Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-07-01

HEMSWELL

No operations ordered for this day. 1 aircraft was engaged for W/T tests and two aircraft height tested. 1 aircraft practiced serial photography and two instrumental flying also two aircraft Lorenz tests and map reading. The automatic pilot of two aircraft was tested. 1 aircraft had a normal day cross country. Lectures for A.G. on range estimation and recognision of E/A also lectures for W/Op. A.G. on changes in single organisation, there was also cockpit drill, the Link Trainer was in operation for observers and pilots. The night flying programme included two aircraft night bombing practice, one aircraft search light co-operation also single engine flying, circuits and landing for three pilots.

1942-07-02

HEMSWELL

14 aircraft were detailed for a bombing attack on BREMEN. 3 aircraft were engaged in formation flying and 2 aircraft in air to air firing over the sea, the Link Trainer was used for observers and pilots.

1942-07-03

HEMSWELL

S/L Brzozowski. W. failed to return from operations. This is the second Squadron Commander to the missing in less than a fortnight, the Squadron has lost 16 crews so far this year against 7 in the whole of 1941. No operations detailed for today, Link Trainer was used for observers and A.Gs. Crews were told to stand by to be ready to search for missing crews. Two crews went in search but were unsuccessful.

1942-07-04

HEMSWELL

No operations today owing to the weather being so bad. The A.Gs. used the 4 hundred yard range also the Link Trainer was in operation for observers and A.Gs. In the morning the Station Commander’s Cup was presented, at a parade, to the Squadron, whose team had won it by acheiveing the 1st , 2nd , and 3rd . places. Sgt. Wesolowski died in Norwich Hospital.

1942-07-05

HEMSWELL

6 crews were detailed for gardening in the ST. NAZAIRE area. The Squadron went to the usual Sunday morning service. 1 aircraft was tested, 1 aircraft W/T tested. In addition to one aircraft day cross country, the link Trainer was used for pilots, observers and A/Gs. 1 aircraft was used for a bombing practice also 1 aircraft for instrumental flying.

1942-07-06

HEMSWELL

No operations for this day. The days activities included an aircraft test, with a two day cross country also a few crews did local flying, circuits and landings. W/Op A.Gs. had practice at shooting at a moving target, there was also a lecture for W/Op A.G.

1942-07-07

HEMSWELL

5 crews detailed for gardening. Two new crews arrived from 18 O.T.U. 3 aircraft were tested and 1 aircraft practice lorenze landings. 6 aircraft took part in fighter co-operation and formation flying. Engaged in cross country, circuits and landing, were the two new crews. Sgt. Wolteczko died in Norwich Hospital. Link Trainer and cockpit drill for observers and A.Gs.

1942-07-08

HEMSWELL

6 crews were detailed for a bombing raid on WILHELMSHAVEN. New crews practiced local flying, circuits and landings. 1 aircraft was tested and 1 aircraft practiced lorenz landing, there were also lectures for A.Gs. on night flying tactics.

1942-07-09

HEMSWELL

No aircraft detailed for operations. There were six cross countries and 2 aircraft tests, 1 aircraft practiced one engine flying, The Link Trainer was in operation for observers and A.Gs. 1 aircraft hit a cable between HEDFORD and CARDINGTON but was able to fly onto BICESTER. After inspection and temporary repair, then returned to base.

1942-07-10

HEMSWELL

News was received from the Red Cross that P/O Glowecki’s crew which was missing on 1/2 June were to be persumed killed. Special Mass for Sgt Wesolowski and Sgt Wolteczko was held at the Station Church and their funeral took place at NEWARK Cemetary. No operations detailed for today. 4 aircraft did day cross country flights, 1 crew on Syko-exercise. Fighter co-operation, and clay pigeon shooting practice for A.Gs.

1942-07-11

HEMSWELL

Operations for 6 crew were cancelled during the afternoon. The days activities included an aircraft test and W/T tests for 5 aircraft and Syko-exercise for 2 crews, together with 2 aircraft day cross country also bombing practice for 3 aircraft. Lecture for A.Gs. on guns also clay pigeon shooting and rifle shooting on 100 yards range, while the Link Trainer was in use for observers and A.Gs. The ground personnel practiced on the 25 yards range. The night flying programme was cancelled after 45 minutes because of bad weather.

