Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1944-05-01

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed. During the morning one crew practised circuits and landings. Other crews were engaged in their sections, mostly being engaged in Dinghy drill and airmanship. In the afternoon two crews took off. One crew were engaged on Sea Merker Firing while the other crew were carrying out a cross country flight. Flight Lieutenant Z. Roter was posted to No. 1481 B & G Flight Ingham. Flight Sergeant Wreba – Jaworski was commissioned in the P.A.F. with the rank of Pilot Officer with effect from 5th, April 1944. Operational Training Flying amounted to 8 hours.

1944-05-02

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning two crews took off. One crew being engaged in Sea Marker Firing, the other in Drougue firing. One crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test. Other crews were instructed by their Leaders. In the afternoon two crews were engaged in practise firing while another crew were carrying out an aircraft test. Operational Training flying for the day amounted to 5 hours 25 minutes.

1944-05-03

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

In the morning a Church Parade was held on the occasion of Poland’s National Day. After the parade the daily inspections of aircraft were completed. The crews attended a lecture given by the Nawigation Officer. In the afternoon one crew carried out local flying while two other crews were engaged on a Fighter Affiliation Exercise. Total operational training flying amounted to 2 hours 10 minutes. In order to celebrate Poland’s National Day, a concert was held in the Station Institute in the evening. This was attended by a large audience. After the concert parties were held in the Officer’s and Sergeant’s Mess. The concert and the parties were attended by all flying crews, including those who are under training at Blyton and Hemswell.

1944-05-04

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning two crews were engaged on circuits and landings. Two other crew carried out S.B.A. Exercise while a further two crews were engaged on Sea Marker Firing. In the afternoon the weather was not at all good for flying. The crews were training in their sections. Operational training flying amounted to 8 hours 10 minutes. One crew was posted to No. 11 Base for Conversion.

1944-05-05

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning two crews were engaged on Drougue Firing while another crew were engaged on Sea Marker Firing Other crews were instructed by their Leaders in their Sections. In the afternoon the crews were engaged in their sections and were doing drills. Total operational training flying amounted to 2 hours 45 minutes. One crew was posted to Finningley.

1944-05-06

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning two crews were engaged on Drougue Firing while two others were engaged on S.B.E. Exercises. In the afternoon four crews was completed cross country flying. Two crews were engaged of Fighter Affiliation. At night one crew carried out a cross country flight. One crew returned to station after completing conversion at Hemswell. Flying Officer B. Szynkarek posted to Hornchurch. Operational training flying amounted to 26 hours 40 minutes. Night flying amounted 4 hours 45 minutes.

1944-05-07

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed, after morning Church Parade. During the day three crew practised bombing while another crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test. One crew were engaged to bombsight levelling. Two crews were engaged on Fighter Affiliation. At night five crew carried out cross country flying. Other members of crews were engaged in their sections during the day. Total day flying amounted to 7 hours 35 minutes. Night flying amounted to 18 hours 20 minutes.

1944-05-08

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning one crew carried out an S.B.A. and Map Reading exercise. One crew carried out an air to air firing exercise. One further crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test. In the afternoon one crew carried out aircraft serviceability test whil another crew were engaged on fighter affiliation. At night four crews carried out cross country flying. Other aircrew personnel were engaged in their sections. Total day flying amounted to 4 hours 40 minutes. Night flying amounted to 10 hours 10 minutes.

1944-05-09

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. From 09.30 hours to 10.00 hours there was was a gas exercise on the station. After this, one crew were engaged on drougue firing. One crew carried out loop swinging Wireless Operators were given a lecture on W/T. Procedure. In the afternoon four crew attended a lecture given by the Intelligence Office, Squadron Leader Rogalski. One crew were carrying out a bombsight test. Four Pilots operated with crews from Wickenby. The target being Artillery positions near Le Havre. All returned. Training flying for the day amounted to 2 hours 20 minutes. Flight Lieutenant J. Szczerbaniewicz was posted to Polish Air Force Depot, Blackpool.

