A Question of Honor is the gripping, little-known story of the refugee Polish pilots who joined the RAF and played an essential role in savi...
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Aug 09, 2007
Jerzy
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Even if I weren't Polish, this book still would have broken my heart. It must have been insanely crushing to be a Pole fighting hard alongside the other Allies in World War II with one goal in mind - the return of your homeland's independence - and yet, despite being on the "winning" side, to have Churchill and FDR hand over your country for foreign occupation by Stalin (certainly with no legal authority to do so).
This book tells the story well; not much previous knowledge of Pol More...
This book tells the story well; not much previous knowledge of Pol More...
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Nov 23, 2007
Stephan
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Very interesting book about not only the exploits of the Kosciuszko Squadron, but also an overview of the particulars of how Churchill and Roosevelt sold-out Poland to Stalin in WWII. The daring and commitment of the Polish pilots in WWII makes all the more shameful degree to which the Allies sold-out Poland is laid bare in this book, and it is a good antidote to the usual WWII history hoakum claims that Poland should bear a great responsibility for her own fate (claims which come at least in p
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Feb 18, 2008
Cheryl
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The back cover says it best: "... the gripping, little-known story of the refugee Polish pilots who jioned the RAF and played an essential role in saving Britain from the Nazis..." I didn't realize how little of the history of Poland I knew until I read this book. The authors not only write about the pilots involved in WWII, but give background history to place the events in context. They also summarize the outcome of WWII and its effects on Poland. I was angry and shamed by the at
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Feb 08, 2012
D
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An excellent account of the Kosciuszko Squadron and their exploits during WWII. The first two hundered pages moved very quickly telling the story of the squadron and the Polish influence on the war. The second two hundred pages was involved in the slow betrayal of Poland by the allies notably Brittan and the U.S.. Those who quote Churchill should really be careful and consider that the man who was appreciative to have the help of the Polish Air Force as well as the Polish Army and Navy in def
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Sep 20, 2011
Will
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This book is great. Poland's heroic role in the second world war is shamefully ignored. I've always had an enormous respect for Poland and the Poles, but after reading this tragic story, I want to slap anyone who makes a Polish joke. Think about this:
1. Poland never surrendered. After their country was overrun by both the Nazis and the Soviets, the Polish military slipped, in small groups and as individuals,into Hungary and Romania, and from there to France to carry on the fight. The Pol More...
1. Poland never surrendered. After their country was overrun by both the Nazis and the Soviets, the Polish military slipped, in small groups and as individuals,into Hungary and Romania, and from there to France to carry on the fight. The Pol More...
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Jun 25, 2011
Anna
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Absolute must-read. Should be obligatory read in highschool. The story close friendship, real patriotism, fighting for your believes and your country even you can lose your life in a fight. Story of Polish fighter pilots and mechanic crews that fought in the Battle of England with all their skills. People from flesh and blood, not a paper heroes. Honour to them.
Polish soldier fights for the freedom of other nations, but dies only for Poland - gen. Stanisław Maczek
Polish soldier fights for the freedom of other nations, but dies only for Poland - gen. Stanisław Maczek
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Dec 08, 2010
Bart
rated it: 
When my Polish friend insisted that I read this book, I responded with a joke. How do you stop a Polish tank? Shoot the man pushing it... And I've always copied my dad's passionate argument about how the French and Polish rolled over to Hitler and the holocaust. But Olson easily swats these common misconceptions aside. Poland was the only nation in WW2 that was defeated and occupied by Hitler--and still never surrendered or negotiated a German-approved government (a la Vichy France). Poland was
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Sep 11, 2009
William
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The fate of Poland in WWII, and the tenacity of her fighting men, is a subject all too often ignored, parodied, or swept under the rug. A solid work about Free Polish units fighting in Allied armies is hard to find. Indeed, it can't be found here. This book claims to be about the Kosciuszko squadron and its actions in WWII. I would estimate that 1/6 of this book follows the Kosciuszko squadron and its future members as they fought their way across Poland and France. Another sixth recounts the de
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Apr 29, 2010
Justin
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It would be hard to overstate the need to read this book if you are at all interested in WWII or Europe generally. Told in a clear voice by two journalists (apparently this was originally started as an article), this fantastic book details WWII and the fundamental role that Poles played in the battle as well as the broken treaties by the British and French to back them up. This book also details the Soviet overtaking of Poland, how FDR rolled over on his stomach in defense of Poland, and how h
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May 02, 2011
Jack
rated it:
Have you ever told Polish jokes? I have (I grew up in Chicago in aPolish/Italian neighborhood and I knew them all). After reading this book, never again will I do anything to downgrade the Poles. The daring and bravery of these Polish flyers was amazing. And, what they put up with before, during and after the war was also amazing (but in a reverse sense). This book helps in understanding why the Poles keep the Zloty as their currency instead of the Euro, why the entire nation is so proud of
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Jul 19, 2010
Maude
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May 28, 2009
I found this book for my father and he enjoyed it so much, I ended up buying it as a gift for a few other people. I own a copy, but haven't gotten to it yet. There are just too many things to read!
Dec 28, 2008
Andrew
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This book had me in tears in several parts. A very research look, not so much at the squadron, but at how Poland was betrayed and ruined both by the Axis and especially by the Allies.
Jul 27, 2011
Very interesting, I find the Positivist Essays of Prus particularly engrossing.
Jun 25, 2011
Rhees
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ja kupowalem ta ksiazke kiedy mieszkalem w polsce. Oczywiscie nie moglem sie doczekac az do kiedy mialem mozliwosci poczytac. Pokreslenie ta kziazke jest tak ze podczas wojny, zapomnimy o tym dlaczego walczymy. ta historia jest taka smutna jak czytasz to co sie dzieje nie tylko w anglii ale i tak w polsce. polecam do wszystkich.
Nov 25, 2008
Anna
rated it:
Absolute must-read. Should be obligatory read in highschool. The story close friendship, real patriotism, fighting for your believes and your country even you can lose your life in a fight.
Polish soldier fights for the freedom of other nations, but dies only for Poland - gen. Stanisław Maczek
Polish soldier fights for the freedom of other nations, but dies only for Poland - gen. Stanisław Maczek
Nov 18, 2008
Brian
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This is an amazing story, and fills a significant knowledge gap that is somehow conveniently left out of every history textbook we had to read in school. We can all take a lesson from the courage, skill and honor of Polish airmen during WWII.
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