1942-07-12

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft were detailed for operations,, which were cancelled during the afternoon. 2 aircraft were engaged on flying tests and 1 aircraft on lorenz landing, one engine flying for 1 aircraft also 3 aircraft day cross country. Dinghy drill was held for all aircrew personnel. P/O Krasinski and P/O Mockiewicz returned from B.A. course at MILDENHALL. P/O Sokolowski was attached to MILDENHALL for B.A. course.

1942-07-13

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft detailed for operations on DUISBURG. 3 aircraft W/T tests was carried out also 2aircraft one engine flying, 2 aircraft undertook air-to-air firing over the sea. In addition to one aircraft day cross country, the Link Trainer was used for observers and A.Gs. W/Ops. and A.Gs. had an exercise on lorenz approaches, also clay pigeon shooting for A.Gs. on 25 yards range. Loop aerials calibrated. Night circuits and landings practice for two pilots.

1942-07-14

HEMSWELL

No operations were ordered for today. W/Op A.Gs were given instructions in the use of loops, also special P.T. was given to A.Gs. clay pigeon shooting also for A.Gs on 25 yards range. 2 aircraft engaged in night cross country.

1942-07-15

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft detailed for operations but these were cancelled at 21.20 hours. 4 aircraft W/T tested and 4 aircraft height tested. 3 aircraft day cross country flights were undertaken, together with 3 aircraft formation flying, one lorenz practiceand one engine practice. Cock-pit drill was held for A.Gs also compass swinging for several aircraft.

1942-07-16

HEMSWELL

No operations detailed for today. F/Lt Kowdzijek promoted to S/L wef 20.6.42 and takes over Command of Squadron, on his return from pilots course at CRANAGE. F/Lt Dolinski also promoted to S/L wef 20.6.42. 1 aircraft had usual test and W/T tests, together with 3 day cross country. W/Ops. also had their usual practice, also harmonisation of guns by A.Gs. And a lecture for them on tactics. Loop aerials calibrated.

1942-07-17

HEMSWELL

No operations detailed. No flying today owing to very bad weather. Cock pit drill lectures was given to the crews and W/Op A.Gs. were testing aircraft on the ground.

1942-07-18

HEMSWELL

No operations ordered for today. Weather conditions still bad, flying impossible. Lectures again for crews including one for navigators on the use of lorenz navigation.

1942-07-19

HEMSWELL

No operations detailed today. The usual Sunday service was held. Sgt Niezrecki goes to MILDENHALL for B.A. course. 2 aircraft were engaged in the usual flying test also W/T tests together with 7 day cross countries, 2 aircraft one engine flying, 1 aircraft lorenz landing, 1 aircraft lorenz test also 3 aircraft practice day bombing, there was also tests of ‘George’. Night practice bombing was cancelled owing to weather conditions. Cock pit drill was held for W/OP A.Gs.

1942-07-20

HEMSWELL

No operations ordered for today. No flying was detailed owing to bad weather conditions. O.C. gave [Illegible] co-ordination of duties of a crew exercise for navigation in ‘a dinghy search’ I.F.F. [Illegible] for W/Ops. Decompression chamber was in use for several crews. Harmonisation of guns on aircraft by A.Gs. F/O Bernasinski promoted to F/Lt. wef 20.6.42.

1942-07-21

HEMSWELL

8 aircraft detailed for operations on DUISBURG. 2 crews missing from that operation. 1 aircraft was engaged in a height tests, together with 2 aircraft one engine flying, 2 aircraft usual tests. 2 aircraft lorenz tests, 1 aircraft auto pilot test. A.Gs. practiced on the 400 yard range also calibration of loops by W/Ops, while the Link Trainer was in operation for pilots and observers. The new crews arrived form 18 O.T.U.

