After being overrun during the early Blitzkrieg in September 1939, and later in France in 1940, the Polish Air Force – flying British and American made fighters and bombers out of England in their own units – made a tremendous contribution to the Allied air victory. The PAFs gallant, lonely fight in September 1939 inflicted the first losses on the mighty Luftwaffe and allowed Britain a nine month grace to strengthen her air defenses. Their part in the Battle of Britain became legend, and its contribution to the early RAF bomber offensive on Germany was equally great. PAF exploits over Dieppe, North Africa, and during the invasion of Europe received special commendations from the RAF.