Aircraft Code: ZF | Nickname: Dywizjon Myśliwski "Krakowski"

No.308 Squadron arrived at RAF Exeter on 1 April 1942, marking the third Polish fighter unit to be stationed at the airfield. At the time of their arrival, the squadron was equipped with Supermarine Spitfire Mk V aircraft, having previously flown Hawker Hurricanes. Their deployment replaced No. 317 Squadron and joined No. 307 Squadron, which would go on to become the longest-serving Polish unit at Exeter.

Due to adverse weather conditions at RAF Woodvale, the squadron’s fifteen aircraft were delayed and did not touch down at Exeter until 2 April. The initial days were spent unpacking and acclimatising to the new base, though the squadron managed to launch a reconnaissance sortie by the afternoon of their arrival. Within the first week, four aircraft were temporarily based at RAF Bolt Head in West Devon, underscoring the squadron’s mobile operational nature.

Throughout their tenure, No. 308 Squadron operated from multiple airfields including Exeter, Bolt Head, Tangmere, and Warmwell, reflecting their strategic flexibility and high tempo of operations. Their presence at Exeter added to the growing Polish contribution to Britain’s air defence and offensive capabilities during the war.

Active from 5 September 1940 to 18 December 1946, the squadron flew under the aircraft code ‘ZF’ and carried the proud nickname “Kraków,” honouring their origins and the spirit of the Polish city. Their legacy is preserved in the squadron’s Operational Record Book (AIR 27/1678), a testament to their service and sacrifice.