Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1944-04-01

FALDINGWORTH.

In the morning there was a special parade at which the new Commanding Officer,
Wg. Cmdr. T. POZYCZKA took over the squadron from Wg. Cmdr. A. KOWALCZYK who was
posted for Liaison duties with the Polish Armoured Division. After the parade one crew
practised drogue firing and two other crews carried out circuits and landings. In the
afternoon, two crews practiced sea marker firing and two other crews were engaged on
levelling bomb sights. During the night two crews practiced circuits and landings.
Day flying amounted to four hours fifty minutes and night flying to fifty minutes. P.2461
P/O. DEZAKOWSKI was attached to the squadron from Northolt to act as Gunnery Leader,
Two other crews returned to the squadron from HEMSWELL after completing conversion training

1944-04-02

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections completed after the Church
Parade. Crews attended a lecture by the Flying Central Officer and in the afternoon
crews were engaged on training in their respective Sections. No flying was carried out
due to inclement weather conditions.

1944-04-03

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and Daily inspections completed. One aircraft
took off for weather test. One crew attended a lecture by an officer who had recently
escaped from Germany. In the afternoon, crews were given instructions by their respective
Leaders. There was no further flying owing to inclement weather.

1944-04-04

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections completed. Crews attended
lectures by the Intelligence Officer on Security, and by the Flying Central officer on
air traffic regulations, and were shown some interesting films on these subjects.
There was no flying carried out.

1944-04-05

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections completed. The crews
were instructed by their respective leaders. Two crews were detailed for night circuits
and landings, but were prevented by weather conditions from carrying them out.

1944-04-06

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and Daily Inspections completed. In the
morning one crew carried out an air test and other crews were engaged in their sections
by their respective leaders.. In the afternoon four crews took off on a cross country,
one crew practised bombing at the Bombing Range and two other crews were engaged in
levelling bomb sights. Flying during the day amounted to 23 hours 15 minutes. There
was no night flying.

1944-04-07

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections completed. Three crews
were detailed for Fighter Affiliation but the fighters did not arrive and local flying was
carried out instead. One crew was engaged in levelling bomb-sights and two others
carried out and S.B.A. exercise. At 1700 hours, one crew was briefed for Bulls-Eye
exercise, but this was cancelled later. Two crews carried out night circuits and landings.
Total day flying amounted to 5 hours 50 minutes and night flying to 2 hours 15 minutes.

1944-04-08

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections completed. Two crews
took off on a cross country flights, two crews were doing an S.B.A. exercise flying,
and two other were engaged in bombing practise on the bombing Range. In the
afternoon a further two crews carried out practice bombing on the Bombing Range and one
crew carried out map reading flying. Day flying amounted to 17 hours 45 minutes. P.2255
F/O. TRZCINSKI.S was posted to Blackpool. 2355 P/O. C. GWOZDZIOWSKI to Blackpool.

1944-04-09

FALDINGWORTH.

There was a Church Parade in the morning for all ground and flying crews. After the
Church Service, all ranks proceeded to the Airmens` Mess for a combined dinner. In the
afternoon, crews were given a half day off. This was the fifth Easter spent abroad.

1944-04-10

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
In the morning three crews carried out S.B.A. exercise and one crew practised bombing
over the bombing range. Other crews were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon
one crew were engaged on Drougue firing while another crew were engaged on a local
flight. Four crews were briefed for a night cross country flight. At night this flight
was carried out. Total flying for the day amounted to 8 hours. Total night flying
amounted to 24 hours 45 minutes.

1944-04-11

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of the aircraft were
completed. In the morning, one crew practised bombing over the Bombing Range. Other
crews were lectured by their leaders in their sections. In the afternoon two crews were
engaged on Drougue firing while another crew were engaged on an aircraft serviceability
test. Three crews were briefed for a night cross country flight. A further crew were
briefed for bombing practise. The cross country was carried out and also the bombing
practice. One crew proceeded to Blyton to commence conversion. Total day flying amounted
to 5 hours 15 minutes. Total night flying amounted to 11 hours 50 minutes.

