Marian Bełc was born in Paplin (NE of Warsaw) Poland on 27 January 1914.  He graduated from the Polish Air Force NCO School for Minors as a pilot at. On 2 November 1934 he was assigned to the 143rd Fighter Squadron in Torun.

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In autumn 1937 he was transferred to the Polish 152nd Fighter Escadrille in Wilno.

During the invasion of Poland Belc shot down his first plane, a Bf 109, on 3 September 1939.

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After the Soviet invasion of Poland, he was evacuated to France via Romania. He served in the Groupe de Chasse et de Défense I/55 under the command of Zdzisław Krasnodebski. Two other Polish aces: Jan Zumbach and Stanisław Karubin served in the same unit.

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After the fall of France Belc escaped to England, arriving there on 22nd June 1940, and was enlisted into the RAFVR. He went to the Polish Wing at 3 School of Technical Training at Blackpool to await a posting.

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 All pilots of the Krasnodebski section were posted to the No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. During the Battle of Britain Belc downed 6 German planes.

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On 15 April 1941 married Audrey Stephenson, their son Marian Edward was born on 27 October 1941.

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In 1942 Belc became an instructor in No. 58 Operational Training Unit. He was promoted to the officer’s rank in June 1942.

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On 27 August 1942, Bełl was at Baladown, Gloucestershire on No. 3 Instructors Course when he was detailed to fly dual with another instructor, F/Lt. MH Holder, in a Master W8664. They made too low an approach and the aircraft crashed, both men being killed. Marian was 28 years old.

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Marian Belc was laid to rest at Northwood Cemetery in Grave 267, Section H.

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Awards

• Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross

• Cross of Valour, three times

• Distinguished Flying Cross

• Air Force medal

• Defence medal