Polish pilot Wladek Gnys was credited with shooting down the first two German aircraft of World War II on September 1, 1939. On 2 September 1939, as Gnys' squadron took off near Krakow to intercept the German invaders, German Stuka pilot Frank Neubert attacked, killing the captain.
Wladek, who barely survived himself, evaded the pursuing Stukas and went on to make the first Allied kills, while Neubert was credited with the first aerial kill of the war. An experienced fighter pilot, Gnys fought in the Battle of Poland with the Polish Air Force, the Battle of France with the French Air Force and the Battle of Britain and beyond with the Royal Air Force.
During Operation Overlord in June 1944, Wladek was shot down over France and crash landed. Wounded, he was taken prisoner but then escaped, his life spared by the enemy on more than one occasion. Fifty years after the invasion of Poland, in the summer of 1989, Gnys and Neubert met and shook hands, making news around the world. They reconciled their differences and remained friends until their deaths. This event symbolized the prevailing friendly coexistence between Poland and Germany.
Written by his son Stefan and drawing from his logbooks, this highly illustrated biography of Wladek Gnys is the most in-depth account of the Polish hero's life. It tells Wladek's story from his childhood in rural Poland, through his time flying in three Allied air forces during World War II, to his reconciliation with Neubert and his commemoration as a national war hero in Poland.
About the Author
Stefan Gnys is the son of pilot Wladek Gnys and has spent many years tracing his father's war through the archives of the air forces he served with. He was a teacher for four decades, and is a singer-songwiter-performer.
Industry Reviews
It is a compelling story of an extraordinary gentleman, all the more interesting as it's clearly written by those who loved him. * Army Rumour Service *
I found this one highly fascinating... Wladyslaw Gnys might not be remembered today outside of the community he came from, but his son has done an admirable job telling the story of his father's life. * Seattle Book Review 28/02/2019 *
Of his bravery and skill, there is no doubt, and as with all of the people from that era, their story needs to be told...An excellent read for all, recommended. * Scale Military Modelling International Magazine *
This is far from a run-of-the-mill wartime story, being more of a touching and revealing look into an extraordinary life, one that fought the good fight and came through more or less intact to face a new challenge in raising a family in the peace he had fought so long and strongly for. * Aircrew Remembered 04/02/2019 *
"The incredible stories in First Kills are too numerous to recall in one short article. Remarkably detailed, it features almost 150 photographs and has been illustrated by renowned artist John D. Bindon... It is a tribute to Wladyslaw Gnys, the decorated ace pilot, but also to the charming and humble man himself." * Hamilton Magazine *
"...exhaustively-researched and dramatically-narrated... Stefan has written grippingly and tenderly, the story fortified by astounding detail and documentation, photos and wonderful illustrations by John Bindon." * The Hamilton Spectator *
It is a magnificent tribute to the first victorious Allied pilot of WWII. Highly recommended. * Modeling Madness *
Some among us pass through perilous times, beat the odds and live to tell about it, this is the remarkable story of one of those few. * Classic Wings *
The first man to shoot down the Luftwaffe: The hero pilot who recorded the first aerial kills against Hitler's air force, escaped a POW camp and fought in the Battle of Britain. * Daily Mail *