1944-04-12

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed.
In the morning the crews were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon one crew were
engaged on practise bombing over the bombing range. Three crews were engaged on a
fighter affiliation exercise. Flight Lieutentant Wilczynski was posted to Polish Inspectorate
General, London. Total day flying amounted to 8 hours 55 minutes.

1944-04-13

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of the aircraft were
completed. In the morning two crews completed a Drougue firing exercise. Other crews
were instructed by the Navigation and Air Sea Rescue Officers. In the afternoon one
crew were engaged on a local flying exercise. One crew took off on a bombing exercise
which they completed. Two crews were briefed for night flying, one for cross country,
the other for a Bombing practise. The night flying was carried through. Total flying
time amounted 3 hours.

1944-04-14

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
On the morning one crew completed an S.B.A. exercise. Navigators and Wireless Operators
were lectured in the Radar Section. The Pilots were lectured by the Flight Commander.
In the afternoon two crews practiced bombing over the bombing range. One crew took off
and completed a fighter affiliation exercise while another aircraft carried out an
aircraft serviceability test. Two crews were briefed for a night cross country and another
crew for a bombing practise. The night flying was later cancelled. One crew returned
to station after completing conversation at Blyton and Hemswell. Total day flying amounted
to 5 hours 40 minutes.

1944-04-15

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
In the morning one crew completed a cross country flight while another crew were engaged
on an aircraft serviceability and W/T test. Other crews were engaged in their sections.
In the afternoon practice shooting was carried out by the Air Gunners and Bomb Aimers.
Navigators and Wireless Operators were training in the Radar Section, pilots and Flight
Engineers attended a lecture given by the Flight Engineer Leader. Total flying amounted
to 2 hours 30 minutes.

1944-04-16

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
The usual Sunday morning Church Parade was held. Later in the morning, the crews were
engaged in their sections. In the afternoon two crews completed an aircraft serviceability
test. Three crews were briefed for night cross country which was carried out. Total day
flying amounted to 20 minutes. Total night flying amounted to 7 hours 55 minutes.

1944-04-17

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
in the morning, the crews were instructed by their leaders. In the afternoon, crews
inspected their aircraft, one crew took off for aircraft serviceability test. At 1800
hours seven crews were briefed for an operational flight, but this flight was later
cancelled. Total day flying amounted to 25 minutes.

1944-04-18

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed.
In the morning the crews were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon, crews inspected
their aircraft and one crew completed and aircraft serviceability test. At 1800 hours
seven crews were briefed for an operational flight, the target being ROUEN, a railway
junction in France. The trip was successful, weather conditions good, defences negligible.
All detailed aircraft completed their mission without loss. The trip was the squadrons
first one carried out on Lancaster aircraft and there fore will be memorable. Operational
flying amounted to thirty hours fifteen minutes. Total day flying amounted to 1 hour
20 minutes.

1944-04-19

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
In the afternoon one crew completed a drogue firing exercise and another crew completed an
aircraft serviceability test. Other crews were engaged in their sections. Total day
flying amounted to 1 hours 25 minutes.

1944-04-20

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
The squadron received congratulations on the occasion of their first operational trip
on Lancaster aircraft for Air Vice Marshal IZYCKI, “INSPEKTOR LOTNICTWA” and from the
Polish Liaison Officer, Group Captain Beill at Headquarters Bomber Command. In the morning,
crews were lectured by their leaders in the sections. In the afternoon crews inspected
their aircraft. Three crews completed aircraft serviceability tests. At 1800 hours,
seven crews were briefed for operations. The target was COLOGNE, the biggest German rail
centre. All allotted crews took off. There were some enemy intruders operating over this
country and one of our crews escaped engagement only because it was warned over the R/T.
one crew returned early because the Navigator felt unfit. The other six crews completed
their task successfully. The target was completely covered by cloud. The crews met heavy
flak and saw a few night fighters. The crews were rather doubtful about results because they
could not see them but next days reconnaissance proved the mission was a complete success.
Total day flying amounted to 1 hour 20 minutes. Operational night flying to 31 hours 30 minutes.

1944-04-21

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
In the afternoon crews were lectured by their leaders. No flying was carried out during the
day.

