Albin Rydzewski’s Service Record
Born on January 20th, 1912 in Chodorowka Nowa (North Eastern Poland)
Attended public schools in Suchowla. Transferred in 1932 to the Gymnasium St. Kazimierz in Nowa Wilejka (outside Wilno-today it is called Vilnius, Lithuania). There, in 1933, Albin received his first military training under the supervision of the 85th Pulk Piechoty (85th Infantry). Albin graduated from Gymnasium in 1935.
April 3rd, 1937 – August 5th, 1938
Drafted (mandatory) into the 85th Pulk Piechoty (85th Infantry)
September 1st, 1939
Mobilized to defend the city of Lwow
September 21st, 1939
Defeated by the German Army and disarmed by the Russian Army
September 22nd, 1939
Captured by the Russian Army as he was walking back home
September 23rd, 1939 – July 17th, 1941
Taken to various Labor Camps operated by the USSR: Zaporoze, Siewzeldorlog-Komi, building railways in the Siberian Tundra
July 17th, 1941
Was freed under the Polish-Soviet Amnesty Agreement
July 18th, 1941 – August 14th, 1942
Joined General Ander’s Army and was posted to the newly formed 14th Regiment, 5th Division in Tatiszczewo. While there, he was posted to the Signal Corp to undergo Wireless Operator training
August 15th, 1942 – January 1st, 1943
Crossed the Soviet-Iranian border and thereby fell under British Command
March 31st, 1943
Arrived in Blackpool, England thru fast track Basra, Bombay, South Africa, Liverpool
April 11th, 1943
Posted to Deputy Inspectorate General to PAF-RAF Station, Blackpool
April 19th, 1943
Posted to the Polish Air Crew Center, RAF Station, Hucknall
August 14th, 1943
Posted to initial training wing, RAF Station, Brighton
December 20th, 1943
Posted to the No. 25 Polish Elementary Flying Training School RAF, Hucknall
March 20th, 1944
Posted to the No. 16 Polish Secondary Training School RAF, Newton
October 26th, 1944
Posted to Headquarters of No. 70 Group
October 27th, 1944
Posted to the 577th Squadron RAF at Castle Bromwich
March 13th, 1945
Posted to No. 10 Operational Training Unit at the RAF Station, Abingdon
June 1st, 1945
Posted to the Polish 300th Squadron PAF at Faldingworth
December 12th, 1946
Due to a gradual demobilization of the Polish Forces under British Command, was commissioned to the Polish Resettlement Corp (PRC)
March 1st, 1947
PRC RAF Station Skipton on Swale
November 14th, 1947 – December 12th, 1948
PRC RAF Castle Combe
* NOTE: While Albin was in the “PRC”, he took advanced English and Electronic Courses
Note Worthy Mentioning
December 1st, 1944
Commissioned to rank of Pilot Officer
June 1st, 1945
Promoted to Flying Officer
October 24th, 1946
Last Flying Mission
May 14th, 1947
RAF Exit Interview
* NOTE: Albin Rydzewski was a quite well mannered Officer of good character and of good general education. He was of value to the Royal Air Force, but expressed no desire to remain in the service.
Military Medals and Awards
Commission Parchment – Signed by King George VI of England
85th Pulk Piechoty Unit Medal
1939/45 – Star
France and Germany Star
Defense Medal
War Medal 1939 – 1945
Polish Air Force Ribbon
Polish Air Force – Exile Medal
Listed under: Index Represjonowanych Osrodek Karta
Albin Rydzewski decided not to return to Poland. He became a UK citizen in 1951. Worked for DECCA-RADAR as an Engineer until his automobile accident on August 3rd, 1973.
* NOTE: Information on this page was researched and provided by Walter Ryder, Albin Rydzewski’s son.
Anyone with information or who might have served with Albin Rydzewski, please contact Walter Ryder: ryders@optonline.net