Fight to provide headstone for Battle of Britain hero in Doncaster cemetery

But you would never know from Polish-born Stanislaw Wadas grave, at Doncaster’s Rose Hill Cemetery.

It is 22 years since he died, and there is not even a headstone to mark the RAF veteran’s final resting place.

But that could be set to change, if Doncaster army veteran Paul Bristow has anything to do with it.

Paul, who served in the Royal Signals, knew Stan from his time at the Home Covert care home, in Bentley, in the late 1990s. After he left the army, Paul worked as a carer, looking after the veteran for three years. Stanislaw died in 1998, aged in his 80s.

Paul never forgot him, but when he planned to put flowers on his grave, was saddened to find no headstone.

Now Paul, who received a Fundraiser of the Year special recognition award at the 2016 Doncaster Pride Awards, wants to do something about it – and is raising money to make sure his old friend receives the headstone he deserves.

His campaign has support from Doncaster war hero Ben Parkinson, who offered a donation from his own charity fund.

Paul said Stan left his home, family and friends in Poland to join the RAF, fighting in the Battle of Britain.

He said: “When I spoke to him about it he told me some horrific stories. Anyway, I was one of the lucky few people who went to his funeral in 1998. It truly was an honour to be there for him. I've thought about Stanislaw over the years gone by and I've decided to do something for him.

"After quite a lot of research and digging I've managed to find his grave at Rose Hill in Doncaster. He has no headstone and has had no visitors. I am going to change that. For a man who gave up everything to fight for his country and ours I'm going to buy him a headstone, so he will never be forgotten for his great service and sacrifice. Stanislaw told me one of the Generals at the end of World War Two asked him what he was looking forward to now the war was over.

"Stanislaw replied ‘I just want to go home to my family, friends and my great country, Poland.”

But the Poles were unable to return home as it was not safe for them due to the political climate after the war, he added.

"I'm in the process of organising a headstone, added Paul. “I've spoken to the managers at Rose Hill and they have said because of the cause it is for they will waiver the usual cost of putting down a headstone as well. I'm hoping to lay the headstone on November 11 at 11am – my friend is coming to play the Last Post.

"He gave up his life in Poland to come here and fight tyranny. I want to help give him a fitting resting place.”

Paul and others, including Doncasters’ Polish community, are researching Stanislaw’s service history to find more details of what he did during the war.

Click here to donate.

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