The year 2020 is not only the 80th anniversary year of The Battle of Britain, but also the 80th anniversary of the formation of 310th, 311th and 312th (Czechoslovak) squadrons within the RAF.  Simultaneously, we commemorate also the 75th anniversary of the return of the Czechoslovak men and women who had served in the RAF during WW2. Therefore, the British organization "Historic Aircraft Collection" presented to the public an aircraft with denominations of the most successful Czechoslovak fighter pilot, Josef František, who flew with the Polish 303rd Fighter Squadron.

Prior to the start of the program, Ambassador Sečka met with Mr. Tom Doležal from the Free Czechoslovak Air Force, which takes care of the legacy of Czechoslovak pilots in the United Kingdom. Together they discussed today's legacy of Josef František and other lesser-known Czechoslovak men and women who died in battle, in the background or in training during the Second World War in Britain, but with the common goal of defeating Hitler's Germany.

A very pleasant surprise was also the meeting with the Czech Markéta Výletová, who works as a volunteer at the airport in Duxford and whose hobby is aviation and caring for historic aircraft. Among other things, Markéta takes care of the linden tree, which was planted as a reminder of Czechoslovak pilots who lost their lives at the airport in Duxford during the Second World War. The ambassadors and representatives of the single Ministries of Defence of the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic laid flowers together at a nearby memorial plaque.

The photo gallery from event is available on the Facebook profile of our Embassy.