Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-11-01

Northolt

08.00
Weather: - Surface wind, S.E.-ly, 510 m.p.h. Cloud 5/10ths. to 8/10ths. at 2/3,000 ft. Continuous rain in the West, more intermittent in the East. Visibility 1/3 miles. Fog widespread later. There was no flying today owing to bad weather and the Squadron were released at 18.21 hours.

1943-11-02

Northolt

08.00
Weather:- Surface Wind, S.E-ly. 5/10 m.p.h., cloud 710ths. at 1500/3000ft. Weather cloudy with occasional slight rain or drizzle, visibility 1000/2000 yds, improving by noon. At 14.20 hours, after a five day lull, due to bad weather, we resumed practice flying. 14 a/c being A/B/ on local flying. Landed 14.40 hours. The weather again changed [….] Squadron soon landed. At 18.20, Squadron were released. Non operational flying times were 7 hours 50 minutes. and 14 non-operational sorties.

1943-11-03

Northolt

Weather:- cloudy, surface wind S.S.E. 5/10 m.p.h., cloud 6/10ths. to 9/10ths. at 1500/2000 ft. visibility from 3 – 6 miles. At 09.55 hours 13 a/c of the Squadron, led by W/C. Gabszewicz D.S.O., D.F.C., were airborne, acting as High Cover to 72 MARAUDERS bombing Tricqueville. Ramrod 289. Landed 1205. At 13.25 hours 14 a/c. of the Squadron left for Manston, landed at 14.00 hours. At 14.50 13 a/c of the Squadron were A/B/ from Manston, acting as 2nd Fighter Sweep to Ramrod 290. Landed at Manston at 16.40 hours. At 17.30 10 a/c airborne from Manston to Ford, landed Ford 18.15 hours. Operational times 51 hours, 50 minutes , and 26 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 15 hours 40 minutes. and 24 non-operational sorties.

1943-11-04

Ford

08.00
Weather:- Surface wind N.E. 5/10 m.p.h. cloud 4/10ths. at 2000 feet. visibility 500/1000 yards. Widespread fog improving towards afternoon. Squadron were airborne from Ford at 15.50 hours and landed Northolt at 16.15 hours. Non operational flying times were 7 hours 20 minutes. and 13 non operational sorties.

1943-11-05

Northolt.

08.00
Weather: Cloudy, becoming fair. Surface wind and up to 15,000 ft. light E/NE less than 15 mph. Cloud 7/10ths. to 10/10ths. at 2000/3000 ft. visibility 1000/3000 yards., improving later. At 12.15 hours 12 a/c. of the Squadron were airborne, acting with a strong fighter umbrella to Marauders attacking target Z.790, Ramrod 291., landed at 14.15 hours. At 15.25 hours 12 a/c. of the Squadron were again airborne, acting as fighter umbrella to 72 Marauder Bombers, bombing target Z.798., Ramrod 292., landed at 17.15 hours. Three a/c. also were on Air Sea Rescue in conjunction with these operations, being airborne at 15.35 hours, and landing at 17.45 hours. At 18.13 hours, the Squadron were released for the day. Operational flying times were 52 hours, 5 minutes , and 27 operational sorties. Non operational flying times were 1 hour, and there was 1 non operational sortie.

1943-11-06

08.00
Weather:- cloudy with rain or drizzle., wind S.W., 10/15 mph. visibility 1000/3000 yards, improving later., cloud 10ths. to 10/10ths. at 600/1000 ft., breaking slowsly. At 14.30 hours 5 a/c. were airborne on Formation and photo attacks, landing for the day at 16.55 hours. In the afternoon 6 a/c. practiced local flying. Squadron were released for the day at 16.55 hours. Non - operational flying times were 16 hours, 30 minutes, and there were 13 non operational sorties.

