Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1945-02-01

GRIMBERGEN.

There was no operational flying on this, the first day of the month, the only flights being carried out were local ones. Non operational sorties 3, Hours 2.45.

1945-02-02

There was one operation today, this was DD.532, bombing and strafing and Armed Recce in areas X. and Y. for road and rail movement. 16 x 250 lb bombs were carried, 10 x 250 lb were brought back to base and 6 x 250 lbs dropped on 3 barges stationary at Z.9430 no hits being seen. there were two non operational flights / local flying /. Non operational hours 2 hrs 55 min. Sorties 2. Operational hours 8 hrs. 40. Sorties 8.

1945-02-03

Again there was only one operation today, this was DD.539 dive bombing and strafing and Armed Recce in areas X & Y. for Rail-Road movement. Bombs were dropped on road-rail crossing but no hits were observed. 10 barges were attacked at E4995, one direct hit and some near misses being observed. Operational hours 12 hrs. 15 min Non operational hours 18 hrs, 25 min. Operational sorties 8. Non operational sorties 11.

1945-02-04

Owing to the weather conditions there was no flying today.

1945-02-05

Again owing to the weather conditions, there was no flying today.

1945-02-06

Operational DD.566 was the only one today. This was armed recce in area X. Special attention to V. sitesin that area. bombs were dropped at E4589, on 7 barges, bear misses seen. Operational hours 15 hrs. 40 min. Sorties 8. Non operational hours 18.00 Sorties 14.

1945-02-07

No flying again today.

1945-02-08

Two operations were carried out today, these were first: 599/V.21, Army support and bombing of shell factory inside Seigfried line S.E. of REICHSWALD. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 11 x 500 and 24 x 250 dropped on target, 3 direct hits being seen, 1 big explosion and intense white smoke from target. This target was presumed to be suitable for further bombing. 1 x 500 lb bomb hung up. Second operation was DD.616/V.106, bombing and strafing of the village of MEHR, E.8358, a few miles north of REICHSWALD, 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried, 12 x 500 and 23 x 250 lb bombs were dropped on the village which contained German troops, all bombs falling in the target area. Operational hours 29.55 Sorties 24. Non operational hours 21.25 Sorties 18.

1945-02-09

Again two operations today. First was Weather Recce at 1510 hours, in which only two aircraft took part, in the area DEVENTER – ZWOLLE. This operation was uneventful. Second operation was Armed Recce in the areas GELDERN – KREEFELD – KEMPEN, and this mission also proved uneventful. Operational hours 12.20 Sorties 10 Non operational hours 0.30 min Sorties 2.

1945-02-10

W/C Sawicz whose plane is of 302 Squadron flew with 317 Squadron today, with operation DD.645, bombing of rail lines in areas AMERSFOORT – ZWOLLE / APPELDOORN – AMERSFOORT. 6 direct hits were scored on rail line and station at Z705028, and a BIG BEN trail was seen from the HILVERSUM area. Secondly the whole squadron took part in DD.645, which operastionwas similar to that carried out by 317 Squadron with W/C. SAWICZ. 12 aircraft took part in the operation, scoring 5 direct hits on a rail line at Z7801, 1 direct hit on rail line at Z8706, remainder being near misses and 3 direct hits on rail line at E2488. No big ben or diver activity was seen on this operation, third operation was in which one squadron aircraft piloted by F/S. CELAK accompanied 317 Squadron on DD.651, Serial No. 6, rail line bombing and KREFELD – KEMPEN – GELDERN - GOCH – ULEVE. bombs were dropped on rail line-road crossing E9242, no direct hits being seen. The fourth operation carried out by the Squadron was DD.651, Serial No. 24, bombing rail-lines at MOERS – RHEINBURG – XANTEN – CLEVE, 3 direct hits were scored on rail line and station at A0049, other target, A1535, no hits being seen on rail line. 1 x 500 lb bomb hung up. Operational hours 35.40 Sorties 26. Non operational sorties and hours NIL.

1945-02-11

GRIMBERGEN.

Group Captain GABSZEWICZ, flying a Squadron aircraft flew with 317 Squadron in operation DD.665, bombing interdiction in areas CLEVE – WESSEL – GELDERN – GOCH, altogether 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 lbs bombs were carried. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on rail line at E0389, all near misses. 1 x 500 lb bomb hung up. A further 7 x 500 and 14 x 250 lbs were dropped on rail line at D9394, near misses only being scored. Returning 50 barges were seen stationary at D7273, D8670. Second operations DD.685, bombing interdiction in areas CLEVE – WESSEL – GELDERN – GOCH, 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 lb bombs dropped on rail line at E1299, 1 direct hit being scored. 2 x 500 and 6 x 250 bombs were dropped on rail line at E0993, and on 6 stationary trucks, without loco – 5 direct hits were scored, 3 trucks being destroyed and 3 damaged. A further 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 lbs were dropped on rail line at Z4405, all near misses. DD.666 was the third operation. Interdiction – Bombing in areas CLEVE – WESEL – GELDERN – GOCH, but this operation was abortive owing to the weather. Operational hours 25.55. Sorties 22. Non operational hours 5.05. Sorties 9.

