Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-04-01

HEMSWELL

W/C. W.F. Piotrowski proceeded on leave prior to posting and S/L S. Krzystyniak took over Command of the Squadron while F/O T. Pozyczka filled his place as “A” Flight Commander. There were aircraft and high tests and flying training included one engine flying, Lorenz landings and take-off practices with full bomb loads. The weather deteriorated towards nightfall and night flying had to be abandoned.

1942-04-02

HEMSWELL

Weather improved considerably and a-part from the usual aircraft and height tests there was instrument flying, Lorenz landings, cross countries, and more full bomb load take-off practices. While on the ground, air gunners were lectured on recognition of enemy aircraft. Link Trainer for pilots, and at night one aircraft took part in co-operation flights with night fighters.

1942-04-03

HEMSWELL

Operations were ordered against STUTTGART but these were cancelled at 18.00 hours. Normal flying training with a second lecture for air gunners on enemy aircraft recognition while they also had tests on judging distances. W/T/ Operators heard all about “Wireless Organisation” from a lecture while there was the usual link trainer practice for pilots. At night five pilots practiced circuits and landings.

1942-04-04

HEMSWELL

One aircraft carried a photographic flight, and taking full advantage of the continued fine weather other crews did one engine flying, cross country flights, and practice bombing, together with Lorenz landing practices. On the ground there were more lectures for air gunners on enemy aircraft recognition, and range judging. Air gunners also did some clay pigeon shooting.

1942-04-05

HEMSWELL

An Easter Church service was held, followed by the traditional Polish Dinner in the Airmens Institute attended by all officers and men of the Squadron. Afterwards preparations were made for the night’s operations by nine aircraft against COLOGNE. Despite a deterioration of the weather over the target and intense heavy and light flak, supported by searchlight concentrations mainly North of the town crews reported that their bombs burst chiefly in the centre of the city and fires were seen. Aircraft “E” landed at GRAVESEND on the return journey. owing to engine trouble. Sgt HUR P. proceeded to MILDENHALL for a Beam Approach course.

1942-04-06

HEMSWELL

Announced that Sgts. R. SOBINSKI and Z. SZAL appointed to Polish Air Force commissioned rank w.e.f. 1.4.42. Normal flying training with link trainer for pilots, and lectures for new crews on their operational duties. A serve electrical storm over the Channel interfered with the wireless communications of the eight aircraft which set out to raid ESSEN, and this was the subject of a congratulatory message from the A.O.C. on the fact that despite this the majority succeeded in reaching the target. All five crews which did get there reported seven to 10/10 cloud over the target and bombs were dropped chiefly on E.T.A. One bombed OSTEND and two jettisoned their bombs in the sea. All returned safely. The flak over HAMBURG was described as accurate. Night flying for two pilots.

1942-04-07

HEMSWELL

New crews were in the air all day practising circuits and landings, while there were routine aircraft and height tests with cross country’s and link trainer for pilots. Ground personnel were on the 25 yards shooting range, and fourteen N.C.O’s were detailed for a fourteen days Station Defence Course. One crew carried out a cross country at night.

1942-04-08

HEMSWELL

HAMBURG was again the target for nine aircraft. Of these six got through while two bombed EMDEN and one WILHELMSHAVEN. The recent heavy cloud experienced over the Continent continued and there was 10/10 cloud over the target which lead to bombing being done on E.T.A. Results were difficult to observe but despite this the glow of fires were seen on the cloud. Moderate to heavy flak in barrage form was thrown up, but searchlights were in-effective because of the cloudy condition. Many officers and sergeants were awarded Polish decorations, and these were promulgated in Polish Orders. New pilots did circuits and landings and other training included air firing over the sea cross country’s and Lorenz landings with the usual link trainer for pilots, and lectures for W/T Operators on the working of their sets.

1942-04-09

HEMSWELL

This was a quiet day and the only thing of note was the continued circuit and landing practices by new pilots together with map reading.

1942-04-10

HEMSWELL

The A.O.C. watched nine aircraft leave for ESSEN and afterwards expressed his gratification to the Squadron Commander on the punctuality of the take-off. Aircraft “L” failed to return and the following members of the crew are missing. Captain P/O J. Wasilewski, 2nd Pilot, F/O E. Burszewski. Observer, S/L K. Przykorski. W/T. Op. Sgt. S. Mucha. F/G. Sgt. M. Zawodny. R/G. L. Blach. (Sgt). Although there was 5 – 10/10 cloud over the target and results were difficult to observe bursts and enormous fires were seen. Searchlights co-operated with intense flak and two of our machines were damaged while over HAMBURG. All the remainder returned safely. There was night flying for one crew while during the day aircraft W/T and Lorenz tests were carried out with link trainer for pilots and a lecture for air gunners on defence against the night fighter.

