Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1940-07-26

Bramcote, Warwickshire.

No 301 (Polish) Squadron was formed at Bramcote, near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on 22nd July, 1940, under authority of Air Ministry signal 0977 – 17.7.40. The establishment is given in Air Ministry establishment No. War BC/142 – 8.6.40. The flying equipment of the Unit is sixteen aircraft (Battle I.E.). The manning principle is to complete the establishment with Polish personnel but to support them with a limited number of British officers and airmen to work in a supervisory capacity. Appendix “A” is a list of British personnel which it has been agreed will be required to adequately supervise the work of the Polish personnel until they have adapted themselves fully to the British organisation etc., The aim is ultimately to release all British personnel from the Squadron. The following officers arrived at the Squadron on the dates indicated.

1940-07-19

Wing Commander Rutkowski – as Polish C.O.
“ Squadron Leader Floryanowicz – Flying.

1940-07-21

Flight Lieutenant Brejnak – as O.C. “A” Flight.
“ Flying Officer Fengler – as Navigation Officer.

1940-07-23

Flying Officer Zajacskowski – as Armament Officer.
“ Pilot Officer Liniewski – as Polish Adjutant.

1940-07-26

Squadron Leader Skinner C.G. – as British C.O.
“ Flight Lieutenant Torrens D.C. – Flying.
“ Flying Officer Dodson P.E. – as British Adjutant.

Four Battle aircraft on the 23rd and another four on the 24th allotted to the Squadron from Maintenance Units were delivered by ferrying pilots from R.A.F. Station, Shawbury. On the 25th, three aircraft from the Squadron visited Benson to report to Air Commodore Mc. N. Foster.
Co-operation flying practice – three crews.

1940-07-28

Local flying – two aircraft, seven crews. One Anson aircraft allotted to Squadron.

1940-07-29

Local day and night flying – six aircraft used, no crews.

1940-07-30

Flight Lieutenant Piotrowski, as O.C. “B” Flight and two other Polish officers (flying) reported from R.A.F. Station, Hucknall.

1940-07-31

High dive bombing practice at Otmoor Range. Local day and night flying – seven aircraft used. One Battle Trainer allotted to the Squadron. One aircraft was damaged during the night flying while landing.
Note –: At present there are 8 Battles, 1 Battle Trainer and 1 Anson aircraft in the Squadron. There are 10 Commissioned pilots and 7 non-commissioned pilots together with 8 Wireless Operators / Air Gunners. Polish officers have been detailed for such Squadron duties as Parachute Officer, Navigation, Armament, Engineering, Watch Office and Link Trainer.

Liniewski P/O.