Spitfire (No. 302 Squadron) Greeting Card

Original greetings cards of a Supermarine Spitfire MkIX, in the markings of No. 302 (Polish) 'City of Poznan' Squadron RAF, the first Polish Fighter Squadron to be made operational in Britain. Operating Hawker Hurricanes from 1940 until October 1941, 302 Squadron converted to Spitfires until the end of the Second World War, taking part in Operation Jubilee and daylight Bomber Escort for the USAAF. During Operation Overlord and the Battle of Normandy they became the first Polish Squadron to land in Normandy, based at the Advanced Landing Ground at B.10 Plumetot.

This particular Spitfire represents that of Michael Murayda. Born in Ohio USA, to Polish immigrant parents, he flew with 302 Squadron before joining the USAAF flying P47 Thunderbolts in the 56th Fighter Group from Boxted. 302 Squadron operated in Europe until returning to the U.K. until they were disbanded at RAF Hethel Norfolk in December 1946. Many of the Polish Pilots believed that once they got to Normandy they were heading home to Poland. This sadly was not to be. 

The markings of Murayda's Spitfire are temporarily being worn by the Suffolk Spitfire RW382, in partnership with the Polish Heritage Flight.

The illustration was produced in partnership with the Polish Heritage Flight, which honours the memory of the Polish pilots who served with the Royal Air Force in the Second World War. You can learn more about them and their mission here.

This historic illustration by artist Rob Wisdom is a high-quality greeting card.

Printed by high definition Jet Press on 400gsm silk stock. Designed and printed in England by a certified carbon balanced printer on paper from responsible sources.