Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-06-01

HEMSWELL

Fourteen aircraft were detailed for operations on ESSEN. One aircraft had the automatic pilot tested, and there was one aircraft Lorenz practice. The Link Trainer was used for pilots and observers, and there was clay pigeon shooting for air gunners, who also listened to a lecture on “Enemy night-fighter tactics”. A lecture was also given to W/Ops.
P/O HALLAS was posted to R.A.F. Station, Hemswell, as Station Navigation Officer.
F/O. B.M. WIELGUS took over the Squadron Bombing Leader duties , and F/O ZOLINSKI took over the duties of Squadron Navigation Officer.

1942-06-02

HEMSWELL

Stand down from operations. There were three aircraft cross-countries, 1 aircraft single engine flying, and the Link Trainer was used for pilots and observers. Clay pigeon shooting was held, and a lecture was given to W/Ops.
F/O. BUSEN-SCHMITZ came back from hospital.

1942-06-03

HEMSWELL

Twelve aircraft were detailed for operations – ten on BREMEN and two Freshers on DIEPPE.
Three aircraft were tested, 3 W/T. tested and one aircraft high tested. Three aircraft day cross-country flights were undertaken, together with 3 aircraft single-engine flying, 3 aircraft day fighter co-operation, 2 aircraft practice bombing at GAINSBOROUGH, 1 aircraft Lorenz landing, and 1 aircraft day circuits and landings. The Link Trainer was used for pilots and observers. Two aircraft were brought back from the R.A.F. Station at HOLME, where they had been on loan for the “1,000 a night raids”. One of these aircraft overshot on landing and crashed.
F.O. CHWASCINSKI returned from the Bombing Leaders’ Course at MANBY.

1942-06-04

HEMSWELL

There were no operations. Two aircraft were tested, 2 aircraft W/T. tested, and 2 aircraft undertook air-to-air firing over the sea. In addition to one aircraft day cross-country, the Link Trainer was used for pilots and observers.

1942-06-05

HEMSWELL

Ten aircraft were ordered for operations on ESSEN and one aircraft ordered for ‘Nickels’ on Paris. Two aircraft were missing. They were captained by F/O. PLAWSKI and F/O. WITAKOWSKI. In addition to 6 aircraft tests and 2 aircraft W/T tests, one aircraft took day photographs and two aircraft took part in air-to-air firing over the sea, A lecture was held for W/Ops and the Link Trainer was used for Pilots and Observers.

1942-06-06

HEMSWELL

Eight aircraft took part in operations on EMDEN, and one aircraft was missing. It was captained by Sgt. BOBER. Lorenz practice landings were made by one aircraft, and 5 aircraft were tested, 5 aircraft W/T. tested and one aircraft flew on day cross-country flights. Pilots and observers practiced on the Link Trainer. One aircraft was sent on a “Dinghy Search” without any result.
A congratulatory message was received from Headquarters, No. 1 Group, on the damage achieved in the raid on BREMEN on the night of 3/4 June, 1942.

1942-06-07

HEMSWELL

Stand down. The usual Sunday Church Service was held and there was practice on the Link Trainer for Pilots and Observers. A lecture entitled “Tactics as regards bombing with incendiaries”, was given to Bomb Aimers.
P/O. A. MAJCHERCZYCH went on a Beam Approach Course at MILDENHALL.

1942-06-08

HEMSWELL

Operations were ordered for ESSEN and all crews returned safely. One aircraft was compelled to abandon the task and the other six bombed the target area although hampered by weather conditions. Six aircraft were tested, six W/T tested and there was one cross-country.
A lecture was given to WOP/A.G.s about “Intercommunication”, and the Link Trainer was used for pilots and observers.

1942-06-09

HEMSWELL

Six aircraft were detailed for Gardening , and, although there was 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud, all aircraft completed their mission. One searchlight on an enemy ship was sighted, and was given some bursts, which caused it to go out. Other activities of the day included four aircraft tests, four W/T tests, one cross country, and the use of the Link Trainer for Pilots and Observers.

1942-06-10

HEMSWELL

There were no operations on this day. One cross-country flight was made, a lecture was given to WOP/A.G.s, and the Link Trainer was in operation for pilots and observers.
P/O. M. CYWINSKI (B/A) went on a Gunnery Leaders’ Course at Sutton Bridge, and P/O. R. SOBINSKI was admitted to the R.A.F. Officers’ Hospital at Torquay.

1942-06-11

HEMSWELL

No operation were ordered for today. Two aircraft tests were carried out, together with two W/T tests and one height test. In addition to four aircraft circuits and landings, there was air target firing and practice bombing for two aircraft. Pilots and observers made use of the Link Trainer. The Night Flying programme included two cross-countries, with single-engine flying en route; and circuits and landings for two aircraft, together with single-engine flying.

