Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-04-01

HEMSWELL

Clear weather conditions, but very strong wind prevailed. Crews practiced flying in formation and S.B.A. cross-country flights. Usual ground training of air crews. Weather conditions deteriorated towards evening and night flying had to be abandoned.

1942-04-02

HEMSWELL

Weather greatly improved and local day flying practices totalling 8.20 hours were held. Lectures and usual ground training.

1942-04-03

HEMSWELL

Clear weather in the morning, clouds and rain in afternoon. Practice flying included Blind Approach, Lorenz and ZZ Landing and formation flying. Observers practiced on A.M.L. Bombing Teacher. Link Trainer for Pilots. Operations which had been ordered were cancelled at 16.00 hrs.

1942-04-04

HEMSWELL

Clear weather. Flying training included take-off with full load and practice bombing. Other crews did one engine flying, cross country flights, and Lorenz landing practice. On the ground airgunners had lectures on enemy aircraft recognition and also did some clay pigeon shooting.

1942-04-05

HEMSWELL

An Easter Church Service was held followed by the traditional Polish Diner in the Airmen’s Institute attending by all Officers and men of the Squadron. Prepared for Operations against COLOGNE which was carried out by 10 aircraft. Weather conditions over the target were reported as very good but the target itself was somewhat obscured by ground haze. This however did not deter the crews from pressing home their attack. Numerous fires were obscured from bombing results and dummy fires were identified and ignored. Light and heavy Flak considerable over the target and V-1725 was hit by some but unable to determine damamge. This aircraft landed at West Raynham owing to shortage of patrol. Photographs were attempted and bundles of nickels dropped.

1942-04-06

HEMSWELL

Normal flying training with Link Trainer for Pilots was carried out and u/t crews were lectured on Operational contingencies. Operations were ordered for to attack on ESSEN and eight crews were briefed for this mission. Weather conditions were very bad our aircraft running into an electrical storm, but nevertheless they pressed home their attack, but no concrete observations were made. A congratulatory message was received from the A.O.C. on the manner in which this raid was carried out despite conditions. Aircraft Q-1268 abandoned mission owing to severe icing of airscrew and wings.

1942-04-07

HEMSWELL

Flying training lncluded cross country and S.B.A. practice and circuits and landings. Ground personnel were instructed on the Range.

1942-04-08

HEMSWELL

In the morning aircraft testing was carried out. 11 Crews were briefed for operations over HAMBURG 10 completing the ordered mission although weather conditions once again over the target were very bad bombing having to be done on E.T.A. Results were very difficult to observe but it is reported that fires must have been considerable owing to the reflection which was shown on clouds. One aircraft attacked Marne owing to inter-com. trouble. Nickels were dropped and photographs were attempted.

1942-04-09

HEMSWELL

A very quiet day, except for aircraft testing and two hours of circuits and landings. Ground gunners were again lectured and Pilots were given Link Training.

1942-04-10

HEMSWELL

During the morning cross country flying and aircraft testing took place. 11 Crews were briefed for Operations against ESSEN. The A.O.C. was present at the take-off and expressed his satisfaction at the precision and punctuality of the take-off. All aircraft attacked the Primary target but results were difficult to define owing to heavy aloud conditions. However certain crews reported considerable fires. Heavy Flak was encountered and considerable searchlight activity.

1942-04-11

HEMSWELL

Excellent weather conditions and Flying training including Lorenz practice was held for 6.15 hrs. Observers practiced on A.M.L. Bombing Teacher and Link Trainer for Pilots.
Operations were Ordered for ESSEN but these were cancelled.

1942-04-12

HEMSWELL

Weather conditions were again good. Church parade was held. Dinghy and parachute drill for crews was carried out. Cross country flying for 8.40 hrs and a night cross country of 2 hrs 50 mins duration. Operations were again ordered against ESSEN and 11 crews were briefed, one cancelling before take-off. A new route was followed and crews report that a very easy journey resulted, little or no opposition being encountered until the target was reached. Aircraft H failed to return to base and the following members of the crew are missing SGT. W. ZALEJKO, SGT. J. KUCZAK, F/O P. PAJER, SGT. K. LUBOJANSKI, SGT. J. BALUCKI, SGT. W. STRZELCZYK. The returning crews reported considerable fires in the target area. Nickels were dropped on Bonn and photographs attempted.

1942-04-13

HEMSWELL

Height tests were carried out in fine weather and cross country flying of 6.15 mins duration was held. Ground personnel were instructed in defence practice. Fire and dinghy drill carried out by flying personnel.