1943-11-07

Northolt

08.00
Weather:- Wind N.W. 20-25 mph. Fine, improving generally, cloud 5/10ths. to 8/10ths. at 2000/3000 feet. visibility 4/8 miles. At 09.15 hours, 12 a/c. of the Squadron were airborne acting as High cover to 72 Marauders Bombers, attacking MONTDIDIER A/F’s (Ramrod 297, part 3), landed 11.10 hours. At 15.35 hours 10 a/c. were airborne from Redhill, and landed Northolt 15.55 hours. Owing to unsuitable weather conditions, an anticipated operational flight from Redhill had to be cancelled. Squadron were released for the day at 15.55 hours. Operational flying times were 23 hours , and 12 operational sorties. Non operational flying times 12 hours 10 mins. and 28 non operational sorties.

1943-11-08

08.00
Weather:- Cloudy with intermittent rain, visibility less than 1,000 yards. Cloud 8/10ths. to 10/10ths. at 2,500 feet. A little practice flying locally was indulged in. At 14.30 hours 4 a/c. were airborne on Formation Flying, landing at 15.45 hours. At 18.00 hours the Squadron were released for the day. Non op. flying times 10 hours, 20 minutes. and 11 non op. sorties.

1943-11-09

08.00
Weather:- Surface wind, light westerly, cloud variable but generally 7/10ths. to 10/10ths. at 2000/4000 feet, visibility 800/1500 yards, improving to 2/4 miles. 1 Flight of Squadron from 13.00 hours at readiness, and 1 flight at 30 min. 12 a/c airborne at 16.15 hours to Manston where they landed at 17.10 hours. 1 a/c. did local flying. At 18.10 hours Squadron released for the day. Non op. flying times 13 hours, 5 min. There were 13 non op. sorties.

1943-11-10

08.00
Weather. Surface wind up to 10,000 feet, variable, less than 10 mph. much fog and mist, first clearing in forenoon. Visibility 500, 100, improving. Cloud little or none, apart from light fog. Squadron away at Manston. 11 a/c. of Squadron airborne at 12.45 hours from Manston on Ramrod 307. acting as high cover. Squadron landed at Manston at 15.35 hours. Then 12 a/c. airborne for operation in Ramrod 308, acting as Fighter umbrella to bombers attacking AUDINGEN. Squadron landed at Northolt at 17.00 hours. At 18.00 hours Squadron released for the day. There were 36 hours, 35 min. operational flying, and 22 operational sorties. Non op. flying times 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 5 sorties.

1943-11-11

08.00
Surface wind, N.W. backing W.N.W. 10/15 mph. Visibility 1-2 miles. improving later to 5-10 miles. Cloud nil, 3/10 at 2,500 feet, increasing 5/10 to 8/10 at 2000/3000 ft. Showers in the afternoon. From 07.09 hours one flight at readiness, and one at 30 minutes available. At 08.15 hours. 12 a/c. airborne to Warmwell, where they landed at 09.10 hours. At 12.00 hours, 12 aircraft were airborne at Warmwell for operational acting as Second Fighter Umbrella in Ramrod 311, landed at Northolt at 13.45 hours. Target CHERBOURG. Pilots observed intense flak to bombers. None to Squadron. Operation passed uneventfully. Squadron swept target area at 22,000 feet. 5/10 low cloud, visibility good. At 14.50 hours, 12 a/c. of Squadron were airborne at base, for operations acting as fighter umbrella in Ramrod 312. Target ST. OMER. squadron landed at Northolt at 17.00 hours. At 18.00 hours, Squadron released for the day. There were 46 hours, 20 minutes operational flying, and 24 op. sorties. Non op. flying 14 hours, 25 minutes, with 14 non. op. sorties.

1943-11-12

08.00
Weather cloudy, intermittent slight drizzle, mainly near fronts. Surface wind west – WNW 20/25 mph. Visibility 2 – 6 miles. Cloud 5/10 – 8/10 at 2,000 – 3,000 feet, increasing to 8/10 – 10/10 800 – 1,500 feet. Freezing level at 7,000 feet. Icing index low. At 07.10 Squadron at 30 minutes availability. At 09.30 4 a/c. airborne for photo and formation flying. At 10.00 hours 6 a/c. airborne for formation flying. Some other aircraft also did local flying. From 12.00 hours Squadron released for the rest of the day. Non op. times 15 hrs, 10 min. & 16 sorties.