1942-06-12

HEMSWELL

Seven sorties were ordered for Gardening, but these were canceled at 21.30 hours. Three new crews were posted to the Squadron from BRAMCOTE O.T.U. The day’s activities included an aircraft test and W/T tests for four aircraft, together with one cross-country, a lecture for Air Gunners and the use of the Link Trainer for pilots and Observers. There was an air raid warning, and enemy aircraft were in the vicinity.

1942-06-13

HEMSWELL

No operations were ordered for this date. One new crew arrived from BRAMCOTE O.T.U. Because of low cloud and adverse weather conditions generally, there was no flying. All flying personnel were given a lecture on “Tactics”, and there was also a lecture and cockpit drill for Air Gunners. The Link Trainer was in operation for pilots and observers.

1942-06-14

HEMSWELL

No operations. Personnel attended the usual Sunday Service and later there was training for new pilots on the Wellington IV. There was also 7 aircraft tests, bombing training for 4 aircraft and 3 cross-countries. Two aircraft were detailed for map reading, and there was also one single-engine flying. The Link Trainer was used for pilots and observers and clay pigeon shooting was also arranged. At 14.30 hrs, when SGT HUR was taking off in Wellington Z1337, the starboard undercarriage struck a Nissen hut, partly severing the starboard undercarriage. The pilot made a circuit and was then compelled to make a belly landing. The crew were all safe, and the aircraft was placed in category A.C.

1942-06-15

HEMSWELL

There were no operations on this day. The Station Commander, G/Capt. A.M.WRAY, M.C, D.F.C., A.F.C., went on leave and W/Cdr R.P.WIDDOWSON, D.F.C., assumed command in the Station. P/O. SZAL was admitted to the R.A.F. Hospital at RAUCEBY and SGT KUBIACK was detailed to attend the Blind Approach Course at MILDENHALL. There was no flying, but Wing Commander KRZYSTYNIAK gave a lecture to newly arrived crews on “Tactics and airmanship”. There was training for bombardiers, and air gunners had cockpit drill and firing on the 400 yards range, together with practice at judging distances. The Link Trainer was again used for pilots and observers.

1942-06-16

HEMSWELL

There were no operation on this day. 3 aircraft were engaged on normal flying tests, which in this case, included tests of “George”. Another 3 aircraft were engaged on air-to-air firing and 3 on Syko-exercise. Another aircraft was used for map-reading and one aircraft was engaged on a day cross-country. Air gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice and the Link Trainer was used for Pilots and Operators. Night flying – only our circuits and landings were completed owing to failure of breaks in dual machine. 2 Officers and 5 other aircrew need Polish Badges for having been wounded by the enemy. F/Sgt. PTASIEWICZ H. W/Op. received congratulations from the A.O.C. for having completed his operations tour without any failure of any kind.

1942-06-17

HEMSWELL

4 aircrews reported from 18 O.T.U. BRAMCOTE. There were no operation on this day. 4 aircraft were engaged on air-to-air firing, 2 aircraft on height tests and 1 aircraft on Lorenze landing tests. A further two aircraft were engaged on practice bombing and 2 were on normal flying tests, including a test for “George”. 1 aircraft was used for map-reading exercise and the 4 new crews were engaged on day flying. The air-gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice and the Link Trainer was used for pilots and Observers. All crews were addressed by the A.O.C. No. 1 Group and F/O. MAJCHERJAK was congratulated for very good firing whilst engaged by an enemy fighter. The Squadron won the first three places in a riffle-shooting competion for this Station Commander’s Cup. 1 Pilot practiced one-engine flying and landing at night. There was night cross-country and 4 pilots did night circuits and landings. F/O. STAERZ to HUCKNALL see movements at end of month.

1942-06-18

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft were detailed for operations but these were cancelled at mid-day. 1 aircraft was engaged for W/T and 5 aircraft for circuits and landings. 1 aircraft did a day cross-country. The air-gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice whilst the pilots and observers were engaged on the Link Trainer. Lectures were held for Bomb aimers and W/Ops. The new crews were engaged on cockpit drill, which included dinghy and fire drill.

1942-06-19

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft were detailed for operations on EMDEN and completed task successfully. 2 aircraft were engaged to air-to-air firing, The operations were hampered by weather. 2 aircraft did day cross-country flights and 5 pilots were engaged on circuits and landings, 1 aircraft had normal flying test and 12 on Syko-exercise. The air-gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice and the Link Trainer was used for Pilots, Observers and Front-gunners, who will be utilised as Pilots’ mates. Lectures were held for Air-gunners and W/T Operators.

