EDMUND ANDRZEJ LADRO

He was born on 17^th July 1913  and he was awarded the Polish Krzyz Walechznych (Cross of Valour) on 21^st November 1942 by Air Vice Marshal Ujejski, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  On 26^th October 1941,  W5720 was hit by flak and crashed into the sea.  After many hours in the water, all but one of the crew was rescued; this flier survived the crash but F/O Stenocki was killed.  By 5^th January 1942 (F/O) Ladro’s rank is reported as P/O and he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on 6^th February 1942.  On February 9^th 1943 he was jumped by 4 Junkers Ju 88s and successfully evaded them for almost an hour; his rear gunner accurately fired into the attackers (even though he was wounded) and their distress signals were picked up and a group of Bristol Beaufighters arrived and shot down at least 3 of the German aircraft.  This battle was fought almost at sea level and the aircraft was riddled with machine gun bullet holes and was hit by a single 20mm cannon shell which ripped away a 6 foot section of the starboard wing.  He was awarded the Order of Virtuti Militari Silver Cross, 5^th class.

               

He died in July 1996 in Windermere, Cumbria.