Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-03-01

HEMSWELL

4 Aircraft detailed for mine laying operations, one of these aircraft landed at Church Stanton with one mine, the other 3 aircraft returned to Base with all mines. This was due to very bad weather conditions. 1 Aircraft on a cross country flight – Route – EXETER – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test. A lecture for 8 Air Gunners given by the Signals Officer – Subject – “S.O.S. Procedure” duration 1 hour. P.T. for 19 air crew personnel – duration 3- mins. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total operational flying time 21 hours 55 mins. Total non-operational flying time – 2 hours 20 mins.)

1943-03-02

HEMSWELL

2 Aircraft ordered for daylight operations on the 3rd. 1 Aircraft on a Dinghy Search. 2 Aircraft on circuits and landings. 1 Aircraft on test and compass swinging in the air. A lecture given by an officer of the Royal Navy to all available air crew personnel – “Convoy and its Tactics” duration 1 hour 30 mins. 10 Air Gunners on aircraft recognition – duration 1 hour. Aircraft inspection carried out.
Night Flying. 2 Aircraft on circuits and landings. (Total non-operational flying time day and night 3 hours 40 mins.)

1943-03-03

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the previous day were cancelled. 4 Aircraft detailed for night operations – Target – “BOMBING HAMBURG”. One of these aircraft after 3 hours flying had to return to Base on account of the rear gunner collapsing. 2 Aircraft on cross country flights – Route – BASE – BRAMCOTE – BASE CHURCH STANTON – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test and W/T test. 1 Aircraft on circuits and landings. Turret and cockpit drill for 7 Air Gunners – duration 1 hour. A lecture was given by a Squadron Leader of the Royal Air Force to all available air crew personnel – Subject – “Pathfinder Force” duration 1 hour. Aircraft inspection carried out.
Night Flying. 2 Aircraft on circuits and landings. 1 Aircraft on single engine flying.
(Total operational flying time 21 hours 35 mins. Total non-operational flying time – day and night – 5 hours 35 mins.)

1943-03-04

HEMSWELL
2 Aircraft detailed for mine laying operations. 1 Aircraft on a Dinghy Search. 1 Aircraft on bombing range practice. 1 Aircraft on test. 2 Aircraft on loop swinging. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total flying time operational 14 hours 40 mins. This includes Dinghy Search flying time. Total non-operational flying time – 2 hours 20 mins.)

1943-03-05

HEMSWELL
5 Aircraft ordered for night operations – Target ‘ESSEN”. One of these aircraft after combat with enemy aircraft, jettison his bomb load and return to Base. Another of these aircraft returned to Base with bomb load on account of engine trouble. 1 Aircraft on a cross country flight – Route – BASE – BRAMCOTE – BASE. 2 Aircraft on test and W/T test. 1 Aircraft on test and auto-pilot test. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total operational flying time 22 hours 5 mins. Total non-operational flying time – 3 hours.)

1943-03-06

HEMSWELL

6 Aircraft detailed for night operations were cancelled. 2 Aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the 7th. 1 Aircraft on test and W/T test. All personnel attended a parade at which decorations were procented by General Sikorski to Air Crew Personnel. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total non-operational flying time – 40 mins.)

1943-03-07

HEMSWELL
The 2 aircraft detailed for daylight operations were canceled. 4 Aircraft ordered for night operations were also cancelled 20 minutes before take-off. 2 Aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the 8th. 2 Aircraft on test and W/T test. 1 Aircraft on a cross country flight – Route – BASE – THORNABY – BASE. 2 Aircraft on local flying. 5 A.T.C. personnel were taken on each of these flights. 1 Air Bomber on link trainer practice – duration 40 mins. (Total non-operational flying time – 3 hours 5 mins.)

1943-03-08

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the previous day were cancelled. 4 Aircraft ordered for night operations were also cancelled at 17.30 hours. Cockpit and turret drill for 6 air gunners – duration 1 hour. A lecture for 13 air gunners given by the Signals Officer – Subject – “T.R.9” duration 1 hour. Aircraft inspection.

1943-03-09

HEMSWELL

No operations were ordered on this day. 1 Aircraft on across country flight – Route – BASE – BRAMCOTE – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test. A lecture was given by the Gunnery Leader to 10 Air Crew personnel – Subject – “Fighter Affiliation and Combat Control” duration 1 hour. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total flying time 1 hour 45 mins.)
Night Flying. 2 Aircraft on “Bull’s eye” exercise. Total flying time – 12 hours.

1943-03-10

HEMSWELL

4 Aircraft detailed for night operations were cancelled at 15.00 hours. 2 Aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the 11th. 1 Aircraft on bombing practice. 2 Aircraft on test and single engine flying. 1 Aircraft on test, W/T test and Lorenz practice. 1 Aircraft on instrument flying. Lorenz and single engine flying. 1 Aircraft on test and Lorenz Flying. 1 Aircraft on test. Dinghy drill for Air Crew personnel. 2 Air Bombers and 1 Navigator on Link Trainer practice – duration 2 hours 10 mins. P.T. for 35 Air Crew personnel – 30 mins. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total flying time – 5 hours 10 mins.)