1942-06-20

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft were detailed for EMDEN. P/O. KALKUS, F/SGT. LEBIECLZINSKI and F/SGT. STACHOWSKI finished their operational tour. 5 aircraft had normal flying tests, 6 were engaged on circuits and landings, 2 on day cross-country flights and 3 on night circuits and landings. The air-gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice and the Link Trainers was used by Pilots and Observers. S/LDR. POZYCZKA. T. posted to BRAMCOTE and F/LT. KOLODZIEJEK, H. took over command of „A” Flight.

1942-06-21

HEMSWELL

2 plots went to MILDENHALL for a Bomb Aimers’ Course. There were no operations on this day. In the morning the usual Sunday service was held. 4 aircraft were engaged on usual flying tests, 3 went on day cross-countries. Pilots and Observers used the Link Trainers and Air-gunners had clay-pigeon practice. There was night exercise for 8 W/Ops, who practiced the use of the sets in their machines whilst on the ground by “listening out” for German beacons. 1 aircraft crashed at DUNINO owing to very bad visibility.

1942-06-22

HEMSWELL

There was a special lecture by W/CMDR. KRZYSTYNIAK to pilots on “taking off” Operations were scheduled for EMDEN and 8 aircraft were detailed. All the aircraft bombed target, but one failed to return. Messages received were at 02.38 hours asking for a fix which was given as 53º77’ by 05º30’ and at 02.53 hours an S.O.S. was received (53º 43’ by 04º49’. Another fix was given at 03.14 hours 53º 38’ by 03º40’and message received “Enemy Fighter, we have no dinghy” Fix at 03.22 hours was 53º 33’ by 02º38’ E. when key was placed in the “Down position”. Air Sea Rescue Service were at once informed. 2 aircraft were detailed for air-to-air firing, 1 completed a day cross-country, whilst 5 aircraft did normal and W/T tests. 2 aircraft had Syko-exercise. The 25 yards range was used by air-gunners and the A.M.L. was used for Bomb aimers. Lectures were held for W/Ops and the usual Link Trainer practice was employed for pilots. 3 pilots did night circuits and landings. SGT. HOLC completed his operational tour.

1942-06-23

HEMSWELL

There were no operations detailed this day. A Dinghy search was ordered and 2 aircraft, J 1535 and M 1314, piloted by P/O STACHIEWICZ and P/O BOCK respectively were detailed. The aircraft set out at 05.40 and 05.41 hours respectively and M 1314 returned at 09.21 hours, having been unsucessful. J 1535 found a Dinghy with 5 airmen and gave a fix of 53º21’ by 02º29’. Unfortunately for this Squadron the people in the Dinghy were discovered to be from another Group. From information received, it would seem that F/O DUBAS could have landed his machine on enemy occupied territory, but he chose rather to attempt to get back to base. It must be presumed that the aircraft came down in the sea. 3 aircraft had normal flying tests, 1 completed a day cross-country flight and another aircraft was used for W/T tests and instrumental flying lecture.
The Link Trainer was employed for pilots and observers.

1942-06-24

HEMSWELL

6 aircraft were detailed for an operational raid on ST. NAZAIRE. (Freshers). 1 aircraft was used for bombing practice, 1 aircraft had normal flying test, 1 aircraft on height test, 2 aircraft had Syko-exercise and 1 aircraft for W/T and Lorenze test. Cockpit drill and harmonisation of guns was scheduled for the air-gunners, whilst the Link Trainer was in operation for the pilots, observers and front gunners.

1942-06-25

HEMSWELL

14 aircraft were detailed to take part in the ‘1,000 a night’ bombing raid on BREMEN. W/CMDR. KRZYSTYNIAK was missing, F/O. KRASINSKI and P/O. MONKIEWICZ returned from MILDENHALL to take part in the raid. 3 aircraft completed a day cross-country. 2 aircraft did normal flying tests, W/T test and Lorenze tests. Pilots, observers and front gunners had practice on the Link Trainer whilst air-gunners had cockpit drill and gun harmonisation. T.T.B. was held for 3 W/Op. A.G.s

1942-06-26

HEMSWELL

4 aircraft were detailed for a “Dinghy search” but without results. 1 aircraft had normal flying tests, 1 completed a day cross-country flight and another had “one-engine” practice and and Beam measuring. The Link trainer was used by pilots and observers. Several aircrew recieved Polish Decorations and F/O WAYDA returned from CRANAGE on completion of Navigation Course.

1942-06-27

HEMSWELL

The were no operations scheduled for this day. 1 aircraft was engaged on a day cross-country flight, another on normal flying test, whilst 2 more had bombing practice. 5 aircraft were used on circuits and landings. W/Ops. were given exercises on wireless sets, air-gunners had clay pigeon shooting practice and pilots had practice on the Link Trainer. At night, 1 aircraft completed a cross-country and 2 pilots were engaged on practice on the circuits and landings.