1944-04-22

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed. During
the morning two crews carried out aircraft serviceability tests. Other crews were training
and given instruction in their sections. Seven crews were briefed at 1800 hours for an
operational flight. Target was DUSSELDORF. All the crews took off, completed their task and
returned safely to base. Crews reported good weather conditions with excellent visibility over
the target. They met very strong defences. Searchlights, Flak and night fighters but in spite
of this no damage was caused to our aircraft. Total day flying amounted to one hour
forty minutes. Total night operational flying amounted to 32 hours 55 minutes.

1944-04-23

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed,
after morning church parade. Later in the morning one aircraft completed aircraft service-
ability test. Crews were given a half day off after the hard weeks work. Squadron received
congratulations on the good work they had done on their first three operations from the
Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group. Air Vice Marshall E.A.B. Rice. The A.O.C`s message
read as follows, “ I heartily congratulate you on the splendid start you have made on your
return to operations and I look forward with the greatest confidence to the day when you
will be up to full strength with your new equipment. I know you will soon surpass even the
splendid record you have achieved in the past.”

1944-04-24

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed.
In the morning one crew were engaged on leveling bomb sights. Two other crews were
engaged on aircraft serviceability tests, combining it with W/T , test. Other crews
were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon one crew practiced bombing over the
Bombing Range. The crews allotted for operations were briefed at 17.00 hours. The target
being ‘KARLSRUHE’. Seven crews took off, five of them returned. Two were missing. Crews
reported very difficult weather conditions. To reach the target they had to cross clouds
over the target. Crews reported some dummy fires and dummy markers. The raid was very
concentrated and caused big fires. They were opposed by strong heavy flak and had two
combats with enemy night fighters. Operational flying during the day amounted to
4 hours. Operational flying amounted to 30 hours 35 minutes.

1944-04-25

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed.
In the morning one crew completed a fighter affiliation exercise. In the afternoon were
engaged on a cross country flight, while another practiced ‘Sea Marker’ fixing. Other
crews were given instruction by their leaders. Flight Lieutenant Wasik was posted to
the Squadron for Pilot`s duties. Total day flying amounted to 5 hours 45 minutes.

1944-04-26

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed.
In the morning two crews completed aircraft serviceability tests. One crew practiced
Drogue firing. Other crews were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon one crew
practiced bombing over the bombing range. One crew were engaged in circuits and landings.
One crew was briefed for night cross country. This flight was completed. Day flying amounted
to 5 hours 20 minutes. Night flying amounted to 5 hours 10 minutes.

1944-04-27

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft completed.
In the morning one crew completed a fighter affiliation exercise while another crew
were engaged on a Drugue firing practise. Other crews were engaged in their sections
on Dinghy drill. In the afternoon crews were lectured by their Leaders. Total day flying
amounted to 1 hour 40 minutes.

1944-04-28

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft were
completed. In the morning one crew completed a fighter affiliation exercise while another
crew was carrying out an aircraft serviceability test combined with a W/T. test. Other
crews were engaged in the Radar Section. In the afternoon two crews completed a Drougue
firing exercise. One crew carried out a fighter affiliation exercise. One crew carried
out an aircraft test. One crew returned to unit from L.F.S. on completion of Conversion
training. Total day flying amounted to 6 hours 50 minutes.

1944-04-29

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed.
During the morning one crew completed a Seamarker firing exercise while another crew
were engaged on an S.B.A. exercise. A further crew completed a fighter affiliation exercise.
Other crews were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon one crew completed an
aircraft serviceability test combining it with a W/T. test. One crew were engaged over
the Bombing Range in practice bombing. At night one crew completed a cross country flight.
Total day flying amounted to 5 hours 50 minutes. Night flying amounted to 4 hours 35 minutes.

1944-04-30

FALDINGWORTH.

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of the aircraft were completed.
This was done after the usual sunday church parade. In the morning two crews were
engaged on an S.B.A. Exercise. Other crews were training in their sections. In the afternoon
two crews engaged on levelling of Bomb-sights. One crew was briefed for a night
cross country which was completed. Total day flying amounted 5 hours 30 minutes, Total
night flying amounted to 4 hours 45 minutes.

Pożyczka w/c
Wing Commander, Commanding
No. 300 (Polish) Squadron.