Churchill almost shot down in 1943?

Boleslaw "Mike" Gladych

http://members.chello.be/kurt.weygantt/worldwariiaces.index.html_boleslaw_mike_gladych.htm

Misfortune hit Gladych hard in the autumn of 1943. He mistakenly almost shot down the aircraft carrying British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The English High Command demanded Flight Lt. Gladych should be punished, and decided to "ground" him - very tough punishment for a fighter pilot.



Any more info on this?

 

Winston's near escape ?

 

That's the story, but did it really happen?

Boleslaw Gladych was reportedly grounded when he met Francis Gabreski, who offered him a chance to fly with the 56th Fighter Group. However, this is not proof, as Gladych was one of seven Polish fighter pilots that flew with the 56th - I doubt all 7 "almost shot down Churchill." Further, Gladych stayed with the 56th until the end of the war. This is not proof either, as another Polish pilot also stayed with the 56th until the end of the war.