1944-05-10

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

At 08.30 hours all Polish personnel paraded before Polish Commanding Officer. Afterwards Morning Working Parades were carried out and Daily Inspections of Aircraft were completed. In the morning 4 navigators and all wireless operators were given a lecture by the Radar Officer. After this wireless operators were lectured by the Signals Leader. Three aircraft were flown for serviceability tests. Six crews were allotted for night operations. In the afternoon all crews allotted for operations carried out inspections and tests of their aircraft. One crew was engaged on dinghy drill. Crews were briefed at 18.00 hours, the target being gun positions near Dieppe in occupied France. All aircraft took off and there were no outstanding incidents to report. All the aircraft returned safely. Operational night flying amounted to 19 hours 35 minutes. Total day training flying amounted to 1 hour 35 minutes.

1944-05-11

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft completed. In the morning one crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test while two other crews were engaged on fighter affiliation. Eight crews were allotted for operations. The target was “HASSELT” In the afternoon the crews allotted for the operation tested their aircraft. Crews were briefed at 18.00 hours. All the aircraft took off and returned to base safely. The target was bombed and crews reported little opposition from flak or fighters. One aircraft captained by Flying Officer Adler attacked Louvain, the aircraft being to late to attack the primary. The general remarks of the crews were that the Pathfinder Force were late and the marking was not up to the usual standard. Total operational flying amounted to 26 hours 10 minutes. Day flying, training amounted to 2 hours 25 minutes. Flying Officer Zaremba was detached to Blackpool for Air Sea Rescue Course. Flight Lieutenant B. Wlodarczyk was posted to Polish Air FORCE Depot, Blackpool. One crew returned to station after training at Hemswell.

1944-05-12

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft were completed. The crews which took part in the previous night operation were rested. No flying was carried out during the day. In the afternoon crews were engaged in their sections. One crew returned to station after training at Hemswell.

1944-05-13

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft completed. Three crews carried out air to sea marker firing One crew carried out a “GEE” Exercise. Four crews were allotted for night operations. In the afternoon the crews detailed for the nights work tested their aircraft while a further crew carried out air to sea marker firing Later in the day the night operation was cancelled. Total day training flying amounted to 4 hours 45 minutes.

1944-05-14

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning Church Parade was carried out. The daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning two crews were engaged on a Drougue firing exercise while a further two crews were engaged on fighter affiliation. Other crews were engaged in their sections. Six crews were allotted for operations. In the afternoon the crews allotted for the nights work tested their aircraft. Briefing was ordered for 21.00 hours. A special target. Later the nights work was cancelled. Later at night two crews carried out a fighter affiliation exercise. Total day training amounted to 4 hours 20 minutes. Night flying amounted to 1 hour 50 minutes.

1944-05-15

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft were completed. One crew carried out an S.B.A. Exercise. One crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test. Other crews were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon one crew carried out an S.B.A. Exercise. A further crew carried out a Bombing practice while a third crew carried out a cross country flight. Total day training amounted to 8 hours 15 minutes.

1944-05-16

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft were completed. Weather being bad no flying was undertaken. In the morning all flying personnel attended a lecture given by the Radar Officer, the Met Officer and the Flying Control Officer. Wireless Operators were lectured by the Signald Leader. In the afternoon crews attended a lecture given by the Station Intelligence Officer Squadron Leader Rogalski. The main topic was on Methods of interrogation of prisoners of war in Germany.

1944-05-17

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft were completed. Seven crews were engaged on Air to Sea marker firing. Two crews were detailed for fighter affiliation, but this was not carried out owing to low cloud base. In the afternoon two crews were engaged on air to sea marker firing while two other crews carried out bombing practice, at low level. One crew carried out a fighter affiliation exercise. No night flying was undertaken due to poor weather conditions. Total day training flying amounted to 13 hours 45 minutes.

1944-05-18

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning one crew were engaged on Drougue firing. Three crews were allotted for Fighter affiliation but this could not be carried out due to poor weather conditions. A new aircraft “M” was received by the Squadron from Ludford Magna. One crew were engaged on dinghy drill. There was no flying during the afternoon. All flying attended Station Sick Quarters for a blood test. Total day training flying amounted to 1 hours, 35 minutes.