1942-07-22

HEMSWELL

2 aircraft detailed for dinghy search. On this day at 09.10 hrs F/O Majcherczyk, F/O Szymanski, W., Sgt Jablonski, F/S Rudel, [Illegible], Sgt Nowak. J., act of in Wellington IV H.1472 to do a search for missing crew. Fix was obtained - 52º27’N and 03º26’E. Aircraft then altered course to 058º magnetic, then who flying about a height of 1,000ft. Approximately 1.10 hours two Focke-Wulf 190 fighters were sighted. Our aircraft immediately altered [Illegible] to 270º magnetic and made for home. Focke Wulf close attacked from ahead and astern 5 or 8 times in about 15 minutes, fire wid returned by our aircraft. The rear gunner used all amunition in the rear turret and altough be was wounded, he manned the beam guns and fought on. Our aircraft was [halo.] in many places and the crew with the exception of the pilot and W/Operator ware all seriously wounded. The starboard engine caught fire and aircraft hit the water with fuselage and starboard engine but the Pilot managed to pull it up from the water and to continue the flight for about [Illegible] minutes on port engine. The enemy aircraft continued their attack through all this time, until our aircraft ultimately hit the sea at 1 [Illegible]. 23 hours, and sank almost immediately. The Pilot and W/Operator [Illegible]naged to swim clear to find dinghy had released itself but was floating upside down, after about 2 hours they were able to turn the dinghy right side up. The pyrotechnics and pistol were found to be in order. They remained in the dinghy for another futher 2 hours during which time the wind fresboned and sea got up causing them both to suffer cold and sea sickness. At about 17.00 hours Hudson aircraft were sighted, fired signal cartridges, which attracted the attention of the aircraft on markers were dropped. At about 18.30 hours, the crew were picked up by the Air Rescue Service and taken to GREAT YAROMUTH. The Observer, Rear Gunner and [Illegible] able to leave the aircraft and were drowned. [Illegible] circuits and landings for the new pilots.
New W/Ops had a lecture on I.F.F. with demonstration. News was received that W/Commander. Krzystyniak’s crew are safe but are Prisoners of War. F/O Lazoryk and in Command “A” Flight acting F/Lt.

1942-07-23

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft were detailed for operations but were cancelled at 16.30. 1 fresher was detailed for gardening. The days activity included 2 day cross countries, 2 aircraft circuits and landings, 1 aircraft lorenz landing. Lecture for A.Gs. in “Tactics of enemy night fighters”. Usual lectures and demonstration for W/Ops. F/Lt Klosinski goes to No. 5 A.O.S. for a course. 2 new crews arrived from 18 O.T.U. No 305 Squadron arrived from LINDHOLME.

1942-07-24

HEMSWELL

No operations detailed for today. 2 aircraft usual tests were made, 8 circuit & landings, together with 1 day cross country, 1 aircraft lorenz landing practice, 1 aircraft instrument and one engined flying. Demonstration for W/Ops on the tuning of wireless sets. All new crews had a lecture on signal instructions and procedure.

1942-07-25

HEMSWELL

6 aircraft detailed for operations, also 1 fresher, but the fresher was cancelled about 16.30. The target for the crews was altered three times, but they ultimately went to DUISBURG, where weather conditions were bad. 2 aircraft were engaged in air to air firing over the sea, 3 day cross countries also 2 aircraft syko exercise, 1 aircraft usual tests, 1 aircraft height test, 1 aircraft circuits and landings, 1 aircraft was also detailed for aerial photography. Cock pit drill and clay pigeon shooting was given to A.Gs. W/Op A.Gs had a discussion [Illegible]syko exercises and the duties of a W/Op during operations was also discussed.

1942-07-26

HEMSWELL

6 aircraft detailed for operations on HAMBURG, 1 aircraft cancelled by H.Q. No 1 Group. Usual Church service. 3 aircraft day cross countries, 1 aircraft circuits & landings, 2 aircraft Syko-exercises, 1 aircraft Lorenz landings, 5 aircraft usual tests.

1942-07-27

HEMSWELL

No operations owing to bad weather. Aircraft P.1386 did a dinghy search for 1 hr 29 minutes, but was unsuccessful. 3 day cross countries, Circuits & landings for new crews. Calibration of loop-serials & tuning of I.F.F. by W/Ops.