1942-04-11

HEMSWELL

F/O M. BRZOZOWSKI took over command of “B” Flight vice S/L K PRZYKORSKI reported missing yesterday. Five aircraft were detailed for ESSEN but these were cancelled at 17.30 hours. The weather remained fine and there were height tests, cross country’s and one engine flying while Syko exercises were also carried out.

1942-04-12

HEMSWELL

A new route to ESSEN was followed by the eight aircraft detailed and little or no flak opposition was encountered. However, over the target it was intense and accurate with searchlight co-operation with the result that aircraft “T” had it’s tanks holed and force landed two miles from HORSHAM ST. FAITH on the return journey through petrol shortage. The crew escaped without serious injury, although F/O Z. STAERZ the Observer, Sgt. J. PIASECKI, the W/T. Operator, and Sgt. L. LASOCKI R/G were treated in hospital for abrasions etc. The last named sustaining a badly sprained ankle. All the remaining aircraft returned safely and although visibility over the target was poor due to ground haze many fires were seen in the town. During the day, the usual Sunday Church service was held, followed by flying training, particularly for new pilots.

1942-04-13

HEMSWELL

A comparitivly quiet day, with new pilots continuing their various practices while other crews carried out air firing, and on the ground air gunners did cockpit drill and were also on the 25 yards range.

1942-04-14

HEMSWELL

After a day in which local flying including circuits and landings predominated and ground personnel practiced on the shooting range, seven aircraft took off in fine weather for DORTMUND. One, letter “J” failed to return, the following members of the crew, P/O M. RZEMYK, Captain, F/O S. REYMAN, 2nd Pilot, F/O Z. ZAMOYSKI, Observer, Sgt. J. TRUSZKOWSKI, W/T/ Op. Sgt. E. WOJAN, and Sgt. S. NIEWIADOMSKI, Gunners, were reported as missing. Of the remainder, aircraft “I” Captained by the Squadron Commander, W/C S. KRZYSTYNIAK crashed near BARDNEY, LINCS, due to petrol shortage, following holed tanks and the two gunners, Sgts. L. ABAKANOWICZ, and C. HARMUSZKIEWICZ, were taken to Lincoln County Hospital suffering from concussion and burns respectively. Visibility over the target was reported as poor due to ground haze, but fires were seen raging in the target area. Flak was described as intense. Night flying for two pilots.

1942-04-15

HEMSWELL

S/L S. KRZYSTYNIAK officially took over Command of the Squadron vice W/C/ W.J. PIOTROWSKI, posted the A.O.C. approved the promotion to A/W/C/ of S/L KRZYSTYNIAK w.e.f today. There was the usual aircraft and height tests with link trainer for pilots and lectures on the Lorenz equipment for W/T. Operators and pilots. DORTMUND was again the target for five aircraft. This was a disappointing effort because due to various technical troubles only two reached DORTMUND and there found 8 – 10/10 cloud, which made identification of the aiming point impossible and bombing was done on E.T.A. No results were observed. Heavy flak was encountered but searchlights were ineffective in the cloud. During night flying, one crew co-operated with night fighters.

1942-04-16

HEMSWELL

A description of the Lorenz set was given to W/T. Operators and other activities today included practice bombing, aircraft tests, and cross country flights, while pilots had link trainer and air gunners practice shooting on the 25 yards range, and with clay pigeons.

1942-04-17

HEMSWELL

All aircrew personnel were given a demonstration on how to remove a wounded air gunner from his turret. Local flying was the main feature of the days training, while pilots again practiced on the link trainer. There were no untoward incidents to report when seven aircraft raided HAMBURG and all returned safely. The defences over the German seaport were as active as ever and it was believed that night fighters were seen, but no contact was made. A searchlights concentration between BREMAN and HAMBURG was noted. At night four pilots practiced circuits and landings.

1942-04-18

HEMSWELL

F/O. S. HALLAS Squadron Navigation Officer, promoted to the acting of F/L w.e.f. 7.4.42. to take over the duties of Squadron Bombing Leader from F/L. S. STAROWICZ, posted. Height tests included a check of fuel consumption and there was also practice bombing, air firing, and one engine flying.

