The PZL P.24, although one of Poland’s most successful export fighters of the late 1930s, saw its wartime service entirely in the hands of foreign operators. Poland itself never fielded the type operationally.
Its combat history during World War II is therefore centred on Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and a single isolated Polish example.
Poland
Poland did not adopt the P.24 because the Air Force prioritised the inline‑engined P.11 successor programme.
However, one P.24 prototype remained in the country in 1939.
During the September Campaign, it was flown in an ad hoc capacity and is credited with two aerial victories against the Luftwaffe on 14–15 September.
This was the only Polish combat use of the type.
Greece
The Primary Wartime Operator
Greece was the largest and most active user of the P.24 during WWII.
By October 1940, when Italy invaded, the Royal Hellenic Air Force operated 36 P.24s (mostly P.24F and P.24G variants).
Italian Campaign (1940–1941)
P.24s equipped 21, 22, and 23 Mira (fighter squadrons).
They flew defensive patrols, bomber escorts, and ground‑attack missions.
On 1 November 1940, a P.24 from 21 Mira scored Greece’s first confirmed aerial victory of the war, downing an Italian aircraft over Ioannina.
German Invasion (April 1941)
Against the Luftwaffe, the P.24 was outclassed.
Many aircraft were destroyed on the ground during the opening attacks.
Remaining fighters flew brief defensive sorties but suffered heavy losses.
A few airframes were captured intact by German forces after the Greek capitulation.
Greece remains the only nation to use the P.24 in sustained, large‑scale combat.
Romania
Romania operated the P.24E, using it primarily for air defence duties.
Early War Period
Before 1941, P.24s served as frontline fighters guarding Romanian industrial regions and oil facilities.
Eastern Front (1941–1942)
After Romania joined Operation Barbarossa, P.24s were deployed in local defence roles rather than frontline escort or offensive missions.
They protected airfields, supply depots, and rear‑area infrastructure from Soviet air raids.
By 1942, the type was withdrawn from combat as more modern fighters (IAR‑80, Bf 109E/F) became available.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria purchased P.24B and P.24C variants before the war.
Wartime Service
Bulgarian P.24s were used mainly for homeland air defence.
They did not participate in offensive operations.
When Allied bombing of the Balkans intensified in 1943–1944, the P.24 was already obsolete and relegated to training and secondary duties.
No confirmed aerial victories are attributed to Bulgarian P.24s during WWII.
Turkey
Turkey operated a large number of P.24s but remained neutral for most of the war.
Turkish P.24s saw no combat, serving only in patrol and training roles.
Summary
Most active combat use:
Greece (1940–41), including confirmed victories.
Secondary combat use:
Romania (defensive duties on the Eastern Front).
Limited/none: Bulgaria (air defence only), Turkey (no combat), Poland (one aircraft, two kills). The P.24’s WWII service was respectable but limited by its obsolescence by 1940.