1943-11-13

Northolt

Weather – wind to 10 – 15 mph., increasing to 15-20 mph. Cloud 6/10 – 9/10 at 1500-2000 ft., reaching 8/10 – 10/10 at 800 – 1500 ft. Visibility from 2 – 6 miles and 1 – 3 miles. Cloudy – intermittent rain or drizzle. In the morning some local flying was carried out. At 14.45 12 a/c. of Squadron were airborne 6 a/c. of “A” Flight did low flying and 6 a/c. of “B” Flight were intercepting. At 17.10 Squadron released for the rest of the day. Non op. times 21 hours. Sorties 16.

1943-11-14

Weather) Showers of rain. Visibility Good except locally in showers but 1000 yards or less in snow showers. Cloud 5/10 – 8/10 N.W. Wind 10 – 20 mph., rising to 30 mph to North 30 – 45 mph. At 07.14 Squadron at 30 min. availability. At 10.00 Squadron released for rest of day, but at 10.20 this order was cancelled and at 13.10. 1 Flight of Squadron was at readiness and one flight at 30 min. Owing to bad weather there was no flying. At 18.00 hours Squadron released for the day.

1943-11-15

Weather. cloudy – showers of rain and snow and N.N.W. – W, Wind 20 – 30 mph. Visibility good except in showers. Cloud 6/10 – 9/10 at 1000/2000 feet, increasing to 10/10 at 500/1000 ft. in rain. At 07.35 one section at readiness, rest of the Squadron available. At 08.15 one flight of Squadron at readiness, one at 30 minutes. At 09.50 6 a/c. did formation flying and low flying and at 10.15 did G.C.I. Practice. At 1120 2 a/c. of “A” Flight scrambled to patrol at 15,000 feet. At 1220 another two aircraft scrambled over base at 8000 feet. First Section landed at 12.10, the other two at 13.25 at base. At 14.30 12 a/c of Squadron took off for local formation flying and photo. From 1450 Squadron released for the rest of the day. Operational times 5 hours, 40 minutes. Sorties 6. Non-operational time 30 hours 55 minutes. Sorties 21.

1943-11-16

Weather. – Fair, clouds 2 – 6/10 at 5000 feet. Wind 10 – 20 mph. Visibility 3 - 4 miles. At 1010; a/c. did a/c. tests and at 1015 another a/c did local flying. 6 a/c. did formation flying from 1025 to 1140 and two other a/c. were airborne at 1025 on G.C.I. From 1430 Squadron released for the rest of the day. Operational times NIL Sorties NIL. Non-op sorties 10. Non-op Times 11 hours 10 min.

1943-11-17

Weather, cloudy 8/10 – 10/10 at 1500/2000 ft. N.W. Wind 5/10 mph. Visibility 1000 – 2000 yds. increasing to 2 – 3 miles. At 1130 3 a/c. airborne to Alcombury. 14 a/c. did formation flying and photo at 14.30 and 14.55. From 17.30 Squadron released for the rest of the day. Non operational times 18 hours 50 minutes. 20 sorties.

1943-11-18

Weather: Mainly fair and partly cloud in S.E. becoming intermittent drizzle. Visibility 2 – 5 miles. Clouds 8/10 – 10/10 at 5000 feet. and 5/10 – 8/10 at 1300-2500 feet. At 0945 hours 8 a/c. A/B for local flying and photo. At 10.20 one a/c did training flying. 12 a/c. of the Squadron did training flying. 12 a/c. of the Sqdn. did formation flying from 1440. Some other a/c. A/B/ to other places. Non-op times 25 hours, 50 min. Sorties 24.