1943-03-11

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the previous day were cancelled. 2 Aircraft ordered for daylight operations on the 12th. 2 Aircraft on air to air firing – 1650 rounds used, also one of these aircraft did air to air sea firing – 800 rounds used. 1 Aircraft on “Fighter Affiliation”. A film was shown to Air Crew personnel available – Subject – “Fighter Fighting”. 14 Air Gunners and 5 Wireless Operators on moving target – 25 yards – 350 rounds used. P.T. for 27 Air Crew personnel – duration 30 mins. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total flying time – 4 hours 35 mins.)
Night Flying. 2 Aircraft on single engine flying. Total flying time – 1 hour 25 mins.

1943-03-12

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed for daylight operations were cancelled. 6 Aircraft ordered for night operations “BOMBING ESSEN”. 1 Aircraft on test and W/T tests. 15 Air Gunners on Browning practice – 400 yards – 1500 round used. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total operational flying time – 30 hours 35 mins.). Total non-operational flying time – 30 min.
Night Flying. 1 Aircraft on single engine flying. Total flying time – 1 hour.

1943-03-13

HEMSWELL

5 Aircraft detailed for mine laying operations. 2 of these aircraft returned with mines. 3 Aircraft on cross country flights – Route – INGHAM – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test and W/T test. 1 Aircraft on test. 4 Air Gunners on “Aircraft Recognition: - duration 1 hour. Turret and cockpit drill for 2 air gunners – duration 1 hour. 1 Navigator on ‘Link Trainer” practice – duration 1 hour 20 mins. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total operational flying time – 30 hours 55 mins.). Total flying time non-operational – 1 hour 40 mins.

1943-03-14

HEMSWELL

2 Aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the 15th. 1 Aircraft on a cross country flight – Route – BASE – BRAMCOTE – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total non-operational flying time – 1 hour 35 mins.)
Night Flying. 1 Aircraft searchlight co-operation. Total flying time – 2 hours.

1943-03-15

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed for daylight operations were cancelled. 2 Aircraft ordered for daylight operations on the 16th. 1 Aircraft on test. All crews attended P.T. parade for 30 minutes. 1 Aircrew was given a lecture on “Air Combat” by the Gunnery Leader and another crew on a low pressure test. All available crews were given a lecture by a Fighter Pilot. 17 Airgunners attended turret and cockpit drill – duration 1 hour. Lectures were given on “Fighter Affiliation” which was aided by a film show, 41 attended.
Aircraft inspection carried out.
Total non-operational flying time – 3 minutes.

1943-03-16

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed on the previous day for daylight operations were cancelled. 4 Aircraft on “Fighter Affiliation”. 1 Aircraft on test and single engine flying. A browning gun practice was held on the 25 yards range for 18 aircrew personnel, 800 rounds used. The Sten gun was also fired by 25 aircrew personnel, 150 rounds were used. All crews were given an hours lecture by the Armament Officer on “Long delayedfuses”. Aircraft inspection carried out. Total non-operational flying time – 3 hours 15 mins.

1943-03-17

HEMSWELL

3 Aircraft on “Fighter Affiliation” exercises/ 2 Aircraft engaged on single engine (night flying) 4 Air Gunners attended “Aircraft recognition” duration 1 hour. All Air Bombers and Air Gunners available attended an “Aldis Lamp” practice for 1 hour. All Wireless operators and Navigators available practiced the turning of Marconi wireless sets – duration 1 hour.
Aircraft inspection. Total non-operational flying time – 3 hours 25 mins.

1943-03-18

HEMSWELL

5 Aircraft were detailed for night operations, but were cancelled at 14.30 hours. 2 Aircraft were detailed for daylight operations for the following day. 4 Aircraft on daylight cross country flights – Routes as follows – BASE – BRAMCOTE. BRAMCOTE – BASE. BASE – ABINGDON – BURY ST. EDMUNDS – BASE. The 4th aircraft took photographs of 3 aerodroms. 2 Aircraft on test. 2 Aircraft on Lorenz and single engine flying. Lectures for the day were as follows: – Aircraft recognition for 16 air gunners – duration 1 hour. Aldis lamp and beacon reading, 16 air gunners and air bombers – duration 2 hours. All Navigators were given practice on the turning of Marconi wireless sets. The Navigation Officer read to all Aircrew personnel the Group operational summery, orders and instructions. Aircraft inspection carried out. Total non-operational flying time – 8 hours 10 mins.

1943-03-19

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft ordered for daylight operations on the previous were cancelled at 09.15 hours. 5 Aircraft were detailed for night operations, but were cancelled at 22.00 hours. Turret and cockpit drill for 8 air gunners – duration 1hour. Aircraft inspection carried out.

1943-03-20

HEMSWELL

5 Aircraft were detailed for night operations. 1 was cancelled before take-off, but the remaining aircraft were not cancelled until after take-off. 1 Crew on low pressure test. 1 Crew on bombing turret practice. Aircraft inspections Total flying time – 8 hours 14 mins.

