The serene beauty of the Levens Estuary in Cumbria hides a poignant piece of history—and a tale of bravery and sacrifice. The story is a testament to the courage and dedication of the many foreign pilots who served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II.
On November 9, 1944 a Polish pilot named Warrant Officer Kazimierz Pyka was flying a Miles Martinet, a versatile aircraft used for various training and support roles. On that fateful day, while flying north of Greenodd, the propeller and its housing came adrift from the plane. Pyka was left with no choice but to glide the aircraft, desperately searching for a safe place to land. He managed to navigate the plane over the railway just east of Plumpton viaduct and aimed for the sands of the Levens Estuary.
As he approached the shore at Old Park in Holker, Pyka encountered a man-made sea wall, only a couple of feet high. The impact flipped the plane forward, and Pyka landed upside-down in deep mud on the north side of the wall. Despite the efforts of rescue teams, the plane and Pyka’s body were not discovered until late afternoon the following day. By then, two tides had already washed over the wreckage, and Pyka was confirmed dead.
The community of Grange-over-Sands has not forgotten the sacrifice of Warrant Officer Pyka. Jack Manning, who was just 12 years old at the time of the crash, witnessed the tragic event. Manning and his uncle Bill were among the first to reach the scene, and they helped with the initial rescue efforts. In recent years, Manning has been instrumental in ensuring that Pyka’s memory is honoured. A small plaque was commissioned and placed on a cliff near the crash site, unveiled by Lord Cavendish in a ceremony on November 9, 2018.
The plaque serves as a reminder of Pyka’s bravery and the ultimate sacrifice he made for the freedom of others. It stands as a tribute to the many foreign pilots who served with the RAF, often far from home and loved ones, in the fight against tyranny. The community continues to pay respects to Pyka, visiting the plaque on the anniversary of the crash.
The Levens Estuary, with its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings, is a poignant reminder of the countless stories of courage and sacrifice that unfolded during World War II. Warrant Officer Kazimierz Pyka’s legacy lives on through the memories of those who witnessed his final moments and the efforts of the community to ensure his story is not forgotten. His bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom are a testament to the spirit of all those who served in the RAF during the war. As we walk along the shores of the Levens Estuary, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by individuals like Pyka, who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and justice.
In remembering Warrant Officer Kazimierz Pyka, we honour not only his memory but also the countless others who served with courage and determination. Their stories, though often untold, are an integral part of the history of World War II and the enduring legacy of those who fought for a better world.
Lest we forget.
