiewicz, representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.
The story of Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk’s life and final flight was then recalled. Speeches were given by the Mayor of Meierijstad, Kees van Rooij, and Capt. Piotr Langiewicz, representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.
The memorial plaque was ceremonially unveiled by Jadwiga Kołoszczyk-Solarczyk, Tadeusz’s niece, Arie van de Crommert, representing the family of the witness to the crash, Mayor Kees van Rooij and Capt. Piotr Langiewicz.
The memorial plaque was ceremonially unveiled by Jadwiga Kołoszczyk-Solarczyk, Tadeusz’s niece, Arie van de Crommert, representing the family of the witness to the crash, Mayor Kees van Rooij and Capt. Piotr Langiewicz.
The memorial site was then blessed by Canon Ryszard Krakowski and Pastor Bas Leijtens. In front of the unveiled plaque, families, delegations and representatives of the participating institutions laid flowers.
The memorial site was then blessed by Canon Ryszard Krakowski and Pastor Bas Leijtens. In front of the unveiled plaque, families, delegations and representatives of the participating institutions laid flowers.
After the official part of the ceremony, those present gathered for refreshments. It was a time for conversations and encounters between families and people whom Tadeusz’s story had brought together after so many years.
After the official part of the ceremony, those present gathered for refreshments. It was a time for conversations and encounters between families and people whom Tadeusz’s story had brought together after so many years.
Członkowie grupy rekonstrukcyjnej GRH Breda 1944, która uczestniczyła w uroczystości w Veghel.
Video by: Arkadiusz Krasicki
Memory that lives on
Memory that lives on
Tadeusz’s story is the story of one man, but it carries within it the memory of an entire generation. Of those who fell and those who survived. Of people who experienced war, fear, suffering and loss, yet were still able to preserve their humanity and remain faithful to the values in which they believed. Their lives show not only how much a person can lose, but also how much they can preserve within themselves.
Tadeusz’s story is the story of one man, but it carries within it the memory of an entire generation. Of those who fell and those who survived. Of people who experienced war, fear, suffering and loss, yet were still able to preserve their humanity and remain faithful to the values in which they believed. Their lives show not only how much a person can lose, but also how much they can preserve within themselves.
Remembering them is more than simply looking back at the past. It is part of our identity and helps us understand who we are, where we come from and which values we want to carry forward. History cannot change what has already happened, but it can influence how we build the future. It teaches us that freedom and peace. can never be taken for granted, and that every generation bears responsibility for what it passes on to the next.
Remembering them is more than simply looking back at the past. It is part of our identity and helps us understand who we are, where we come from and which values we want to carry forward. History cannot change what has already happened, but it can influence how we build the future. It teaches us that freedom and peace. can never be taken for granted, and that every generation bears responsibility for what it passes on to the next.
Memory is a bridge between the past and the future. As long as we continue to tell their stories, restore forgotten names and pass on the values to which they remained faithful, that bridge will not be broken.
Memory is a bridge between the past and the future. As long as we continue to tell their stories, restore forgotten names and pass on the values to which they remained faithful, that bridge will not be broken.
Every remembrance can become a spark that carries memory forward. From person to person, from generation to generation.
Every remembrance can become a spark that carries memory forward. From person to person, from generation to generation.
LET THIS SPARK IGNITE A FLAME,
AND LET THE FLAME CARRY IT FORWARD,
SO THAT THE MEMORY NEVER FADES
AND LIVES ON IN THE HEARTS OF GENERATIONS TO COME.
Location of the memorial site
Location of the memorial site
Location of the grave (Lambertus cementery in Veghel)
Location of the grave (Lambertus cementery in Veghel)
Sources and additional information
Sources and additional information
Sources: Archival materials, private collections, historical publications, testimonies from the family of the crash witness, materials and information provided by Marcel Hermens, and selected publicly available sources.
Jan Hey (Hengelo), Jos van Alphen, Tadeusz KOŁOSZCZYK kreeg na 70 jaar zijn naam terug, Dorst, August 2014.
Sometimes you have to trust your heart and keep going to discover what has been waiting for years to be found.
Zofia D. Wośko – compilation and production based on archival materials, testimonies and independent research. Technical support: Kamil Mazur. All rights reserved.
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