Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-05-01

HEMSWELL

Aircraft tests included 5 aircraft carrying out cross-countries, 5 practice circuits & landings for news pilots, local flying, map reading and one engine flying. There was also clay pigeon shooting for air gunners. The weather was fine, with a slight S.E. wind. There were no operations.

1942-05-02

HEMSWELL

The funeral took place at NEWARK of Cpl. GAJOSINSKI, attended by a party of one officer and twelve airmen. There was air firing with T.T. flight; 3 cross country flights, and local flying with map reading, while two aircraft made Lorenz landing practices. There was also clay pigeon shooting. Four pilots practiced night flying.

1942-05-03

HEMSWELL

Seven crews were ordered for operations on HAMBURG, and two Freshers on ST. NAZAIRE. One aircraft carried out cross-country day flights, and 3 pilots practiced night circuits and landings. There was a lecture for W/Ops. The usual Sunday service was held, but as it was the National Day of Poland. F/O BROZEK gave a short adress. The operational sorties on HAMBURG were cancelled at 2115 hours, as the Squadron’s aircraft. were not required on this target. W/Cdr S. KRZYSTYNIAK proceeded on leave and F/Lt POZYCZKA took over command of the squadron.

1942-05-04

HEMSWELL

Six aircraft were detailed for operations against STUTTGART. Other activities included one aircraft Lorenz test, one aircraft instrument flying, a lecture for A.G.s on “Tactics: Defence against night fighters”, clay pigeon shooting on a 25 yards range. One aircraft practiced take-off with a bomb load, and there was cock-pit drill for new crews. One day cross-country flight was undertaken.

1942-05-05

HEMSWELL

One aircraft was detailed for operations on NANTES. A lecture was held for W/Ops on the servicing and use of I.F.F. sets. There was one N.F.T.; one aircraft instrument flying; one aircraft Lorenz landing practice; four pilots circuits and landings (night); two night cross-country flights and one day cross country flight. Air gunners also did some clay pigeon shooting on a 25 yards range. Two aircraft practiced co-operation with fighters and there was a cross-country Syko exercise (night)

1942-05-06

HEMSWELL

Stand down. Two observers took astro-sights on the ground. Aircraft tests included bombing practice for 2 new crews; 2 cross-country day flights and 2 cross-country night flights. There was also clay pigeon shooting and practical servicing of wireless and Lorenz sets,

1942-05-07

HEMSWELL

Stand down. Here was a lecture for A.G.s on bombing and practical demonstration on the servicing of wireless sets. Three aircraft underwent the usual tests, one aircraft Lorenze test, and one aircraft single engine flying. One aircraft had an auto-pilot tests and one aircraft underwent circuits and landings. Here was also clay pigeon shooting and the Link Trainer was used for two pilots. Two aircraft did night circuits and landings. The funeral took place at NEWARK of Sgt. KOSMALSKI, whose body was found on the sea shore at THEDDLESHOOPE after being missing with Sgt SOROKA’A crew (lots on operations on MUNSTER on 22/23.1.42.

1942-05-08

HEMSWELL

Five aircraft were detailed for operations on WARNEMUNDG. Aircraft tests: two aircraft carried out firing practice over the sea, and one aircraft carried out practice bombing. There was one aircraft cross-country flight, and cockpit drill and clay pigeon shooting for A.G.s. A lecture on bombs was given to four new crews and the Link Trainer was used. All aircraft returned safely from operations. F/LT HALLAS returned from Bombing Leaders Course.

1942-05-09

HEMSWELL

Stand down. There was Lorenz approach training; height tests for 3 aircraft and W/T tests for 2 aircraft. Five pilots practiced one engine flying. There was also clay pigeon shooting and recognition of E/A. Four pilots carried out night circuits and landings; and there was Aldis lamp training.

1942-05-10

HEMSWELL

Seven planes were detailed for BREMEN and 4 Freshers for VICHY to drop nickels, but these were scrubbed at approximately 1730 hrs. All personnel went to church for the usual Sunday Service. There were two aircraft tests, 1 W/T tests, and 1 aircraft single engine flying. Two cross-country day flights were undertaken and there was also clay pigeon shooting.

1942-05-11

HEMSWELL

Stand down. No training flights were undertaken owing to bad weather. A lecture was given to A.G.s on the recognition of E/A and A.G.s. also had cockpit drill. There was a lecture for all personnel of I.F.F.

1942-05-12

HEMSWELL

Stand down. Four aircraft were tested, and there were 4 W/T tests and 2 aircraft single engine flying. A.G.s underwent cockpit drill. All personnel went to Church to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Marshall PILSUDSKI.

1942-05-13

HEMSWELL

Stand down. Three aircraft were tested, and there was 1 W/T tests and two day cross-countries. One aircraft was height tested, and there was also Lorenz practice and 1 aircraft single-engine flying. A lecture and demonstration on the Browning gun was given to A.G.s. Night flying was cancelled because of the weather.

