Two boards commemorating the efforts of the Polish Army during the Second World War were unveiled at a special ceremony last week.

They detail the Polish Army’s contribution to the Allied effort against the Nazis in both English and Polish and stand alongside existing displays for the Polish Air Force and the Polish Navy.

His Excellency Professor Arkady Rzegocki, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Court of St James's and Councillor Sir Ray Puddifoot MBE, Hillingdon Council's Armed Forces Champion, revealed the tributes on the 77th Anniversary of D-Day.

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Roy Chamdal and representatives from The Polish Ex-Combatants Association, the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee and the Polish Airmen's Association attended the ceremony on Sunday at Hillingdon Council's Polish Forces Remembrance Garden in South Ruislip.

His Excellency Professor Rzegocki said: "It is a great honour to unveil the commemorative boards dedicated to the Polish Army next to what is one of the most important monuments in the UK marking the Polish Second World War effort.

"The memory of the heroes who fought for the freedom of Poland, the United Kingdom and Europe is especially significant today.

“It is an important inspiration and shows how much freedom costs. Knowledge of history facilitates better mutual understanding and cooperation. May the memory of our heroes be celebrated forever."

The Remembrance Garden was originally opened in 2015 to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Cllr Puddifoot said: "The Polish Forces Remembrance Garden pays tribute and honours the Polish Army who together with the Polish Air Force and Polish Navy played a significant part in defeating Nazi Germany in the Second World War. 

"With the inclusion of a tribute to the Polish Army here in the Polish Forces Remembrance Garden in Hillingdon we hope to provide both a lasting tribute and show our gratitude to the men and women of Poland who fought for, and helped retain, our freedom." 

Featured image credit: Polish Embassy UK.