Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-10-01

NORTHOLT

08.00 hs.
Weather: Misty, Cloud 9/10ths at 3,000 ft., visibility 2,000 yds, wind Westerly 2 mph. The weather was non-operational but fairly good for practice.
Numerous formation flights were practice and also aircraft test. The Squadron was released however, at 1530 hrs. Non operational flying times were 36 hrs. 40 mins. and there were 29 sorties.

1943-10-02

0800 hs.
Weather: Cloudy and hazy, visibility 4 miles: wind Westerly 5 mph. Cloud 9/10ths at 1800 ft.
06.00
One Flight was at readiness and the other at 15 minutes.
10.00
Whole Squadron at readiness.
11.00
6 A/c carried out air to ground firing practices and 3 aircraft did local sector recco. until 1730 hrs.
16.30.
12 a/c of the Squadron were airborne acting as Top Cover to 72 Marauders bombing St. Omer A/F. RAMROD 256. Landed at 1830 hrs.
Squadron was released at 1925 hrs. Operational flying times were 22 hrs. and 11 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 12 hrs. 40 minutes and there were 13 non-operational sorties.

1943-10-03

0800 hs.
Weather: Fine, becoming fair, clouds 6/10ths at 2/3,000 ft. Visibility 2/5 miles, wind West to South West 10 mph.
10.15.
Squadron at 13 a/c were airborne acting as First Fighter Sweep to Ault – second diversion RAMROD 257. Landed at 1205 hrs.
16.15
Squadron of 13 aircraft airborne acting as First Sweep to RAMROD 259. Landed at 1820 hs.
Squadron was released at 1923 hrs. Operational flying times were 51 hrs. 30 minutes and 26 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 3 hrs. 25 minutes and 7 non operational sorties.

1943-10-04

08.00
Weather: Fair in S.E. otherwise cloudy, visibility 1/3 miles, cloud 3/10ths to 7/10ths 3/4,000 ft. wind W/S.W. 15/20 mph.
09.35
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne to Bradwell Bay. Landed there 1010 hrs.

BRADWELL BAY
11.35
12 aircraft were airborne from Bradwell Bay as Fighter Cover to first formation of Fortresses bombing Frankfurt. RAMROD 261. Landed at 1330 hrs.

NORTHOLT
16.10.
11 aircraft did formation flying, landed at 1730 hrs.
Squadron was released at 16.05. Operational flying times were 27 hrs. 30 minutes and 12 operational sorties. Non - operational flying times were 31 hrs. 45 minutes and 42 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-06

0800 hs.
Weather: Cloudy, occasional rain, visibility 2,000/4,000 yds, surface wind W/S.W. 20/25 mph. Cloud 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 1/1,500 ft.
Weather in the morning was unserviceable for flying. In the afternoon the weather was still cloudy and apart from a flew local flights nothing else occurred. Non operational times were 3 hrs. and there were 6 non-operational sorties.

1943-10-07

08.00
Weather: Surface wind light variable N.N.W. – N.[.]. 5/10 mph. Cloudy with rain, visibility 1/3 miles, cloud 8/10ths to 10/10ths at 3/4000 ft.
09.45
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne on formation flying and cine camera training, landed at 1120 hrs.
Two aircraft were airborne on aircraft tests between 0920 and 10.00 hrs.
11.50
One aircraft did aircraft test.
13.20.
Three aircraft practiced Air to Air firing from 1320 to 1435 hrs.
14.50
Eight aircraft did formation and photo practices, landed at 1540 hrs.
15.45.
Three aircraft did Air to Air firing from 1545 to 1706 hrs.
Squadron was released at 1500 hrs. Non operational flying times were 34 hrs. 45 minutes and there were 29 non-operational sorties.

1943-10-08

Weather: Fair or fine, light N.E.’ly wind, visibility 1/4 miles, cloud 4/10ths to 7/10ths at 3,000 ft.
09.55
Three aircraft did Air to Air Firing practice until 1200 hrs.
11.05
Four aircraft did cine photo and formation practices to 12.10 hrs.
13.40
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne to Manston [lawin] there at 1420 hrs.

MANSTON
16.00
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne from Manston acting as High Cover to 74 Marauder bombers bombing Chievres. RAMROD 264. Landed at Northolt 1800 hrs.

16.25
2 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne acting as Air Sea Rescue. Landed at Northolt at 1825.
Squadron was released at 1830 hrs. Operational flying times were 28 hrs. 5 minutes and there were 14 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 20 hrs. 30 minutes and there were 25 sorties.

1943-10-09

0800
Weather: Cloudy, cloud 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 2,500/3,000 ft., visibility less than 1,000 yds in some areas, surface wind and up to 15,000 ft. light and variable.
12.00
Squadron at readiness.
12.15
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne to Bradwell Bay and landed there at 1305 hrs.
14.30
12 aircraft were airborne at Bradwell Bay acting as Second Fighter Sweep to RAMROD 266. Landed at Bradwell Bay 1635 hrs.
Owing to U/S weather conditions at Northolt Squadron was forced to remain at Bradwell Bay.
Operational flying times were 25 hrs. and 14 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 10 hrs. and 12 non operational sorties.