1944-05-19

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and the daily inspections of aircraft completed. In the morning three crews completed fighter affiliation exercises. One crew were engaged on a drougue firing exercise, while two other crews carried out a camera exercise. Six crews were allotted for operations. On crew for a Com and Bullseye Exercise and another crew for high level bombing practice. In the afternoon all the crews allotted for the nights work carried out a test of their aircraft. One crew were engaged on levelling of bombsights. Briefing was carried out commencing at 18.00 hours. The target was “Marschalling Yards at ORLEANS”. The weather was not very good over base. Cloud base about 1,500 feet – on return possibility of diversion. Crews were ordered to listen for Master Bomber. The Base Commander, Air Commodore Bluck was present at the briefing. He congratulated the Squadron on the excelent results obtained during previous operations. He also mentioned that the Squadron is going to be fitted with more secret and outstanding equipment. The Base Commander wished all the crews a good trip. Briefing for the Bullseye was carried out at 18.30 hours. The take off being 22.07 hours returning at 00.40 hours. Crews reported no searchlights and no fighters during the exercise. Crews took off on operations at 22.18 hours. All the aircraft were airborne very quickly. During the take off the cloud base was 1,500 feet. 10/10 Cloud with slight rain. Visibility 3 miles. Cloud was breaking southwards and over the target crews reported broken cloud 2 – 3/10 at 5,000 feet, with visibility moderate to good with a slight haze. Five of the aircraft detailed bombed the target. Aircraft “O” for Orange returned without completing his task due to a failure in the Navigational Instruments. Over France three aircraft reported enemy fighters in the vicinity of Paris. All crews which bombed reported orange explosions and also that the Master Bomber was very pleased with concentration of “T.I.” Markers and the results of the bombing All aircraft returned to base safely. Results were plotted as Follows: - “L” 600 yards from aiming point. “P” Aiming Point. “N” 650 yards from aiming point,. “B” 750 yards from aiming point. “D” 1200 yards from aiming point. All aircraft brought back very good and clear photographs. Bombing practice for the night was cancelled due to low cloud base. Total operational flying amounted to 30 hours 50 minutes. Bulls Eye exercise lasted 2 hours 35 minutes.

1944-05-20

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning Working Parades were carried out and daily inspection of aircraft completed. Crews which had been operating the previous night were rested for the morning. One crew was engaged on Dinghy Drill while other crews were lectured in their respective Sections. In the afternoon Wireless Ops. inspected their equipment while A/G’s cleaned and inspected their guns. No flying was carried out during the day or night.

1944-05-21

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning Working Parades were carried out and Daily Inspection of aircraft completed. No flying was undertaken during the morning, crews were engaged on lectures in their sections. Eight crews were allotted for Operations. In the afternoon the crews allotted for Operations ground tested their aircraft. One crew was engaged on air/sea marker firing while another crew carried out a Drogue firing exercise. Briefing for Operations was at 19.30 hours. The target being DUISBURG. Crews were briefed to bomb from a height of 21/13,000 ft on the T.I. Markers. All the aircraft detailed took-off and bombed the target. Ten Tenths cloud was encountered on the whole route. All crews bombed Release Point flares as ground T.I. Markers could not be seen due to cloud. Heavy flak slight to moderate was encountered, and strong fighter opposition. Photographs show only cloud with fire below no ground detailed at all being visible One crew was engaged on a Night Cross Country flight. Total operational flying hours amounted to 35.10. Training Flying hours day = 2.05. Night Training amounted to 3.35 hrs.