1943-11-19

Northolt

Weather – Thundery and showers in the S.E. Pair elsewhere. Surface wind N – N.E. from 5/10 – 10/20 mph. Visibility at first poor improving later. to 2 – 5 miles - in the afternoon low clouds. At 07.37 Squadron at 30 mins. At 1145 12 a/c. of Sqdn. airborne to Tangmere where they landed at 1225. At 1400 13 a/c. airborne at Tangmere for Ramrod 315 operations acting as withdrawal support to Marauders which bombed LOUVIERS. Operation developed according to plan. Uneventful. No e/a seen. Sqdn landed at 1545, and at Northolt. At 1325 1 a/c. A/B/ to Wrexham, returning at 1615 hours. At 1735 Squadron released for the rest of the day. Operational times 22 hours, 55 mins. Sorties 13. Non operational times 10 hours 20 mins. Sorties 15.

1943-11-20

Widespread fog, with visibility improving to 1 – 3 miles in the afternoon, 3 – 6 miles to coast, little or no wind. Clouds increasing to 5/10 – 8/10 in the north. At 1300 Red section at readiness, yellow and white at 15 minutes. “B” Flight at 30 min. Owing to bad weather no flying was done. At 1730 hours Squadron released for the rest of the day.

1943-11-21

Weather. Widespread fog only improving very slowsly. S. wind, light to N to N.E. veering N.N.W. Visibility generally persisting less than 1 mile. Broken clouds at 1000 feet. At 0742 “B” Flight at readiness. “A” Flight 30 mins. At 1020 “A” Flight released, and “B” Flight released at 13.00 hours. Squadron released for rest of day at 18.00 hours. Owing to bad weather conditions no flying was done.

1943-11-22

Weather. Intermittent rain and drizzle with widespread fog becoming cloudy. Visibility generally less than 1 mile. Clouds 8/10 – 10/10 at 600 – 1000ft, lifting 5 – 8/10 at 1500 – 2000 ft. At 1010 hours, Squadron released for rest of day. There was no flying at all during the day.

1943-11-23

Weather – fair to fine but cloud increasing in W. Local fog in the morning. Visibility 3 – 6 miles after 1100 hours. S wind 2000 ft. Cloud well broken, mainly above 3000 feet. At 0740 Sqdn. at 30 mins. Squadron at readiness at 1130. At 1235 a/c. of Squadron were airborne for operations over France, acting in Ramrod 326 as top cover to Marauders (72) bombing St. OMER - operation uneventful. 2 a/c. took off for air-sea rescue service at 1245. Sgdn. landed from operation at base at 1400 hours. One a/c. returned to base earlier owing to engine trouble. Squadron released for the rest of the day.

1943-11-24

Weather. Mainly cloudy with occasional showers. Visibility 1 – 3 miles in showers. locally moderate. Clouds – increasing from 5 – 8/10ths. at 1500 – 2000 feet. to 10/10 at 1000 ft in showers. At 1045, 12 a/c. of Squadron airborne to Manston where they landed at 1130 hours. Squadron returned to base at 1415 when the operation was cancelled. At 1755 hours Squadron released. Non operational times 17 hours, 20 min. Sorties 26.

1943-11-25

Weather – Fine, cold S. wind W.N.W. – N.W. 15 – 25 mph. with gusts at 35 mph. Clouds NIL to 3/10ths at 3000 feet. Icing I. high in showers. Visibility 3 – 10 miles. At 07.48 Sqdn. at 30 mins. 4 a/c. did formation flying and cine camera gun firing in the morning, 2 a/c. later did air to air firing. 1 Spitfire Target Towing. 1 further a/c. was flying locally. From 1300 hours “B” Flight at readiness “A” Flight at 30 mins. At 1515 hours, 12 a/c. of Squadron airborne for operations over France, acting as Fighter Sweep in Ramrod 333. Operation was uneventful. Squadron flew at 23,000 ft. and encountered a lot of quite well – aimed ack – ack. All aircraft landed safely at base at 1715 hours. One a/c. did A/S/R. Service. Two aircraft did air to air firing from 1325. At 1735 Squadron released. Operational times 25 hours 15 minutes. Sorties 14. Non operational times 11.25. Sorties 10.