1945-02-12

There was no flying again today.

1945-02-13

There was only one operation today, this being DD.702, in which 11 aircraft took part. bombing of concentrations of enemy troops and material in the village of SONSBECK A.057555. 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 lb bombs were carried, 8 x 500 and 18 x 250 being dropped on rail line station about 25 trucks at A.0902. 8 direct hits being seen and 6 trucks being destroyed, and 8 trucks damaged. 1 x 500 and 2 x 250 lb bombs were dropped on flak positions in Square K.98, 1 direct hit being scored. 1 x 500 lb bomb hung up. 1 pilot, P.0844 F/L Wegrzyn, A. was missing from this operation, and no new has been received up to date. Operational hours 16.55. Sorties 11. Non operational hours 12.15 Sorties 22.

1945-02-14

There were four operations today, the first being DD.710, Armed Recce in area “V” with emphasis on roads in CLEVE – WESSEL – NIEUKERK – GOCH areas. At E9926, 4 MET damaged and at A.0618, Rly Station 1 loco and 4 trucks damaged. about 30 trooops were strafed. At A0225 1 train and 25-T.R.G. with steam up attacked. Second operation was again DD.710 in the same area and on same targets. 1 trailer was damaged and village strafed at A.0811. Village were also strafed at A.0518. and A0541. No Big Ben or Diver activity seen. Third operation DD.730 was Armed Recce in the GELDERN – XANTEN area. 1 MET destroyed at A0741, 1 MET A0141, 1 MET damaged A1414- 4 MET damaged at A1510 1 kco. moving loco’s 0-1-0. Flak from A0939 was intense, accurate, heavy and light. At A0642, a hospital was seen marked with Red Cross and sourrounded with flak guns. Intense fire was met iwht my the pilots, the gun positions being well visible. Fourth operation was DD.730, Armed Recce in area GELDERN – XANTEN. At A0801 a train moving ME and consisting of loco and 6 goods trucks was attacked with cannon and MG’s, the loco being destroyed. With 5 trucks damaged. No big ben or diver activity seen. Operational hours 40.45, Sorties 35. Non operational hours 5.15. Sorties 9.

1945-02-15

No flying again today.

1945-02-16

Two operations were carried out today. First one was DD.761 Armed recco in area “V” with emphasis on roads – ROERMOND – VENLO – GELDERN -, KEMPEN – GELDERN, MORS – RHEINBURG – XANTEN, 1 MET with trailer – flamer was obtained at A.1215, and 1 MET flamer at A1519 were obtained. Village of NIEUKERK A054185 was strafed. At E9821, 1 MET was damaged and at A1138 2 MET moving West and landed with troops and are claimed at flamers. Cannon and MG’s were used. Second operation was DD.760, Armed Recce in area “V” with emphasis on roads ROERMOND – VENLO – GELDERN – KEMPEN – GELDERN - , MORS – RHEINBURG – XANTEN areas. 1 MET flamer was obtained at A0825, and the village of ISSUM was strafed with cannon and MG’s. No Big Ben or Diver activity was seen. Small arms / was / fire / met with from ISSUM. Operational hours 22.20 Sorties 14. Non operational hours 2.20 Sorties 4.

1945-02-17

GRIMBERGEN.

No flying today owing to the weather.

1945-02-18

No flying again today owing to the weather.

1945-02-19

No flying again today owing to the weather.

1945-02-20

There was no operational flying today, and of non operational flying there was only one flight. F/O. RASZEWSKI carried out a local flight of 40 mins from 1315 to 1355 hours. Non operational hours 40 min. Sorties 1.

1945-02-21

There were two operations today, the first being D.798/PAD.4, in which W/C. SAWICZ flew from 302 Squadron with 317 Squadron. The operation was changed by G.C.C. after take off, and they were diverted to bomb enemy troops at SONSBECK village A.0635, 24 x 250 and 8 x 500 lb and 4 x 500 lb Incendiary bombs were carried and dropped on SONSBECK. All bombs fell in the target area and the village was left burning. The second operation was D.792/V.136, to bomb LABBECK rly station A.0440 and destroy any r lling stock seen. 22 x 250 and 7 x 500 lb of H.E. and 4 x 500 lb incendiary were carried, 21 x 250 and 7 x 500 H.E. and 4 x 500 Incendiary bombs were dropped on LABBECK railway station. 6 direct hits being scored on the rail line and 5 buildings were hit. The building were left smoking. During this mission 1 x 250 lb bomb hung up. Flak from the target was intense light. Operational hours 19.50 Sorties 12. Non operational hours 4.40 Sorties 9.