1943-10-10

0800
Weather: Surface Wind E.S.E. 5/10 mph. Fine then cloudy, patches of cloud at 2/3,000 ft., visibility bad, improving to one mile by 1200 hrs. Squadron was unable to return to Northolt owing to US/ weather conditions.

1943-10-11

0800
Weather: Surface wind and up to 5,000 ft. light and variable. Fog lifting steadily to 10/10ths at 1,500 ft. Visibility poor to bad, improving to 1/2 miles. Squadron still unable to return as fog and haze persisting.

1943-10-12

0800
Weather: Fog, cloud 10/10ths, visibility bad but later improving slightly. The exceptional speel of fog still kept the squadron at Bradwell.

1943-10-13

08.00
Weather: Surface wind to 20,000 ft., overcase fog during morning, cloud 8/10ths to 10/10ths at 2/3,000 ft., visibility 500 – 1500 yds. inland.
The weather had improved a little and the Squadron returned from Bradwell Bay. Two aircraft [aid] aircraft tests in the afternoon. Non operational flying times were 7 hours. 25 minutes and there were 15 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-14

0800 hs.
Weather: Surface wind to 10,000 ft. 10 mph, cloudy, cloud 10/10ths at 500/1000 ft. visibility 1000/1500 yds.
There was no flying this day owing to U/S weather conditions. Squadron was released at 1900 hrs.

1943-10-15

0800
Weather: Much fog during the morning, visibility 4,000 to 1,000 yds, cloudy 10/10ths at 500 ft., dispersing towards noon. Surface wind up to 15,000 ft., variable less than 10 mph.
Between 1615 and 1730 hrs. 10 aircraft did Formation and Photo practices. Operational times nill. Non operational flying times 11 hrs. 45 minutes and 11 non operational sorties.

1943-10-16

0800
Weather: Fine to fair in the East above fog, fair to cloudy in West lifting fog to about 1100 hrs., visibility 500/1500 yds, improving to one mile by 1000 hrs., cloud 3/10ths to 5/10ths at 2500/3,000 ft., wind S.E.E. becoming 5/10 mph.
11.30
12 aircraft of the Squadron are brought to readiness.
12.20
Squadron were airborne to Halesworth, landing there at 1335 hrs. Owing to bad weather they did not go on the proposed operation and returned to Northolt – Up Halesworth 1525 – Down Northolt 1620 hrs.
Squadron was released at 1900 hrs. Non operational flying times 24 hrs. 30 minutes and there were 12 non - operational sorties

1943-10-17

0800
Weather: Surface wind S.E./E.S.E. 10/20 mph. Cloudy with periods of continuous rain, visibility improving to 3/6 miles, cloud 8/10ths to 10/10ths at 2,000 ft.
06.25 hr
Squadron were at readiness.
08.35
Squadron of 12 aircraft were airborne on an operation but were recalled and landed at 0900 hrs.
16.05
Squadron of 12 aircraft airborne with 317 Squadron and led by Wing Commander Gabszewicz on RODEO 262 to France. Landed at 1800 hrs.
There were several Air to Air firing practices and photo attacks during the morning and early afternoon. Operational flying times were 24 hrs. 20 minutes and 13 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 17 hrs. 5 minutes and 24 non operational sorties.

1943-10-18

08.00
Weather: Surface Wind E.S.E. increasing 15/20 mph. in West and 10/15 mph in East Cloud 8/10ths to 10/10ths at 1500 ft., visibility 3,000 yds.
08.20
Squadron of 12 aircraft was airborne as High Cover to 72 Marauder bombers bombing Evreux, France – RAMROD 272 PART I. Landed at Tangmere 10.30 hrs. Left Tangmere 1105 landed Northolt 1150 hrs.
11.20
3 aircraft did Air to Air firing.
13.20
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne as Fighter Cover to Flying Fortresses attacking targets in Germany – RAMROD 273. Landed at 15.10 hs.
At 1600 hours 12 A/C of the Squadron were airborne as high Cover to 72 Marauders Bombers bombing at St. Omer A/F’s landed at 1745 hours. RAMROD 274 part 1. Operational flying times were 71 hours. 40 mins. and 38 operational sorties. Non - operational flying times 15 hours. 5 minutes and 17 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-19

Weather: at 0900 hours S.S.W. Wind 10 to 20 miles P.H. occasional showers, visibility good, cloud 5/10ths. to 8/10ths at 2000 ft. To day some good practice flying was done by the Squadron formation, Air to Air firing, photo attacks etc., Non - operational flying times were 31 hours. 45 minutes and there were 25 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-20

Weather: At 0800 hours Wind S. to S.W. 20 m.p.h. Mainly fair early but becoming slightly cloudy, visibility moderate to good, cloud 6/10ths. to 8/10ths. at 2/3,000 ft.
At 0855 hours 13 A/C of the Squadron were airborne acting as second Fighter Sweep. RODEO 263 Part 1 landed at 1050 hours. At 1305 hours 12 A/C of the Squadron were airborne acting as Fighter Cover to second formation of Fortresses. RAMROD 277. Landed at 1505 hours. Operational flying times were 51 hours. 45 minutes and 28 operational sorties. Non - operational flying times were 1 hour 25 minutes and there were 4 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-21