1942-06-28

HEMSWELL

5 aircraft were detailed for “Gardening” and 1 aircraft for “Nickels”, but these were cancelled at 21.00 hours. 3 aircraft were engaged on usual flying tests and map-reading. Air-gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice and attended a lecture, whilst pilots, observers and front gunners had the use of the Link Trainer. Defence exercises were held on the aerodrome from 09.30 hours to 12.30 hours, when the attacking force was held. The personnel manning the positions allocated to the Squadron were complimented on their good conduct. In the afternoon, 24 A.T.C. were taken for a map-reading exercise in aircrafts from “A” and “B” Flights, under the supervision of F/O. BERNASINSKI. Various members of the Squadron talked to the cadets and gave them valuable assistance from their operational experience.

1942-06-29

HEMSWELL

1 aircraft was detailed for Paris (Fresher) 5 aircraft were engaged on bombing practice at Gainsboro and another 5 aircraft had usual flying tests and lorenze practice. 2 aircraft had “one-engine” flying, and one aircraft was utilised on gas-dropping exercises. 3 more aircraft were used on circuits and landings. The A.G.s had exercises in wind speed and direction finding and also clay-pigeon shooting practice. I aircraft made a cross-country flight.

1942-06-30

HEMSWELL

F/O DOLINSKI took over command of “A” Flight instead of F/LT KOLODZIEJEK, who goes on Pilots’ course at CRANAGE. F/O WIELGUS promoted to F/LT., as Bomb Aimer Officer. 10 airmen (Polish), sent to this country from RUSSIA, arrived at this Squadron. 3 aircraft were detailed [Illegible] flying along with fighter co-operation. 4 aircraft had usual flying tests and one, completed a day cross-country flight. Air-gunners had clay-pigeon shooting practice.

MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.
OUT. A/S/L. POZCZKA, (PIL) F/S JASINSKI (A.G.), SGT PTASIEWICZ (WO/AG), P/O SOBINSKI (PIL), SGT. WOJTOWICZ (PIL), SGT CZLAPKA (W.T/OP) F/S KUSNIACKI (PIL) F/O SZAL + (PIL) P/O GLOWACKI (PIL) + P/O PRASCHILL + (PIL) F/O KIWACZ + (OBS), SGT. KALESKI + (WO.AG), F/O HALESTRA + (A.G.), SGT ZELIGOWSLI + (A.G.), F/O FLAWSKI + (PIL), F/O KOZAK + (PIL), F/O WYBRAZNIEC + (OBS), SGT CZERWONKA + (OBS), SGT PADCORSKI + (WO/AG), SGT RADECKI + (A.G.), P/O KULAKOWSKI + (A.G.), P/O WITAKOWSKI + (PIL), SGT LEWZOSICZ + (PIL), F/O LUKASIK + (OBS), SGT NOGAE + (WO.AG), SGT DANIK + (A.G.), SGT BOBER + (PIL), P/O KOWALOWKA + (PIL), F/O POWIERZA + (OBS), SGT SAPIENA + (WO.AG), W/O PODGORZAK (+ (A.B.), SGT SZYKOWNY + (A.G.)
The officers and airmen posted N/E missing are marked with a + , except F/O SZAL who is N/E sick.
IN A/F/L. KOLODZIEJEK (PIL), F/O DOLINSKI (OBS), F/O WIELGUS (B.A.), F/O LAZORYK (PIL) F/O ROJEK (OBS) P/O SZWARCZYK (B.A.) F/O ADUCKIEWICZ (OBS) P/O TYSZKO (PIL), F/O SZYMANOWSKI (OBS) F/O KRASNODEBSKI (OBS) F/O PRASNIEWSKI (PIL) F/O TOBOLSKI (OBS) F/O KRYSIAK (OBS) P/O CZEKALSKI (A.G.), F/O PRONASZKO (PIL) F/L DABROWA (OBS) F/O WOJTAL (PIL), F/O CIOLEK (OBS), P/O DOMANSKI (A.G.), SGT (WOP/AG) PRZYBYLSKI, SGT SZYMANKIEWICZ. (BA/AG), SGT KWIATKOWKI. (A.G.), SGT GLUBA (PIL), SGT FORMANIEWICZ(WOP/AG), SGT MACHURA. (AG), SGT SIBILSKI (WOP/AG), SGT KONDRAS (BA/AG), SGT OSTROWSKI. (AG), SGT FRANKOWSKI (WOP/AG), SGT KUROWSKI.(AG), SGT CZAJKOWSKI (WOP/AG), SGT NAWROT (AG), SGT KROL (PIL), SGT WOJTECZKO (WOP/AG) SGT IWANCZ (BA/AG) SGT WESOLOWSKI (AG) SGT NOWICKI. (WOP/AG) SGT PANULAK, (BA/AG) SGT DEZAKOWSKI. (AG) SGT CZAPSKI. (PIL) SGT POKRANT (WOP/AG) SGT LOZINSKI (BA/AG) SGT LUGOWSKI (AG)