This Unknown Polish Airman was buried at Veghel Roman Catholic Churchyard on 2 October 1944.

It is thought this might be the grave of Tadeusz Józef Kołoszczyk. Tadeusz was born on 22 November 1919 in Grzymaczów, Poland. Not much is known about him, but he became a pilot with 306 Polish squadron, flying Mustang fighters. He joined the squadron on 15 July 1944.

On 27 September 1944, Sierz. Kołoszczyk flew on mission Ramrod 1297, a bomber escort mission too Bottrop, Germany. Due to engine or oxygen failure, Sierz. (F/S) Kołoszczyk crashed. One source states the plane crashed near Veghel.

Another states: "F/S T Koloszczyk dropped behind the formation after about 25 minutes of flight and crashed in the sea 10 miles off North Foreland." (Location unknown to webmaster).

Polish Air Force

However, It is thought F/S Koloszczyk flew Mustang FZ196 UZ-D. The Mustang that crashed near Veghel was Mustang FB151. The plane crashed in a battle area and could not be reached. It is thought that a local farmer recovered the body and buried it. It is also stated that this Mustang belonged to the U.S.A.A.F. and that it pilot was a Pole (!) by the name of T. Kosonski. However, no U.S.A.A.F. mustang was lost this day in that area.

The findings of the research  into this unknown airman have been presented to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but they have not accepted the findings.

 

Veghel, The Netherlands

Directions to Veghel Roman Catholic Churchyard

Posted 22 June 2009

Sources and acknowledgments:
Polishwargraves.nl
RAFcommands forums
 

If you have any suggestions, comments or additional information, please contact me.

This website is dedicated to the men and women who died and/or are buried in The Netherlands during World War II.

 

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