1942-05-14

HEMSWELL

Six aircraft were detailed for operations on HAMBURG and 4 Freshers on LE HAVRE, but these were cancelled at 1800 hrs on account of the weather. One aircraft was tested, 1 W/T tested. P/T was arranged in the morning for aircrews, who later had a lecture on “Escaping from Occupied Territory”. A lecture for bombardiers was also given.

1942-05-15

HEMSWELL

Operations for 4 Freshers were cancelled at 1730 hrs because of bad weather. Four pilots practiced one-engine flying. Aircraft tested, 4 W/T tested. There were day cross-country flights, and 1 aircraft height tested, 1 pilot instrument flying, and Lorenz practice in aircraft. There was also clay pigeon shooting and gun turret drill on the 25 yards range. A lecture was held for W/Ops; and one pilot carried out circuits and landings.

1942-05-16

HEMSWELL

Operations: four Freshers were detailed for operations on DIEPPE, which were cancelled at about 1800 hrs on account of bad weather. A number of personnel were decorated with Polish Decorations by A.V.M. UJEJSKI. There was 1 aircraft test and also two day cross-countries. There was 400 yards range shooting by A.G.s. News was received that F/O RZEMYK and Sgt WOJAN, who were missing from operations DORTMUND on 14/15.4.42, are prisoner of war. The rest of the crew were killed.

1942-05-17

HEMSWELL

Operations for 4 Freshers were cancelled at 1645 hrs, on account of bad weather. All personnel went to the usual Sunday service. Three aircraft were tested, tow W/T/ tested, and two aircraft bombing practices were held at Lee Marsh Range. Flowmeter consumption tests one one aircraft. A lecture was held for W/Ops.

1942-05-18

HEMSWELL

Operations for 4 Freshers were cancelled at 1900s, on account of bad weather at base. There were 4 aircraft tests, 2 W/T tests, 1 aircraft instrument flying, and 1 aircraft consumption test. Clay pigeon sgooting was also held, and there was a lecture for Bombardiers on “Release setting and bombing gear control. P/O SOBINSKI went on Beam Approach Course.

1942-05-19

HEMSWELL

Eleven aircraft were detailed for operations – 7 for MANNHEIM and 4 for ST. NAZAIRE. Two aircraft were tested, 2 aircraft W/T/ tested, 2 aircraft instrument flying, and 2 aircraft Lorenz approach practice. There was also 1 aircraft consumption tests and 1 day cross-country flight. Clay pigeon shooting was held on the 25 yards range and a lecture was given to Bombardiers on “Bombing procedure before and after release:.

1942-05-20

HEMSWELL

Operations on HAMBURG for 5 aircraft were cancelled at about 2200 hrs on account of weather. There were 1 aircraft test, 1 aircraft W/T test, 1 aircraft consumption test flight and 1 day cross-country flight. A lecture was given to W/Ops. F/O WAYDA went on Navigators course.

1942-05-21

HEMSWELL

Four aircraft were detailed for GARDENING, but operations were cancelled at 1800 hrs. There was: 1 aircraft tests, together with 1 aircraft W/T test 1 aircraft “ZZ” practice, 2 aircraft Lorenz practice, and 1 aircraft consumption tests, in which four pilots were flying in the aircraft. There was also 1 day cross country, a lecture for A.G.s. on “Recognition of E/A”, cockpit drill for A.G.s, a lecture for Bombardiers on “Pyrotechnics launching and dropping of flares and photo flashes”.

1942-05-22

HEMSWELL

Confirmation was received of the promotion to Squadron Leader of F/Lt POZYCZKA & F/Lt BRZOZOWSKI (Flight Commander of A & B Flights respectively) and F/O KOLODZIEJEK to F/Lt and i/c “A” Flight. Four Freshers were ordered, but cancelled at 1700 hrs owing to weather. Two aircraft “gardening” were recalled by Group at 2315 hrs owing to risk of fog at base on return. Three aircraft were tested, 1 aircraft W/T/ tested, 1 aircraft instrument flying. There was shooting on the 25 yards range for A.G.s, who had a lecture on “Recognition of E/A. Two aircraft were detailed for Night Fighter Affiliation, but cancelled owing to the night fighters being busy: There were several thunder storms during the afternoon.

1942-05-23

HEMSWELL

Four Freshers, detailed to attack St. NAZAIRE, 4 gardeners and 3 Mediums were cancelled at approximately 1700 hrs on account of the weather. Three aircraft test, 3 aircraft W/T tests and
day cross-countries were hold. A lecture was given to W/Ops and there was also clay pigeon shooting.

1942-05-24

HEMSWELL

Two gardeners, five aircraft detailed to attack MANNHEIM and four Freshers detailed to attack St. NAZAIRE were cancelled at approximately 1900 hrs on account of weather. The usual Sunday Service was held and there were 3 aircraft tests and 3 W/T tests. A lecture was given to A.G.s and W/T operators; aircrew personnel were also lectured on “Gardening”.

