Władysław Sikorski was a Polish military and political leader. 29th Prime Minister of Poland (1st of the Polish government-in-exile).

In May 1943, Władysław Sikorski set off to inspect Polish troops in the Middle East. On his return journey on 4 July, shortly after taking off from Gibraltar airport, the plane in which he was flying crashed into the sea. Everyone on board, apart from the pilot, died. This also included the General’s daughter, Zofia Leśniowska. Sikorski’s body was transported to England on board the destroyer ORP “Orkan”. Funeral ceremonies were held on 15 July at Westminster Cathedral with the participation of representatives of the Polish and British authorities, including Winston Churchill. Sikorski was posthumously awarded the Order of the White Eagle. The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Poland also decided that his body would be laid to rest at Wawel Royal Castle in Cracow, Poland.