Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-02-01

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather very cold with snow expected. The Squadron came to readiness at 0720 and to 30 minutes available at 1300 until released at 1650. Yellow section were on convoy patrol from 1015 to 1045. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-02

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

The weather remains very cold, but no snow. One Spitfire V.B went on Air to Sea firing but apart from that there was no other non-operational flying. 1724 the Polish Controller left for Exeter. The two sections of the Squadron detached to Bolt Head scrambled at 0850. Nothing more to report.

1942-02-03

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Owing to bad weather there was practically no flying today. 1320 three aircraft left for Exeter and returned at 1345. The Squadron was released at 1845.

1942-02-04

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Today the weather was a little better, quite clear over the base but with mist hanging round the surrounding hills. There was a little local flying but apart from that nothing to report.

1942-02-05

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather stilly very cold but improving. From 1325 the squadron was on convoy patrol(Stencil) between points 10 and 11. They finished convoy work at 1825. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-06

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather today very good and clear. At 0845 the squadron recommenced convoy patrol at point 10 and continued to 1225. 1715 Red section scramble over base. Angels 5. Landed 1755 with nothing outstanding to report. 1750 yellow section continued with convoy work and landed at Exeter 1840. The squadron was released at 1845.

1942-02-07

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Today the weather is still fine and good for flying. 1035 the yellow section returned from Exeter and landed at 1055. Local flying practice over base was carried out. 1305 more convoy work was carried outbetween points 9 and 10 and continued till 1840 when the last section landed.

1942-02-08

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather fine and clear. The squadron again undertook convoy patrol from 0900 until 1300 hrs. The rest of the day was spent in local flying practice over the base. 1700 hours 2 A/C left for Exeter for dusk landings and training. 1910 squadron released.

1942-02-09

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather again very cold and not too for flying. 1100 red section attempted convoy patrol & landed at 1210. Apart from that there was very little flying today and the squadron was released after a boring day at 1910 hrs.

1942-02-10

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather over base clear and cold. At 0840 convoy work was once again commenced but owing to mist at seas was terminated at 1015. At this time the weather over base was also poor with cloud 9/10 at 8008. 1420 the weather showed signs of improvement and a little local flying was carried out. Apart from that there was nothing else to report. Released 18.55.

1942-02-11

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather better today with cloud 5 – 6/10ths. At 5000’. 1010 convoy patrol was recommenced and continued until 1510. 1140 four A/C took off on formation flying landing at 1240. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-12

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather during the day was very dull and cloudy. Apparently an E/A was about in the afternoon but 308 wasenot instructed to intercept.. As weather conditions were better in the evening some night flying training was entertained, and commended at 1845. This was completed by 1905 as weather was unfavourable, and the squadron was then released.

1942-02-13

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Today the weather is cold and clear. 0950 yellow section were ordered to scramble to Exmouth. Landed 1130 not hawing seen any E/A. Convoy patrol again took up most of the afternoon commencing at 1225 and ending at 1945. 1350 A/C from No. 306 Squadron landed, refuelled and took off again on convoy work. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-14

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Weather today is perfect. Little wind and visability good. Cloud 3/10ths at 8000Ft. Much air firing and formation flying training carried out. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-15

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

Today the weather is almost perfect. Flying training was again carried out in the morning, and convoy patrol work was carried out as from 1315. The last section landing at 1810. Nothing outstanding to report.

1942-02-16

The weather started rather poor but improved later in the day. 1210 red section scrambled and landed again at 1325 with noting to report. Again much flying training was carried out. The Duke of Kent visited the Squadron dispersal and talked with some of the pilots. 1745 one section at Bolt Head scramble. Landed again at 1810. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-17

R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer

The weather is cold with cloud 5 – 6/10ths at 3000’. The sections at Bolt Head had occasion to scramble twice but nothing of importance happened. There was some Air to Sea firing training in the afternoon. Otherwise nothing to report.

1942-02-18

Weather cold and frosty. 1245 convoy patrol duty was again commenced and continued untill 1450. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-19

Weather cold and bright. Visibility good Air to Sea firing and formation flying practice was carried out. 1505 convoy duty commenced and was continued until 1825. The section at Bolt Head were kept busy with scrambles. Squadron released 19.15.

1942-02-20

Weather cold and clear with visibility about 4 miles. Convoy work was carried out in the morning South of point no.9. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-21

Today the weather was very bad with snow expected. No flying at all. There was a practice invasion alert all day and throughout the night (Drake) The A/C at Bolt Head had three scrambles.

1942-02-22

Weather very cold with visibility not too good. The invasion exercise is still in progress. Convoy duty occupied the squadron all the morning from 0740 until 1140. The invasion exercise ended at 1800 hrs. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-23

Weather cold but fine today. 0745 Squadron came to readiness. Only convoy work carried out from 1400 until 1845. Nothing of importance to note.

1942-02-24

Weather today remains the same cold and fine. Convoy patrol from 0800 till 1425. Nothing else to report.

1942-02-25

Weather clear and brisk. No operational flying today untill 1600 when the squadron commenced convoy patrol accompanyed by sections of 317 squadron. 1900 last section landed.

1942-02-26

Weather started poor with improvement later. Convoy from 1125 to 1900. Nothing further to report.

1942-02-27

Fine cold morning with rather poor visibility improoving later. 4 A/C permission to do formation flying over base but two collided on ground in take off. Pilots uninjured. Rest of day convoy patrol.

1942-02-28

Weather milder today, but with strong wind. Squadron at readiness in morning and was again on convoy patrol from 0745 until 1355. They then came to 30 mins. available, but little flying was carried out except for engine and weather tests. Nothing further to report.