ZUMBACH JAN: (1915-1986) Polish WWII flying Ace, a squadron Commander during WWII 1942-43. ...

ZUMBACH JAN: (1915-1986) Polish WWII flying Ace, a squadron Commander during WWII 1942-43. After the war, Zumbach became a mercenary in Africa. Rare D.S., `J.Zumbach´, one page, 4to, France, 2nd of July 1941. The typed document, classified to the heading ''SECRET'', and bearing the typed title ''Personal Combat Report - F/O Zumbach (Polish)'', is a report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by Zumbach following his action with the 303 Polish Squadron, at Lille - Mid Channel, France, stating `Attacks by Me. 109´s began just before we reached Lille and were kept up until we were over the Channel on the way back. The E/A attacked in small formations of up to four aircraft from above, and seeing two diving towards the bombers I got on to their tails and from 150 yds. with cannons and m/ g´s sent one down with flames coming from it. I gave a very short burst at three further Me. 109´s which flashed across but saw no results, and then from 150 yds. made a quarter attack on another, with my machine guns only, which cork-screwed down a long way until it was out of sight. A parachute was seen floating down near the downward course of the E/A. I fired 24 rounds from each of two cannons and 160 rounds from each of m/g´s.´ One file hole to the upper corner not affecting the text or signature. G to VG

Zumbach did not fly during the German invasion of Poland due to a broken leg from a flying accident during the summer of 1939. On June 1940, he travelled to England by boat and was posted as one of the founding members of the newly formed 303 Polish Fighter Squadron. During the Battle of Britain, Zumbach scored eight victories. Zumbach became one of the first Allied pilots to engage in combat with a German Focke-Wulf. Zumbach was shot down twice but was able on both occasions to bail out unharmed. He spent the last month of the war as a prisoner of war.