1944-05-22

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning Working Parades were carried out and Daily Inspection of aircraft were completed. During the morning one crew were engaged on levelling bombsights. Operations were ordered and eight crews were allotted. In the afternoon the crews allotted for operations Ground Tested their aircraft; two crews carried out a Cross Country flight. Briefing was carried out at 19.15 hrs the target being DORTMUND. This town is one of the chief centres in Germany of heavy industry. The town’s geographical position at the eastern extremety of the Rhur and at the terminus of the Dortmund. Ems Canal makes it one of the busiest commercial centres in Germany. Crews were briefed to bomb Ground T.I. markers if the visibility was good, if cloudy, Release Point Flares. All aircraft took off five of which reached and bombed the target. Aircraft “D” captained by F/S POLUDNAIAK returned early as the Bomb Aimer became ill. Aircraft B returned at 01.17 hrs. This aircraft prior to crossing the enemy coast had trouble with the oil pressure in the Port engine. The pilot was compelled to feather the prop. and stop the engine. Part of the bomb load was jettisoned in the sea. While approaching to land with Flaps fully lowered the Port Inner engine failed causing the aircraft to bank to the left at an angle of approximately 90 deg. On losing height rapidly the aircraft hit the building of the Schooting Range and crashed in flames resulting in total wreckage. F/S BYCHOWSKI, Nav; SGT RYBINSKI, F/E; and SGT LESZKOWICZ WO/AIR were killed while the other occupants of the aircraft. F/S NALEPA Pilot; F/S NIERUCHALSKI 2nd Pilot; F/S MROCZYKOWSKI A/B; F/S GOLEC A/G and F/S NOWAK A/G suffered injuries and were immediately admitted to Lincoln Military Hospital. Aircraft J captained by F/O ADLER failed to return from the Operation; the crew of this aircraft consisted of: - F/O ADLER - Pilot; SGT KOZANECKI – F/E; SGT CHABROWSKI A/B; F/O BERGNER – Nav; SGT JANKOWIAK – WO/AIR; SGT WINKIEL – A.G.; & SGT NAWRATIL – A/G . Three aircraft reported sightings of enemy fighters. Aircraft P sighted an ME109, L and ME109 and N an FW190. Aircraft N was held in a cone of searchlights for ten to fifteen minutes. Five aircraft reached the target bombed the Ground T.I Markers. Heavy flak was moderate and mainly in barrage form, some was predicted at selected targets. About 300 searchlights were in action. The visibility was good. All crews reported very large fires which could be seen up to 80 to 100 miles on the return journey. Patch. P.F. very accurate. Operational night flying amounted to 27 hours 20 minutes. Day training amounted to 8 hours 55 minutes.

1944-05-23

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed. During the morning one crew carried out an S.B.A. Exercise. In the afternoon the Wireless Operators were given a lecture on secret equipment. All the other aircrew personnel were engaged in their sections. At night two crews carried out a cross country flight. Total day training amounted to 50 minutes. Night flying amounted to 9 hours and 5 minutes.

1944-05-24

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed. During the morning the Wireless Operatore were engaged in the Radar Section. One crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test while another crew carried out a fighter affiliation exercise: One crew carried out Drougue firing. Other aircrew were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon two crews completed a Bombing practise at 10,000 feet. One crew carried out a fighter affiliation exercise while another crew carried through a Drougue firing exercise. Wireless Operators were engaged in the Radar Section. At night one crew carried out a bombing exercise from 10,000 feet. Total day flying amounted to 6 hours 15 minutes. Night flying amounted to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

1944-05-25

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

At 08.30 hours Funerall Mass was held for members of aircraft who lost their lives on the morning of 23rd, May 1944. At 09.00 The cortege was conveyed to Newark Cemetery. Officers, Senior N.C.O.s and airmen of the Squadron attended the cemetery. Fight Sergeant BYCHOWSKI, Sergeant RYBINSKI and Sergeant LESZKOWICZ were buried. The burial service was performed by the Polish Padre, Squadron Leader F. KACKI. All other members of aircrew who were not at the Cemetery were engaged in their sections. In the afternoon the aircrew personnel were lectured in their respective sections. In the afternoon the aircrew personnel were lectured in their respective sections. No flying was undertaken during the day or night.

1944-05-26

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft completed. One aircraft carries out a fighter affiliation exercise. A second aircraft carried out low level bombing while a third aircraft carried out aircraft serviceability test. In the afternoon three crews carried out wet dinghy drill at Grimsby. During the night two aircraft carried out fighter affiliation while two aircraft carried out high level bombing. Total training during day amounted to 2 hours 50 minutes. Night flying amounted to 5 hours and 45 minutes.