1943-11-26

Northolt

Weather. Foggy on ground, mostly local, little clouds to 4/10 at 2000 – 3000 ft. Upper wind WNW 5 mph. Weather elsewhere fair or fine. F/L/ 3,000 feet. I.I. moderate. From 0750 “A” Flight at readiness “B” Flight 30 min. At 1230 12 a/c. of Squadron Airborne on High Cover in Ramrod 336. Cover to Marauders. Squadron landed at Ford at 1440. Operation carried out to plan, but uneventfully. 2 A/c. of “A” and “B” Flights on Station Defence from 1230. At 1455 aircraft A/B. for weather test. At 1745 Squadron released for the rest of Day. Operational times 28.10. Sorties 13. Non operational times 0.15 hrs. 1 sortie.

1943-11-27

Weather – rain pr drizzle, becoming cloudy, thick fog, but local, improving later. Light variable wind 5 – 10 mph. Visibility generally 2 – 4 miles., locally less than one mile. Cloud little or non at first, increasing later to 6/10 or 9/10 – 10/10 in rain and drizzle from 1000 – 2000 ft. F.L. 6,000 – 7,000 ft. I.I. high. Squadron away at Ford. At 1430 Squadron released. No flying owing to bad weather.

1943-11-28

Weather. Intermittent rain or drizzle till fog. South west wind till W.S.W. 15 – 20 mph. Visibility patches 500 – 1000 yards near London. Otherwise 1000 – 2000 yards. improving 1 – 3 miles. Clouds 9/10 to 10/10 at 200 – 800 yards. At 0800 Squadron still away at Ford. At 0930 W/Cdr. Flying airborne to Ford, landing at 09.50. At 1110 1 aircraft A/B. for local flying, landing at 1140. At 1125 2 a/c. of Squadron A/B. at Ford, landing 1140 hours. Rest of Squadron at 1600 hours still away at Ford. Non operational times 1 hour 45 min. Sorties 4.

1943-11-29

Weather: Fine, becoming fair, visibility 1 – 2 miles. near London. Otherwise 2 – 6 improving 5 – 10 miles., except in showers. Cloud nil to 3/10 at 2000 feet. Wind W.S.W. 15 – 20 mph. F.L. 3,000 feet. At 0800 hours Squadron still away at Ford. 0945 1 a/c A/B from Ford, landing at Northolt 1030. 09.45 11 a/c A/B. from Ford on High cover action in Ramrod 339, landing at base at 1130 hours. At 1130 hours, Squadron at 30 minutes availability. at 1415 hours, 6 a/c. airborne for air sea rescue service, landing at 1540 hours at base. From 1430 till 1620 6 a/c. airborne for air sea rescue service, landing at 1540 hours at base. From 1430 till 1620 6 a/c. did formation flying and one a/c from 1430 to 1545 did test flying of a petrol tank. At 1730 Squadron released. Operational times 19 hours 25 mins. Sorties 11. Non operational times 20 hours 10 minutes. 14 sorties.

1943-11-30

Weather, fine becoming Far, isolated showers in the afternoon. Visibility 4 – 10 miles. but 2 – 4 miles in showers. Clouds, small amounts increasing towards noon. 4 – 7/10 at 2 – 3000 feet, becoming 7/10 – 10/10 at 1-2000 feet. At 0920 12 a/c. of Squadron A/B. landing at Manston 1000 hours. At 0935 hours 1 a/c. A/B. for Churchstanton, landing at 11.45 hours. At 0935 hours 1 a/c. A/B. Manston, landing 10.00 hours. At 1025 hours 2 a/c. A/B. for air sea rescue service, but landed at 1120 hours. At 1220 hours 13 a/c. of Squadron A/B. at Manston for Ramrod 341, operations. At 1315 hours 3 a/c. landed from Manston. At 1430 0 a/c. landed from Ramrod operation at base. At 1515 1 a/c. landed from Ramrod operation. Ramrod operation uneventful, but squadron met heavy and well – aimed flak over OSTEND and near target. All a/c. returned safely. At 1530 hours “A” Flight at readiness, “B” Flight at 30 minutes. At 1720, Squadron released.

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