1942-04-19

HEMSWELL

News was received from the International Red Cross that the following officers and airmen reported missing on 27.3.42. had been killed over enemy territory. P/O. W. JAROSZYK. F/O. Z. RETUR. F/O C. KOWAL P/O C. GRYCZ, F/O. W. JANKOWIAK, F/Sgt. F. PORADA. Sgt. E. HORBAJCZUK. Sgt. M. GOLASZEWSKI. Sgt. A. BOCHACZEK and Sgt. J. TOBOLA. Sgt. R. PUKAS was said to have been wounded and taken Prisoner of War. F/O. T. POZYCZKA promoted to the acting rank of F/L. Lectures for air gunners on recognition and defence against the night fighters and link trainer for pilots.

1942-04-20

HEMSWELL

Mist and fog overhung the aerodrome and put flying out of the question. Ground training included the usual link trainer for pilots, and also Aldis lamp signalling practice for air gunners.

1942-04-21

HEMSWELL

The weather improved and the routine aircraft and W/T tests were carried out together with one engine flying, cross country’s and Lorenz flying. More Aldis lamp practice for air gunners and W/T. Operators were lectured on the maintenance and repair of their sets. Link trainer for pilots.

1942-04-22

HEMSWELL

Two freshers detailed to attack LE HAVRE were cancelled at 12.00 hours. No flying owing to rain and low cloud. Lectures of defence against the night fighter for air gunners and the usual link trainer for pilots.

1942-04-23

HEMSWELL

Keen disappointment was felt when owing to the shortage of overload tanks only four aircraft were able to take off for the first of four consecutive attacks on the Nazi Baltic Eastern front supply port of ROSTOCK. All returned safely, and reported smoke rising to 8,000 feet over the town. A/A defence was negligable, and some crews put it as low as only 3 guns, with little or no searchlights. Fires were seen to start and were visible from the Danish coast on the return journey. Some of these were thought however, to be dummies. Weather conditions were ideal. After a day’s normal flying training five pilots practiced night flying.

1942-04-24

HEMSWELL

ROSTOCK again, with four crews. All returned safely and hits were claimed on the Heinkel works and the Neptune ship yards. Weather again good, and crews reported a slight increase in the A/A defence, particularly from Flak ships anchored off the port. Three ballons were also seen. Aircraft letter “R” was held in a searchlight come while passing over SYLT on the return journey, but these were doused when the rear gunner let fly a few bursts. Two freshers attacked DUNKIRK and met with little opposition.

1942-04-25

HEMSWELL

Owing to engine trouble, one of the four aircraft again detailed for ROSTOCK did not take off, and of the others one bombed an alternative target. Hits on the Neptune ship yard were again claimed and big fires were seen raging in the town. Weather was again ideal, and there was a definitive increase in the flak opposition. Aircraft “H” obtained two successful photographs. DUNKIRK was again the target for the three freshers who found 6/10 cloud over the port and a slight increase in the flak. During the day local flying training and the usual aircraft tests were carried out and at night three pilots practiced.

1942-04-26

HEMSWELL

Of the four aircraft which went to ROSTOCK, for the fourth time, letter “B” failed to return to base. A message was received at 02.20 hours saying “Engine trouble, petrol shortage, for Sweden” and giving a position of 55.00 N. 12.00 E. A further message at 03.07 hours, from position 55.12.N. 12.30 E. said 6,000 feet, and a third message at 03.30 from position 55.20 N. 12.55 E. said 2,000 feet. As the machine had travelled 75 miles in an hour it is presumed to have been flying on one engine. The following were the crew. F/O. C. NOWACKI, Captain, F/O. W BOHUSZEWICZ, 2nd Pilot. F/O. B. BUDNIK. Observer, Sgt. Z. TACZALSKI. W/T/Op. Sgt. K. GRABOWSKI. F/G. Sgt. B. BESTECKI. R/G. The other crews reported good weather over ROSTOCK and flak very heavy. Four big fires and one big explosion were seen in the town. The one fresher which went to DUNKIRK reported a successful attack, in good visibility. Flak co-operated with searchlights and night fighters. There was the usual Sunday service followed by flying and ground training.

