Bartłomiej Belcarz 1961-2024

Bartłomiej Belcarz 1961–2024

Bartłomiej Belcarz was an exceptional man whose life and passions had a profound impact on the aviation, educational, and publishing communities in Poland. Born in 1961 and passing away in 2024, he was not only a husband, father, and grandfather but also a respected teacher at Zespół Szkół nr 1 named after General Władysław Sikorski in Stalowa Wola.

His family—his wife, daughter, two sons, and grandchildren—were undoubtedly a source of support and inspiration. The moments he shared with them reflected his rich private life, filled with as much love and devotion as his professional pursuits.

His passion for aviation history was reflected in both his career and his personal life. Bartłomiej Belcarz earned a doctorate in aviation history and shared his knowledge and enthusiasm not only through teaching but also through numerous publications. He collaborated with Fanatyk Plastiku—the first Polish publishing house dedicated to plastic model enthusiasts, active between 1991 and 1997.

In 2001, he co-founded and became co-owner of Stratus Publishing, which grew into a renowned source of aviation publications. As an author, Bartłomiej Belcarz enriched aviation literature with many valuable works, including:

PZL P.11c
Polish Wings No. 1
Dewoitine D.520
Polish Wings No. 3
Polish Wings No. 2
Camouflage & Decals 48-01
GC 1/145 in France 1940
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet
Grupa Myśliwska Montpellier
Montpellier Fighter Squadron
Polish Wings No. 07 PWS 26 & others
Polskie Lotnictwo we Francji 1940
Polish Fighter Colours 1939–1947
Fighters over France and the Low Countries
Single No. 50 Caudron-Renault CR.714 Cyclone
Polish Wings No. 18 Breguet 19, Farman F68 Goliath
Caudron-Renault CR.714 Cyclone. The Ultimate Story
WHITE EAGLES. Operations of the Polish Air Force 1918–1939
Gloster Gladiator
Pod niebem Maghrebu. Lotnicy polscy we francuskiej Afryce

He was a pioneer and an undisputed authority on the history of the Polish Air Force in France in 1940. These works, along with titles published in the Typy Broni i Uzbrojenia series, earned him wide recognition among aviation history enthusiasts.

As editor of the Modelmania series at AJ-Press and the author of numerous articles in specialist journals, Belcarz made a significant contribution to spreading knowledge about aviation. He also organised the Sikorski Model Show in Stalowa Wola, promoting both scale modelling and aviation history.

The life and work of Bartłomiej Belcarz represent an invaluable contribution to the study of aviation history, both in Poland and worldwide. His passion, dedication, and achievements will remain a lasting legacy for future generations of aviation enthusiasts.

Stratus Publishing team, Sandomierz, 2005. Bartek seated on the right.