1944-05-27

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. One crew carried out a Drougue firing exercise. One crew carried out fighter affiliation exercise while a third crew carried out an aircraft serviceability test. All other aircrew personnel attended a lecture on secret equipment which was accompnaied by a film. Six crews were allotted for nights operations. All crews in the afternoon who were allotted fro the nights work ground tested their aircraft. One crew was allotted for night high level bombing. Briefing for operations was carried out at 20.30 hours. The target being “AACHEN” Crews were briefed to bomb Ground T.I. Markers if good visibility. If poor, Release Point Flares. All aircraft took off at the allotted time. Five of the aircraft reached and bombed the target with good results. The bombing was very concentrated. Special tactics were employed by the Command. The aircraft climbed to 20,000 feet and whilst descending released their bombs at 10,000 feet. The flak encountered was fairly heavy over the target area. Few searchlights were in action. What were in use seemed to be used to guide night fighters. The enemy tried to impede the attack by dropping their T.I. Markers. The Bombers were followed to within 30 miles of the English Coast on the return journey. One aircraft failed to return to base. Nothing being haard of it after take off. The crew comprised Flight Sergeant J. KOZILOEK – Pilot; Flying Officer W. OSIKA – Pilot; Flying Officer W. TAPP – Navigator; Pilot Officer W. SZYMANSKI – Wireless Operator / Air; Sergeant M. MYSOR – Flight Engineer; Sergeant B. JANKOWSKI – Air Bomber; Flight Sergeant L. MACIEJEWSKI – Air Gunner and Sergeant J. DUCHACZEK - Air Gunner. Total day flying amounted to 2 hours 30 minutes. Operational Night Flying amounted to 20 hours 30 minutes. Total night flying (Training) 2 hours 15 minutes.

1944-05-28

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. Crews which were engaged on the previous night’s operations had the forenoon off. No flying was carried out during the day.

1944-05-29

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. The weather was very poor in the morning. Crews were given a lecture on the use of certain Radar Equipment. Later the weather improved and it was possible to carry out some flying. Two aircraft carried out “MONICA” Test. Two aircraft carried out a fighter affiliation exercise While a further two crews carried out high level (10,000 feet) bombing. One aircraft completed a serviceability test combined with Bombsight levelling. One crew were engaged on Drougue Firing. Night flying as ordered but this was later cancelled. Total day training flying amounted to 9 hours 55 minutes.

1944-05-30

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. The weather in the morning was not good, and the crews were given a lecture on the “Airborne Lifeboat”. Later a lecture was given by Second Lieutenant NOWAK to all the Polish Personnel. The Underground Movement in Poland was the subject. The life of our people in Poland under the Germans was fully explained to us. It is obvious that the cruelty metted out by the Germans in Poland is beyond all imagination. The lecturer talked about what means were taken by the Polish people to make life easier throughtheir underground movement. This Officer is a Delegate of the Polish Underground Movement. In the afternoon one aircraft carried out a Drougue firing exercise. One crew carried out a fighter affiliation exercise. One crew were engaged on bombsight levelling combined with sea marker firing. Two crews carried out aircraft serviceability test and local flying. No night flying was carried out. Total operational training amounted to 4 hours.

1944-05-31

Royal Air Force Station FALDINGWORTH

Morning working parades were carried out and daily inspections of aircraft were completed. In the morning crews were engaged in their respective sections. During the day two crew carried out Drougue firing, two aircraft carried out High Level bombing practice from 10,000 feet. Three aircraft carried out Monica Tests, with fighter and another Lancaster Aircraft. On crew carried out a fighter affiliation exercise. Two crews completed aircraft serviceability tests. Total day training flying amounted to 13 hours 5 minutes.

MONTHLY TOTALS OF OPERATIONAL AND NON-OPERATIONAL FLYING HOURS

Operational flying hours for the month amounted to: - 157 hours 20 minutes.
Non-Operational hours (DAY) amounted to: - 148 hours.
Non Operational Hours (NIGHT) amounted to: - 60 hours 30 minutes.

Operations were carried out during the month of six nights. A total of 42 Aircraft being employed. One aircraft was lost on the night of 22nd /23rd, May 1944. One aircraft was lost on the night of 27th /28th, May 1944. During the month one aircraft abandoned task owing to failure of Port Outer Engine and over Base the Port Inner Engine failed and the aircraft crashed causing the death of three members of the crew. Five were injured and conveyed to Hospital. One aircraft abandoned task owing to failure on the part of Navigator. One aircraft abandoned task owing to Air Bomber taking ill.

No enemy aircraft were destroyed or claimed as probables during the month.

Bombs in Tonnage amounted to 219 Tons – Made up of the following: - 16 x 4,000 lb. H.C.
221 X 1,000 lb. M.C. 48 x 1,000 lb. U.S.A.G.P., 98 x 500 lb. M.C. 9450 x 41 lb. Incendiaries. 2385 x 30 lb. Incendiaries.

[Illegible[
Wing Commander, Commanding,
No. 300 (Polish) Squadron.