Michał Cwynar, the son of Jan and Maria, was born in 1915.

​

In 1933 he entered the Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer's School for minors in Bydgoszcz. After he completed his fighter pilot training in 1937, he was assigned to the Polish 114th Fighter Squadronwhere he flew PZL P.11. On 6 December 1938, he was posted to the Polish 113th Fighter Squadron.

​

On the first day of World War II Cwynar shot down a Ju 87. When the Russians invaded Poland on 17 September 1939, he crossed the border with Roumania. On 29 October 1939 he arrived in France via Beirut.

​

After a training on Caudron C.714 and MS-406 he took part in the Battle of France where he flew MS-406 and later Dewoitine D.520. When France fell ro the Germans, he flew to Algiers on 19 June 1940, and finally via Casablanca and Gibraltar he reached the UK on 17 July 1940.

​

Initially, Cwynar was sent to the 15 EFTS in Carlisle, then to the No 10 Bombing and Gunnery School in Dumries. On 15 April 1941 he was ordered to the No. 315 Polish Fighter Squadron. On 14 August 1941 he shot down a Bf 109, on 16 September another one. On 1 June 1942 he was promoted second lieutenant. On 3 February 1943 he scored a Fw 190 near Calais.

​

From 5 May 1943 he was an instructor with No. 58 Operation Training Unit in Balado Bridge. He returned to his squadron on 20 November 1943.

​

On 3 July 1945 he was given command of No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron, becoming one of only a handful of Polish fighter pilot who rose to such a post having started the war in 'other ranks'.

​

Michal Cwynar was demobilized in 1948, settled in Dumfries and founded his own company: "EMSEE Upholsterers & Coach Trimmers". He died on 26 May 2008.

​

Aerial victory credits:

• Ju 87 – 1 September 1939

• Bf 110 – 3 September 1939 (probably)

• Bf 109 – 14 August 1941

• Bf 109 – 16 September 1941

• Fw 190 – 3 February 1943

• Bf 109 – 30 July 1944

• 1/2 Bf 109 – 30 July 1944 (shared with 2nd Lt Gwidon Świstuń)

 

Awards:

• Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross

• Cross of Valour (Poland), four times

• Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)

• Silver Cross of Merit with Swords

​

​

Source: PAF Facebook post

​

​