1942-05-25

HEMSWELL

Operations ordered for 11 aircraft – 2 Gardeners, 5 on MANNHEIM and 4 freshers on St. NAZAIRE – were cancelled. A lecture was given to Bombardiers on “The description of the F.24 Camera; and six aircrews received a lecture on “Bombing procedure – before and after release:, also being practiced on the Bombing Teacher. Five aircraft had the usual tests and there was also 3 aircraft W/T tests, 1 crew compass swinging, and 2 day cross-countries. A lecture was given to W/Ops. Aircrews were lectured on “Aircraft recognition” and given cockpit drill.

1942-05-26

HEMSWELL

Stand down. There were 2 aircraft height tests, 4 day cross-countries, 1 aircraft single engine flying, 4 aircraft local test flying, and 1 crew compass swinging. There was a ½ hour lecture for all aircrews on the recognition of U.S. aircraft.

1942-05-27

HEMSWELL

Operations for 4 Freshers were cancelled at about 12.30 hrs, and operations for 6 Gardeners were cancelled at 2030 hrs. There were 6 aircraft tests, 6 W/T tests, 2 aircraft Lorenz Approach tests, 1 aircraft single engine flying, 1 aircraft local flying, and 1 day cross-country. The Link Trainer was used for pilots, and bombardiers received instructions about the Lea Marsh range. There was also clay pigeon shooting and cock-pit drill for A.G.s. Harmonisation of guns for A.G.s. A lecture was given to W/Ops. Ten crews from 18 O.T.U. were attached to the Station.

1942-05-28

HEMSWELL

Five aircraft detailed for Gardening were cancelled at 17.30 hrs. There was: 1 aircraft tests, 1 aircraft intercommunication test, 1 aircraft heigh test, 1 aircraft local flying and 2 aircraft practice bombing. The A.G.s. had clay pigeon shooting and the harmonisation of guns. A lecture was given to W.Ops and the pilots were on the Link Trainer.

1942-05-29

HEMSWELL

News was received that F/O WASILEWSKI, F/O BUIRSZEWSKI, S/LDR PRZYKORSKI, SGT. MUCHA and SGT BLACH were prisoner of war. There was no news of SGT ZAWODNY. Two Gardeners were ordered, but both were cancelled by Group. As one aircraft had already taken off, it was allowed to proceeded on the sortie. There was: 1 aircraft circuits and landings, 2 aircraft Lorenz Landings, 1 day cross-country, 3 aircraft circuits and landings, 2 aircraft automatic control tests, and 1 aircraft W/T tests. Rifle practice was held on the 400 yards range at Roman Hole: and there was day and night clay pigeon shooting. The 25 yards range was used at night very successful rasults. S/L co-op and night cross-country flights were cancelled owing to the weather. There was 1 night circuits and landings.

1942-05-30

HEMSWELL

Fourteen aircraft were detailed for operations on COLOGNE. This was the largest number ever sent from this squadron on the operation. There was formation flying for 3 aircraft, the Link Trainer for observers and cock-pit drill for A.G.s. W/Ops were busy adjusting W/T sets in aircraft from BRAMCOTE. From all reports received, the raid on COLOGNE was highly successful. Four new bombardiers were given instruction on the A.M.L. The following message was received by Bomber Command from Mr WINSTON CHURCHIL [and passed in the Squadron ] I congratulate you and the whole of Bomber Command upon the remarkable feat of organisation which enabled you to despatch over a thousand bombers to the COLOGNE area in a single night, and without confusion to concentrate their action over the target into so short a time as one hour and a half. This proof of the growing power of the British bomber force is also the herald of what Germany will receive, city by city, from now on.”

1942-05-31

HEMSWELL

Fourteen aircraft were ordered for operations, the target for which was not stated, but these were cancelled at approximately 1850 hrs owing to weather conditions over enemy territory. One aircraft underwent the usual tests, and there was 1 W/T test, 1 aircraft local flying, clay pigeon shooting and the Link trainer for observers.

MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH

IN. F/O WOLOSZANOWSKI, A & SD. SGT. J. CHODYRA (WO/AG)

OUT: F/O MIODUCHOWSKI (PIL) F/L T. LEWKOWICZ (OBS) F/O C. NOWACKI (PIL) P/O T.W. BOHUSZEWICZ (PIL) F/O B. BUIDNIK (OBS) P/O K.J. SZRAJER (PIL), P/O R. WALCZAK (OBS) F/O S. LISKA (PIL) F/O J. KLOCEK (OBS) SGT MALCHERT (A.G.) SGT F. JANIK (W.OP.) SGT T.I. ADAMCZYK (A.G.) SGT W. NALEPA (A.G.) SGT S. TACZALSKI (WO/AG) SGT K. GRABOWSKI (A.G.) SGT BESTECKI (A.G.) SGT. BARCZ (A.G.)
(Those posted N/E missing donoted by x).

[Illegible] F/L
Adj. (301 (P) Squadron.