On Thursday 8th May 2025, personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) attended ceremonies across Malbork, Poland to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
17 Service Personnel (SP) from across the EAW attended an internally arranged service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Malbork. This allowed British SP to mark the occasion. The cemetery holds 232 Second World War burials, primarily of men who died as Prisoners of War in nearby camps, but also members of RAF Bomber Command.
Notably, of the personnel buried, is an entire bomber crew belonging to 97 Squadron, who were downed during a night sortie on 11th July 1942 whilst conducting a bombing raid targeting U-boat shipyards in Danzig (now Gdansk).
“Standing here as we honour the fallen, we are reminded of our own call to Service, and we can only hope that this short act of remembrance is worthy of their sacrifice.”
Corporal Stokes
Organiser of the UK SP ceremony
Wing Commander Jacob, Commanding Officer (CO) 140 EAW, was invited by the Mayor of Malbork to attend services at five memorials across the town. This included a local HN service at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, and a short service at Stalag XXB which housed many British SP before their relocation to other camps.
“It was a tremendous honour to be invited to the town’s VE Day celebrations. Whilst we are currently deployed here at Malbork Air Base, it was an honour to represent the EAW and the UK at today’s services of remembrance. VE Day is a moment to reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who fought for peace.”
Wing Commander Jacob
Adding, “as a member of the RAF, I am especially mindful of the vital role played by our allies, including the many brave Polish aviators who fought alongside us. The bond forged between our nations during the darkest days of the war is one of deep respect and enduring friendship. It is a privilege to continue that legacy of service and unity.”
Operation Chessman is the UK contingent delivering the NATO eAP mission. RAF personnel currently deployed at Malbork Air Base, are under the command of CO 140 EAW. Personnel from across the RAF are currently deployed to Malbork alongside NATOs newest member Sweden, until July 2025.