1942-07-28

HEMSWELL

No operations, 3 day cross countries, 3 aircraft usual tests, 1 aircraft Syko-exercise, 2 aircraft one engine flying, one aircraft Lorenz landings. Lectures for W/Ops and Bomb Aimers.

1942-07-29

HEMSWELL

7 aircraft detailed for operations on SAARBRUCKEN, 2 aircraft cross countries, 1 aircraft Lorenz landings & one engine flying, 4 aircraft circuits and landings. Lecture for Bomb Aimers on Combing Sights. Clay pigeon shooting for A/Gs. Link-Trainer for Navigators & Bomb Aimers.

1942-07-30

HEMSWELL

8 aircraft detailed for operations on DUSSELDORF but were cancelled at about 22.30. 5 aircraft cross countries. Air to Air firing 2 aircraft, 2 aircraft R/T tests. Clay pigeon shooting for A/Gs.

1942-07-31

HEMSWELL

8 aircraft detailed for operations on DUSSELDORF. 2 aircraft circuits & landings, 1 Lorenz tests. 4 aircraft usual tests, 1 aircraft cross country. As many of the Squadron strength as could be spared went to watch a demonstration of Aerodrome Defences. Calibration of R/T.

MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.

OUT A/F/L Klosinski. A. (G) F/O. B. Janas (Pil) P/O. Kalkus. (Obs) F/O. Szymanowski (G) F/O. + C. Lewicki, (Pil) P/O. + Peszkowski. (Pil) F/O. + Kucza. (Obs) P/O. + Kunderski. WO/AG) P/O. +Bock (Pil) F/O. + Lipowczan. (Obs) P/O. +Glowacki (AB) F/O. Sadowski. F/O. W. Wojtal #. F/O. J. Krasinski # Sgt. Lebiedzinski (WO/AG) Sgt. Placzek. (WO/AG) Sgt. Stachowski. (AG) Sgt. Kosinski. (AG) Sgt. Holc (WO/AG) Sgt. Sep-Szarsynski (AG) F/Sgt. + Rudel (AG) Sgt. (WO/AG) + Nowak. Sgt . + Maliszewski. (WO/AG) Sgt. + Fusniak (AG) Sgt. + Pawlak (WO/AG) Sgt. + Barteczko (AG) Sgt. + Neuman (AG) Sgt. # Nowicki (WO/AG).

+ Denotes Posted Non-effective Missing. # Denotes Posted to R.A.F. Stn Hemswell N/E Sick.

POSTING IN P/O Gozoz (Pil) F.O. Przelaskowski (Obs) F/O Gandor (Pil) F/O. Swida (obs) P/O. Mucha (Pil) P/O. Kuderski (WO/AG) F/O Patalon (Obs) F/O. Dziadosz (Obs) F/O. Wrzesien (Obs) F/O. Stachurski. (Obs) F/O. Galewicz. (AG) P/O. Tettamandi. (AG) Sgt. Maliszewski. (WO/AG) Sgt. Fusniak (AG) Sgt. Sarachman (PIL) Sgt. Szczupiel (WO/AG) Sgt. Losinski (AG) Sgt. Slowik (AG) Sgt. Wiesak (WO/AG). Sgt. Janusz. (BA) Sgt. Wawrzak. Sgt. Wasiak. (WO/AG) Sgt. Uramowski (AG) Sgt. Graczyk. (PIL) Sgt. Prun (WO/AG) Sgt. Putz (AFG/BA) Sgt. Bryl (AG). Sgt. Forian (Pil) Sgt. (WO/AG) Sadura. Sgt. Strojny (AG/BA) Sgt. Stawasz (AG) Sgt. Gohres (Pil) Sgt. Gadomski (WO/AG) Sgt. Wolodarski (AG/BA) Sgt. Turlej (AG) Sgt. Blachowski (Pil) Sgt. Kowalski (WO/AG) Sgt. Taruta (AG) Sgt. Molewicz (AG).