THE headstone on a Battle of Britain pilot’s grave has been restored - thanks to support from a funeral director and stonemason.

Polish Wing Commander Walerian Żak, who died in 1969, and his wife Jeanne are buried in Northwood Cemetery.

Their eroded marble headstone has been extensively restored, free of charge, to recognise the airman’s service to this country.

Recently-retired Karen Peterson, who was Northwood branch manager for Haven Funeral Services, said: “The Polish Air Force Memorial Committee approached us for an estimate to restore the headstone.

“After discussing this with our head office and our monumental stonemason and sculptor, Francis Sancisi from Made On Earth, we agreed to waive the £1,200 cost and restore the it free of charge. It is as a gesture to someone who fought for our country during the war.”

Mr Sancisi removed the headstone for restoration at his workshop in Denham. It involved cleaning, skimming, removal and replacement of the lead inscription and reinstallation in the cemetery.

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No relatives could be found to seek permission for the work. Instead, Hillingdon Council agreed.

The Air Force Memorial Committee awarded Haven and Made On Earth one of its commendations, which was presentedat the RAF Northolt Officers' Mess by Station Commander Gp Capt Mike Carver and the Acting Polish Defence Attache.

The pilot, Walerian Zak, arrived in England in June 1940 and in late August was posted to Northolt, flying Hurricanes.

During the Battle of Britain, he claimed two enemy aircraft destroyed and damaged another.

He was shot down in September and bailed out but was seriously injured and did not return to operational flying with the squadron until mid-1941 as a Flight Commander.

A year later, after a break as a flying instructor, he returned to 303 Squadron as its overall commander. He then went on to command 308 (Polish) City of Cracow Squadron, which operated from RAF Northolt, and also Nos 3 and 133 (Polish) Wings.

The control column from his Hurricane is on display at the visitor centre at the Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge.

Zak died in 1969. He was decorated with the Polish Virtuti Militari and the Cross of Valour and two bars and the British Distinguished Flying Cross.