1942-04-14

HEMSWELL

A good days work done on aircraft and height testing – duration 7.35hrs. Operations were again ordered and 10 crews briefed for a raid over DORTMUND. The crews reported that considerable defence was put up but most of them were successful on finding the target and pressing home their attack. Owing to engine trouble Aircraft N attacked an aerodrome 30 miles S.E. of Cherbourg but results were difficult to observe owing to ground haze. Aircraft V also failed to attack Primary owing to having been hit by flak and having to take evasive action, however bomb load was dropped on what was believed to be ESSEN., the engine of this aircraft caught fire over the English coast on the return journey but was extinguished on landing at Horsham St. Faith. Aircraft N also experienced fire in the starboard engine, but the first pilot F/O A. MISZEWSKI proved himself a master at one engine flying and a safe landing was made at Tangmere.
Two nights cross country flights.

1942-04-15

HEMSWELL

Another full day of flying and ground training. Six crews were briefed for operation over DORTMUND but little result were observed owing to bad conditions. Aircraft L had to abandon the mission owing to engine trouble and brought its bomb load back to base. Aircraft letter K also encountered trouble being hit by flak whilst over the target.

1942-04-16

HEMSWELL

Activities to-day included aircraft testing whilst on the ground Air Gunners were lectured and did some clay pigeon shooting and 25 yards range practice. Lorenz and Z.Z. landings were practiced.

1942-04-17

HEMSWELL

Clear weather conditions and day cross country and aircraft testing was included in the days activities. 10 aircraft were detailed for Operations against HAMBURG and the crews briefed. Eight crews found little difficulty in identifying the target and the attack was pressed home. A large number of fires were seen some of which were very large. Aircraft P failed to return from this operation and the following members of the crew are missing F/O J. KUSMIERZ, F/O J. URBANIAK, F/O J. ORSZA-MATYSEK, SGT. J. ORLEWSKI, SGT. F. BAY, SGT. A. HUPALO. Unfortunately the loss of this crew is felt particularly, the were old and well experienced. F/O SZOSTAK the Captain of Aircraft X abandoned the task owing to defective oil supply. After jettisoning part of his bomb load he attempted to land but oil covered the screen and he decided to jettison the remainder before landing.

1942-04-18

HEMSWELL

Clear weather conditions. Local flying consisted of circuits and landings, Lorenz and ZZ landings. Link Trainer for pilots on the ground. Total day flying 5.00 hrs.

1942-04-19

HEMSWELL

Air Gunners were lectured on defence against enemy attack. Owing to misty conditions only aircraft tests were carried out in the air. Church Parade was held in the morning.

1942-04-20

HEMSWELL

Owing to mist and fog nothing of any consequence was carried out in the morning. Ground training included the use of Link Trainer for pilots, and lamp signalling for Air Gunners. S.B.A. practiced at Waddington.

1942-04-21

HEMSWELL

Slight improvement in weather and routine aircraft tests were carried out with S.B.A. practice. Formation flying and bombing practice were also carried out. W/T Operators were given a lecture on the maintenance of their sets.

1942-04-22

HEMSWELL

Although weather was rainy cross country and S.B.K. tests were carried out. The Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group had a talk with the flying personnel concerning the vital operational points.

1942-04-23

HEMSWELL

Local Day flying and aircraft testing was carried out. 4 Crews were briefed for Operations over ROSTOCK. This raid was highly successful, only slight anti-aircraft fire was encountered. All crews successfully reached the primary target and dropped their bombload in the centre of the town causing a large number of fires. Upon leaving the target it was observed that the whole town seemed to be a mass of flames and this was visible as far away as the Danish Baltic coast. Nickels were dropped on the target. All crews attempted photographs.

1942-04-24

HEMSWELL
Weather was again clear and day cross-country and instrument flying was indulged in. Operations were again ordered, three crews being briefed for ROSTOCK and two fresher crews for DUNKIRK. Those raiding ROSTOCK report another highly successful operation. Fires were seen to be regarding all over the town, the largest of these was apparently in the Neptune Shipyard. The A.A. defence however were considerably stronger than the previous night and Aircraft letter Q was hit by heavy flak which damaged the hydraulic system.
The freshers report attacking the primary target where a large number of fires were burning. All aircraft returned safely to base.

