Jan Stangryciuk-Black
Jan Stanisław Stangryciuk-Black (18 April 1922 – 22 October 2023) was a Polish-born airman in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He served in the 300 "Land of Masovia" Polish Bomber Squadron and was one of the last surviving members of the Guinea Pig Club, a group of allied aircrew who received pioneering plastic surgery for burn injuries.
Early life
[edit]He was born on 18 April 1922 in Chełm, eastern Poland.[1][2] In 1934, his family moved to Argentina, where he spent his teenage years on a farm.[3]
Following the outbreak of war in Europe, he volunteered for British service at an enlistment drive in Buenos Aires, eventually traveling to the United Kingdom by ship, arriving in Belfast.[4][5]
Military career
[edit]After passing medical examinations, Stangryciuk-Black joined the Polish Air Force under British command, training as a rear gunner in the 300 “Land of Masovia” Polish Bomber Squadron.[3] During an operational training flight on 2 November 1942, his Vickers Wellington bomber suffered an engine malfunction and crash-landed near its base, leaving him the sole survivor.[6][7]
He sustained severe burns to his face and hands, requiring over twenty reconstructive plastic surgeries under Sir Archibald McIndoe at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.[8][2] During his recovery, he joined the Guinea Pig Club, known for its experimental surgery for burn injuries.[1]
Later life
[edit]Despite the trauma, Stangryciuk-Black returned to active service and completed multiple combat missions.[2] After the war, he settled in England, participating in commemorative events to highlight the contributions of Polish forces in the RAF.[4][9]
In 2022, his wartime medals and personal savings were stolen during a burglary, prompting a public fundraising effort.[3] He died on 22 October 2023 in London, aged 101,[1][8] recognized as one of the final surviving members of the Guinea Pig Club.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Stangryciuk Jan (Black) – Krzystek's List". Krzystek's List – Polish Air Force in Great Britain 1940–1947. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b c d Bryl, Natalia (2023-10-23). "Jan Stangryciuk-Black: One of the last Polish Heroes from the Battle for Britain". Światowa Rada Badań nad Polonią. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b c Collins, Lauren (24 October 2023). "Last East Grinstead 'Guinea Pig' veteran dies". BBC News. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b "Fund pays tribute to The Guinea Pig Club members Sam Gallop and Jan Stangryciuk-Black". RAF Benevolent Fund. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ "Polish Fighter Pilots During WWII – Business Insider". Business Insider. 23 September 2015. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ "Black, Jan · IBCC Digital Archive". International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ "We wish a happy 99th birthday to the Polish WWII hero – Jan "Black" Stangryciuk. He served as a rear gunner on Lancasters with 300 Bomber Squadron". angelikajaroslawskasapieha.com. 18 April 2021. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b "Jan Black-Stangreciuk obituary". The Times. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ "We wish a happy 99th birthday to the Polish WWII hero – Jan "Black" Stangryciuk. He served as a rear gunner on Lancasters with 300 Bomber Squadron". angelikajaroslawskasapieha.com. 18 April 2021. Retrieved 2025-05-16.