A HUDDERSFIELD war veteran is celebrating after his campaign to persuade the Government to recognise the Polish war effort paid off.
George Sutcliffe, 82, says he will be watching with pride when the Polish flag is flown for the first time in a London victory parade next Sunday.
The former RAF man served alongside dozens of Polish men in 306 Squadron in Britain during the Second World War.
But after the war ended, the British Government failed to acknowledge the Polish bravery.
Mr Sutcliffe, of Briarlyn Road, Birchencliffe, said: "Something like one in six who took part in the Battle of Britain were Polish.
"I was stationed with them and I know how much they did.
"There is a saying on their war memorials which says: `We gave our souls to God, our hearts to Poland and our bodies to the British soil.'
"It has taken a long time for this recognition to come through.
"I am absolutely chuffed for them."
Mr Sutcliffe appealed to Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford for help in allowing Polish veterans to take part in Sunday's parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.
Mr Sutcliffe said: "This is going to be the last one, so I thought we have got to do something now. If we don't it is never going to happen."
Mr Sutcliffe said Ms Mountford MP contacted Defence Secretary John Reid.
Mr Sutcliffe received a letter this week confirming that Polish people would be included in the remembrance event.
He said: "It is going to be the first time people will recognise what the Poles did. I am going to enjoy it with a vodka in front of the TV. I will be lapping it up."
Ms Mountford said: "There was exceptional bravery in the Polish resistance movement and from those who joined the British forces.
"The point is to get the banners of all the different communities represented in the parade.
"It is also important to remind young people of what these people did for them, so they realise they are exceptional people."