Weather: at 0800 hours. Surface wind S.S.S.W. 15/25 m.p.h. Showers, visibility 1 – 3 miles cloud 5/10ths to 8/10ths at 3000 ft. At 1530 hours 2 A/C were ordered to scramble landed at 1550 hrs. At 1540 hours two further A/C were ordered to scramble landed at 1725. Squadron were released at 1845 hours. Operational flying times were 2 hours. 20 minutes and 4 operational sorties. Non - operational flying times were 55 minutes and 2 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-22

Weather: at 0800 hours. Fair scattered showers. Cloud 5/10ths to 8/10ths at 2/3000 ft. visibility 1000/3000 yards. At 09.20 hours the squadron of 12 A/C were airborne acting as High Cover to 72 Marauders Bombers Evraux. RAMROD 280. Landed 1130 hours
At 1430 hours the squadron of 12 A/C were airborne acting as High Cover to 72 Marauders bombing Evraux. RAMROD 282, Landed at 1600 hours. Squadron were released at 1845 hours. Operational flying times were 46 hours. 20 minutes and there were 24 operational sorties. Non - operational flying times were 1 hour 20 minutes and there were one non - operational sorties.

1943-10-23

Weather: At 0800 hours. Cloudy, intermittent rain or showers, fog patches, visibility less than 1,000 yards. clouds 6/10ths to 9/10ths at 500 feet. To-day was devoted to training practices. Air to Air flying and sector recco. Squadrons were released at 1820 hours. Non - operational flying times were 16 hours 50 minutes and there were 14 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-24

Weather: At 0800 hours Fog in E. and N. of area clearing slowly, showers in S. and West, cloud 3/10ths to 6/10ths at 2000/2500 feet. visibility 2/5 miles, wind SW-SSW. 5/10 mph. At 1125 hours 12 A/C of the squadron were airborne acting as High Cover to 72 Marauder bombers bombing Beauvais / Nivilliers A/F’s. RAMROD 283. Part 11. landed at 1325 hours. At 1540 hours 12 A/C of the Squadron were Airbourne as 1st. Fighter Sweep (West of Walcheron) RAMROD 284. landed at 1730. Squadron were released at 1840 hours. Operational flying times were 58 hours. 20 mins. and 30 operational sorties. Non - operational flying times were 6 hours 5 minutes and there were 6 non - operational sorties.

1943-10-25

0800
Weather: Fog over most of area, South winds up to 5,000 ft, light and variable. Visibility less than 1,000 yds, improving later. Clouds 5/10ths to 8/10ths at 2,000/2,500 ft.
06.39
Squadron at 30 minutes avail.
14.55
12 aircraft of the Squadron were airborne on Formation Flying, and landed at 1515 hrs.
15.00
Two aircraft were on local flying practice, landed at 1600 hrs.
Squadron was released at 1[.]36 hrs. Non - operational flying times were 1 hours 55 minutes and there were 18 non operational sorties.

1943-10-26

0800
Weather: Windspread fog inland, dispersing slowly; cloud 7/10ths to 10/10ths in extreme S.E.; visibility less than 700 yds, improving to 2/4 miles; Wind N.[.]./N.N.E. 5/10 mph.
10.55
12 aircraft of the Squadron practiced formation flying, landed at 1220 hrs.
There was no operational flying today owing to U/S weather conditions, and the Squadron was released at 1755 hrs. Non - operational flying times were 19 hours 40 minutes and there were 15 non operational sorties.

1943-10-27

0800
Weather: Surface wind, cal[.] or light, variable, to 15,000 ft. Thick fog over whole area, visibility less than 1,000 yds generally and only 200 yds in some places.
13.00
Squadron was released off station. No flying owing to bad weather.

1943-10-28

0800
Weather: Surface wind variable, less than 10 mph. Thick fog over the whole area. Visibility less than 1,000 yds, improving slowly to 1/2 miles. Cloud 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 2000/2500 ft. At 1300 hrs. Squadron was released off station owing to U/S weather conditions.

1943-10-29

08.00
Weather: Surface wind variable, less than 10 mph. Cloud on coast, becoming foggy inland. Visibility 2,000 yds, cloud 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 2,000/4,000 ft.

1943-10-30

0800
Weather: Surface wind variable, less than 10 mph. Fog inland, improving slowly. Cloud 7/10ths to 10/10ths 2/3,000 ft. Visibility 1/2,000 yds.
No flying today owing to U/S weather conditions.

1943-10-31

0800
Weather: Surface wind variable, less than 10 mph. Cloudy, cloud 6/10ths to 8/10ths 2,000 ft, visibility 2/3,000 yds.
No flying today owing to U/S weather conditions.

Król S/L (Autograph)
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 302 (Polish) Squadron,
R.A.F. Station, Northolt.