The Polish pilot bailed out, and was promptly arrested as he could speak virtually no English.
The Gestapo was active in capturing those trying to cross the border, including the murder of several Polish pilots.
He later spoke with great esteem about the Polish pilots and lessons he learned from them.
In 1978, he was chosen from almost 500 Polish pilots to take part in the Intercosmos space program.
The two fighter squadrons went into action in August, with 89 Polish pilots.
The Polish pilots had been well trained in formation flying and had learned from combat experience to fire from close range.
The 147 Polish pilots claimed 201 aircraft shot down.
The aircraft was disliked by the Polish pilots, as too difficult to fly for a training machine, among others demanding a precision landing.
It consisted mostly of Polish pilots, many of whom were veterans.
The 1934 Challenge was won by the Polish pilots, who had also won the previous year.