Locomotive renaming to honour Polish war heroes

Sir Keith Park is changing its name to 303 Squadron for one year to remember Polish Battle of Britain pilots

A Kent-based steam locomotive is set to be renamed after a Polish squadron that fought in the Battle of Britain.

Sir Keith Park, a Bulleid Pacific engine dating from 1947 and based in Tunbridge Wells, is changing its name to 303 Squadron for one year as a mark of respect to serviceman who helped save Britain from invasion.

This is the first time a UK-based locomotive has been named after a World War Two Polish air force squadron, according to the company which owns and restores the engine.

A spokesperson for Southern Locomotives said this would be a "living war memorial to those who gave so much".

Sir Keith Park, after whom the engine is currently named, was Air Vice Marshall of 11 Group and was in charge of protecting south-east England and London during the Battle of Britain.

The Polish 303 Squadron, after whom the engine is to be renamed, flew under his command.

It was one of the most successful squadrons during the Battle of Britain.

'Long tradition of naming engines'

Peter Spowage, from Southern Locomotives, said: "We are so proud to have the honour to remember those Polish lads who fought so hard for this country.

"We have a long tradition of naming our engines after our British heroes and we thought it was time that 303 Squadron should be recognised."

The locomotive runs on the Spa Valley Railway, based out of Tunbridge Wells.

A ceremony to rename the engine is planned on 1 September at Eridge Station.

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