The Embassy of the Czech Republic was represented by the Defence Attaché Colonel Jiří Svatoš and Third secretary Ms. Jana Čechlovská. Col. Svatoš, as one of the tribute speakers, read out the condolence letter from the Minister of Defence of the Czech republic, H.E. Mr. Martin Stropnický and he, before giving the final salute to Colonel Polák, highlited his patriotism and personal courage by quoting: "Czech nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave soldiers and patriots as Colonel Arnošt Polák was”.

Colonel Arnošt Polák served as a radio operator/air gunner with the 311 Czechoslovak squadron RAF during the Second World War, and after completing his operational tour, he continued his flying duties with 246 transport sqn RAF. After the end of the war, he returned to liberated Czechoslovakia and was demobilised in September 1946 in the rank of warrant officer. He belonged to the principal custodians of historical memory in exile in Britain.  He worked for the Free Czechoslovak Air Force Association for many years, first as its Secretary and then as its Chairman. He became, not only the face, but in fact the spirit of the organisation. During the rehabilitation of western front soldiers after 1989 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel (retired).

Colonel Arnošt Polák was awarded several decorations and medals including the Medal for Heroism by the Czech President Miloš Zeman in June 2017.

Col. Arnošt Polák (Rtd) on a contemporary photograph