1942-04-27

HEMSWELL

Information was received from No 1 Group that the a Swedish broadcast had been picked up giving the news that a British machine had crossing the Swedish coast at 03.00 hours, and after being fired at by coast defence had made a landing at YSTAD and that the crew had been interned after setting fire to their aircraft. This is presumed to be F/O NOWACKI, and his crews.
F/O. C. LEWICKI proceeded to MILDENHALL for a Blind Approach course. Operations by four aircraft against COLOGNE and DUNKIRK was again the target for a fresher crew. Bursts were seen in the main part of COLOGNE where visibility was good while at DUNKIRK hits were claimed on the docks. Aircraft ‘A” encountered an enemy night fighter near GHENT at 23.45 hours at 18,000feet and combat took place. Both machines fired and hits were made on the starboard elevator of our machine. The rear gunner replied with about 800 rounds and saw strikes on the e/a, believed to be a Junkers 88 which was last seen diving steeply away and is claimed as damaged. On return to base “A” had to land without flaps and in making a sudden turn to avoid overrunning the drome the port u/c collapsed due to shot through hydraulics and the port wing was damaged.

1942-04-28

HEMSWELL

Aircraft and W/T tests with cross country flights and air firing. On the ground there was clay pigeon shooting, and a lecture for Air gunners on recognition of enemy aircraft with the usual Link Trainer for pilots. At night one crew carried out a cross-country and six pilots practised circuits and landings.

1942-04-29

HEMSWELL

Lecture for all crews on combating the enemy night fighters while new crews were taken over their operational duties. There was one engine flying, height tests, cross-countries and Syko exercises. Night flying for two pilots doing circuits and landings and one crew on a cross-country.

1942-04-30

HEMSWELL

Information was received that Cpl. J. GAJOSINSKI, a Flight Mechanic, had died in Rauceby Hospital following an operation. Operations were ordered against HAMBURG with 7 aircraft but these were cancelled at 22.05 hours. During the day they was normal flying training and Link Trainer for pilots while air gunners practised turret shooting on the 25 yds range. Ground personnel continued their defence training.

MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.

IN.
F/O. Z. ZAMOYSKI, obs. SGT. K. CZLAPKA, W/O-AG., SGT. W. BRZEZINSKI, WO/AG., F/O. KOZAK, J. Pilot., SGT. J. WOJTOWICZ, Pilot., F/O. I SUSKIEWICZ, Obs., SGT. K. SZULC. WO/AG., SGT. A. MADEJOWSKI, A.G., SGT. A. FENGER, A.G., SGT. J. STEPHANI, Pilot., F/O. PRASHILL. S. Pilot., F/O. KIWACZ, R., Obs., P/O. J. HALASTRA, A.G., SGT. J. ZALEWSKI, WO/AG., SGT. W. ZELIGOWSKI, A.G., F/O. F. WITAKOWSKI, Pilot., F/O. F. LUKASIK, Obs., P/O. BOHUSZEWICZ, W, Pilot., P/O A. KULAKOWSKI. A.G., SGT. S. LEWKOWICZ, Pilot., SGT. J. DANIK. A.G., SGT. Z. NOGAJ, WO/AG., P/O. M. KOWALOWKA, Pilot., SGT. M. SAPEHA, WO/AG., SGT. T. SZYKOWNY, A.G., F/O. Z. DUBAS, Pilot., SGT. J. KAPA. WO/AG., SGT. J. MELLER, A.G., P/O. M. STACHIEWICZ, Pilot., SGT. P. KOSIN, WO/AG., SGT. P. STRAUB, A.G., F/O. S. POWIERZA, Obs., W/O. J. PODGORZAK, A.G., F/O. W. MICHALIK, Obs., P/O. M. CYWINSKI, A.G., F/O. R. CHMIEL, Obs., P/O. R. LIPCZYNSKI, A.G., P/O. H. BOCK, Pilot., SGT. J. PAWLAK, WO/AG., SGT. M. BARTECZKO, A.G., F/O. W. LIPOWCZAN, Obs., P/O. Z. GLOWACKI, A.G., F/O. P. KESKA, Armt., P/O. T. PAPIS, Techn., P/O. H.A. MADDOCKS, Ad.

OUT.
SGT. M. KOC, A.G., F/O. S. STAROWICZ, Obs., S/LDR. W.J. PIOTROWSKI, Pilot, F/L. N.R.BRIAN, Ad., F/O. Z. KESICKI, Armt., F/O. S. MIODUCHOWSKI, Pilot., SGT. K. MELCHERT, WO/AG., SGT. T. KUBIAK, Pilot., SGT. K. SZTURC, A.G.

F/O. N. KRUPOWICZ, Techn. ceased detachment and F/O. H. SLIWINSKI, Attached to 18 OUT.

[Illegible] F/Lt,
Adjutant, No. 301 (Polish) Squadron.