1943-03-21

HEMSWELL

1 Aircraft on a cross country flight – Route – HONILEY – BASE. The Squadron Navigation Officer gave a lecture to all aircrew personnel available – Subject – “Navigation” duration 1 hour 30 mins. Aircraft inspection carried out. Total non-operational flying time – 45 minutes.

1943-03-22

HEMSWELL

5 Aircraft were detailed for night operations, which was cancelled at 16.00 hours. 1 Aircraft on a cross country flight – Route – BASE – HOLME – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test. 1 Aircraft on circuits and landings. All aircrew personnel practiced cockpit drill for 1 hour. 2 Air Bombers practiced on the Link Trainer – duration 1 ½ hours. 2 Aircraft were detailed for daylight operations on the 23rd. Aircraft inspection. Total flying time (day) – 1 hour 50 mins.
Night Flying. 1 Aircraft on circuits and landings. Total flying time – 1 hour 5 mins.

1943-03-23

HEMSWELL

Day operations were cancelled at 09.00 hours. 2 Aircraft detailed for daylight operations on the 24th. 2 Aircraft on instrument and single engine flying. 2 Aircraft on “Bull’s eye” exercises. 1 Aircraft on Compass swinging, Loop swinging and Machine gun synchronising. All aircrew personnel fired on the 25 yards range at a moving target, 400 rounds of ammunition were used. 2 Air gunners were engaged on turret and cockpit drill. Aircraft inspection Total non-operational flying time – 7 hours.

1943-03-24

HEMSWELL

The 2 aircraft detailed the day previous for operation to-day, were cancelled. 6 Aircraft were ordered for night operations, these were also cancelled at 22.30 hours.
Aircraft inspection carried out.

1943-03-25

HEMSWELL

A lecture was given by the Station Navigation Officer to all crews on “Enemy Radio Location” – duration 1 hour. 1 Pilot and 1 Air bomber practiced on the Link Trainer for 1 hour 20 mins. Aircraft inspection carried out.

1943-03-26

HEMSWELL

5 Aircraft were detailed for night operations, 1 of these aircraft was cancelled before take-off. All aircrew personnel attended the 25 yards range to practice shooting with the rifle, 250 rounds of ammunition were fired. 16 Air Gunners also practiced shooting at a moving target, 1,600 rounds of ammunition used. Aircraft inspection.
(Total operational flying time – 16 hours 5 mins.)

1943-03-27

HEMSWELL

2 Aircraft detailed for daylight operations for the next day. 2 Aircraft on cross country flights – Routes – MILDENHALL – BASE. BASE – HOLME – BASE. 3 Aircraft on flying tests and W/T tests. 8 Air Gunners were given turret and cockpit drill for 1 hour. Aircraft inspection. Total non-operational flying time – 2 hours 55 mins.

1943-03-28

HEMSWELL

The aircraft detailed for daylight operations were cancelled. 2 Aircraft detailed for night operations “Bombing St. Nazaire” these aircraft did not reach the target on a account of technical trouble. 4 Aircraft were also detailed for mine laying operations.
2 Aircraft on test and W/T test. Aircraft inspection carried out.
(Total operational flying time – 35 hours 50 mins.) Total non-operational flying time – 45 mins.

1943-03-29

HEMSWELL

5 Aircraft detailed for night operations “Bombing Bochum” 2 of these aircraft did not reach the target. 1 Aircraft on test. Aircraft inspection carried out.
(Total operational flying time – 22 hours.) Total non-operational flying time – 20 mins.

1943-03-30

HEMSWELL

2 Aircraft on cross country flights – Routes – DACKING – BASE. ELSHAM – BASE. 1 Aircraft on test and W/T test. Aircraft inspection carried out. (Total non-operational flying time – 1 hour 25 mins.)

1943-03-31

HEMSWELL

1 Aircraft on test and W/T test. Total non-operational flying time – 30 mins.
The Squadron is taken from the line as from 31.3.43. pending reorganisation of Polish Squadrons.

MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.

POSTING OUT:- F/O Gozdz.. C. (Pilot) Sgt Forian. Z. (Pilot) Sgt Graczyk.W (Pilot) F/O Chmiel, R. (Nav) F/O Patalon. S. (Nav) Sgt Wiesak. E. (W/A.G.) Sgt. Kosin. S. (W/AG) Sgt Perun. J. (W/AG) Sgt Szczupiel. W. (W/AG) F/Sgt Sibilski. W. (W/AG) Sgt Sadura. J. (W/AG) Sgt Strojny. J. (A/B) F/Sgt Putz. T. (A/B) F/Sgt Kondras. J. (A/B) Sgt Bryl. S. (A/G) Sgt Stawasz. T. (A/G) Sgt Ostrowski. N. (A/G) F/Lt Lazoryk. W. (Pilot)

POSTING IN:- Sgt Zielinski. S. (Pilot) F/Lt. Kunowski. G. (Pilot) Sgt. Wawrzak. B. (A/G) =
= Denotes posted from S.H.Q. N/E/sick.

[Illegible] W/C
Wing Commander, Commanding
No. 301 (Polish) Squadron.