F/Lt. Z. Janicki was born in Kursk, Russia, on 5th February 1917.
As a pilot during the war, he took an active part in the defence of Warsaw until 7th September 1939.
Zbigniew made his was to England in 1940 via Bucharest, Beirut and then to Marseilles (translated from Polish).

Zbigniew was posted to 213 (Hurricane) Squadron. After about eight months, he was transferred to 302 Squadron in May 1941.

Zbigniew was posted to 317 Squadron, then stationed in Exeter, on 8th December 1941 from 302 Squadron.
On 18th December, on an operational flight, Zbigniew saw Me 109 with square tipped wings attacking a Halifax bomber down sun. He dove to 300 yards and gave three or four long bursts with decreasing deflection, closing to 200 yards. He broke off 1,000ft. above sea level, the enemy aircraft dived into the sea.

On 17th April 1942, Zbigniew was posted to 116 Squadron, then at Hendon.

Zbigniew (back with 317 Squadron as Flight Lieutenant) led the Squadron on 17th April 1943 from Coltishall at 13.55 hrs to take part in a ramrod operation. Later, at 18.45hrs, he led the Squadron from Martlesham on a Circus.