1942-04-25

HEMSWELL

During the morning local circuits and landings were made a cross country was also made and aircraft tests were carried out. Four crews were briefed for Operations, once again over ROSTOCK, and two fresher crews again to DUNKIRK. Those operating over ROSTOCK reported considerably more ground defence but this did not dater them from making good their attack. All attacks were made from fairly low altitude and bomb bursts were observed with considerable fire. The crews are of the opinion that some of the fires were those which were started on the previous operation. Aircrafts S and L were hit but not badly damaged by flak. One of the freshers failed to identify the target at DUNKIRK owing to heavy cloud. He released four bombs 10 miles north of OSTEND., bringing the remainder back to base.

1942-04-26

HEMSWELL

Church Parade was held at 09.00 hrs. Crews were practiced in S.B.A. and cross country flying. Four crews were briefed for the fourth successive raid upon the Baltic Port of ROSTOCK. All crews reported that results were very difficult to see owing to the tremendous pall of smoke which was banging over the Town, but are of the opinion that all their bombs found the targets. Night cross country and local flying.

1942-04-27

HEMSWELL

Clear and sunny weather conditions. Instrument flying and aircraft testing was carried out. Operations were ordered six crews being briefed for COLOGNE and two “Freshers” for DUNKIRK. Aircraft L failed to mooch the target owing to shortage of petrol, and alternatively attacked Andarnack north of Coblenz. The bomb bursts were observed in the centre of the Town. Aircraft letter D was attacked and damaged by an e/a over the North Sea on the return journey and crash landed at Coltishall. Aircraft W failed to return from this Operation and the following members of the crews are missing P/O J. FUSINSKI, P/O W. WASIK, F/O T. WAWERSKI, SGT. A. MALECKI, SGT. M. SIERPINA, SGT. S MINIAKOWSKI. Very heavy flak was encountered by the two “Freshers” over DUNKIRK and they both attacked the target with great success. It is reported by one of them that three minutes after leaving the target area a terrific bursts was seen from this area.

1942-04-28

HEMSWELL

Activities today consisted of S.B.A. practice flying and a day cross country. Link Trainer for Pilots on the ground.

1942-04-29

HEMSWELL

S.B.A. Practice and day cross country. Usual ground training for the remainder of the personnel. Six crews were detailed to attack the GNOME RHONE factory on the outskirts of PARIS. Five of the crews attacked the target with excellent results. One aircraft failed to locate the target and the bomb load was brought back to base. Nickels were dropped on Rouen.

1942-04-30

HEMSWELL

During the day normal flying training and Link Trainer for pilots. Air gunners were practiced. Operations were ordered against HAMBURG but these were cancelled at 22.00 hours.

MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.

IN.
P/O T.A.D. CROOK Adjutant B., F/O SZYMANSKI Obs., F/O M. DAAB Obs., F/O E. LECH Obs., P/O S. NEULINGER A/G., P/O W. WASIK Pilot, P/O S. MACHEJ. F/Sgt. NOWICKI B. WO/AG: F/Sgt. GORSKI Z. A/G: F/O S. WASZKIEWICZ Pilot, F.O P. MOSKWA Obs. P/O Z. BRZEZINSKI A/G: SGT. POSZELUZNY W. WO/AG: SGT. TOMIEC S. A/G; SGT. DZIEKONSKI C Pilot; P/O M. MISZEWSKI Pilot; F/O R. BASZAK Obs. SGT. ANTONIEWICZ J. WO/AG; SGT. KURZAK J. A/G; SGT. BEDNARSKI P. A/G;

OUT.
F/O W. ZUBRYCKI Obs; F/O A/F/L/ Z. MARKIEWICZ Gunn. Off. SGT. CHANECKI M. WO/AG; F/L T. HARONSKI; SGT. SIKORSKI R. A/G;

Sgt. PECZEK A. Pilot detached 4.4.42 ceased to be detached 10.4.42
F/O E. CHORAZY Pilot detached 12.4.42 ceased to be detached 18.4.42
F/L J. GRZEBALSKI detached 15.4.42
SGT. ZABICKI T. Pilot detached 27.4.42
F/O M. MALINOWSKI detached 19.4.42
F/O K. SZYSKOWSKI detached 29.4.42

PROMOTIONS.

F/O S. DEPOWSKI apptd. A/F/L (Paid) w.e.f. 2.4.42
P/O T.A.D. CROOK apptd. A/F/O (Paid) 2.4.42

[Illegible] F/Lt.
Adjutant, No. 300 (Polish) Squadron.