1945-02-22

There were three operations today, the first being D.804, paras A & B, Escort to Mitchells bombing railway station at MEPPEN / V.703558 / and railway station at V.954358, the take - off was late due to re-fuelling difficulties, rendezvous with bombers was late but effected at DEVENTER area. Mission uneventful. Second operation was again escort to bombs, /bostons/ bombing railway junction at HOLDORF /W.275423/ operation No. D.804 paras E & F. This operation was carried out by 317 Squadron, but W/C. SAWICZ flew a 302 Squadron plane. The take off was late because other Squadron were taking off at B.58 at the same time as 317 Squadron. Rendezvous was made over NIJMEGEN area with Mitchells, as Bostons could not be seen. Operation uneventful. Thir operation DD.818, Armed Recce in area “V” 1 MET being destroyed at A.0305, 1 MET and trailer destroyed at E9937, village strafed at A0404, 1 MET with trailer destroyed at A0904 and 1 MET damaged and at A1128 1 MET damaged. 30 + MET seen stationary facing N. at A.1715, A.1517, these were not attacked due to the intense flak. They also say about 10 ambulances moving from WEEZE – KEVALAER. Operational hours 46.25. Sorties 27. Non operational sorties 17. Hours 14.50.

1945-02-23

There was no operational today, and no non operational flying. The operation was Weather Recce carried out by G/CAPT. GABSZEWICZ with one of the Squadron pilots. The operation was carried out uneventfully. Operational hours 0.35 Sorties 2. Non operational hours & sorties NIL.

1945-02-24

GRIMBERGEN.

There were two operations today, the first being DD.839, Armed Recce in area “V” with particular attention to roads in area south of line WALBECK – GELDERN – WESEL. The following results were obtained A.1117 1 MET with trailer destroyed, A0305 village GREFRATH was strafed, A1214 1 MET destroyed and 1 MET damaged, A1213 village STUNDEN strafed and at A1864 the village of SPORK was also strafed. During this mission pilots observed scattered MET mevement between ALDEKERK – MORS – KREFELD in both directions. At A1213 the village of STENDEN, between houses a few MET, A1222 8 gun positions and at 1315 hours between RHES – ISSELBURG – BOCHOLT, 6 trails were seen coming from the ground up to about 15,000 ft, where a big explosion was observed, after which a big object like a balloon was seen slowly falling down. The second operation DD.839 Armed Recce in area “V”, with particular attention to roads in area south of Line WALBECK – GELDEREN – WESEL. 1 SPITFIRE XVI, and pilot S/L. BIENKOWSKI, /Squadron Commander/ did not return from this operation, and are still missing. Pilots report that he forced landed at A1632, and was seen to get out of his aircraft. At 1633 1 pillbox was strafed, in square F.29, 1 MET destroyed and 18 barracks strafed, 1 MET destroyed at A.1314 and at A1430 1 MET also destroyed. Cannon and MG’s used. Flak encountered from A1633 being very intense, accurate and light. Operational hours 39.10. Sorties 24. non operational hours 1.10 Sorties 2.

1945-02-25

Today’s first operation was DD.864. Armed Recce in area “V”, 2 H.D.T. damaged at A1317. 1 MET damaged at A1215 at A0718, 1 MET destroyed, 1 MET damaged at A1310 and E9920 2 HDT destroyed. A block of buildings was strafed at A0636 / SONSBECK / and at A0823 a village was also strafed. Cannon and MG’s were used. Scattered movements of MET and HDT’s in area S.E. of GELDERN. Flak from A0636 was intense, light. Second operation was DD.864, Armed Recce in area “V”. A village at A.0430 ands a village at E9721 were strafed. Cannon and MG’s were used. Operational hours 31.50 Sorties 21. Non operational hours 1.30 Sorties 1.

1945-02-26

There was no flying today.

1945-02-27

There was flying today, but it was non operational, consisting of local flying. Non operational hours 2.20 Sorties 2.

1945-02-28

On this, the last day of February, there were three operations, the first being D.890/GPI/1. to bomb at A133360 a group of large buildings SE of road junction, probably H.Q., indicated by a large concentration of vehicles and new gun emplacements to the N. and W. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs carried. Red and blue sections dropped 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 lb at MAUZELEN A1636, due to original target being obscured by low cloud. A.B.T.A. Yellow Section dropped 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 lb on the original target which was found clear by them. 12 direct hits being obtained Flak from the target area was meagre, light. Second operation D.891/B.24 to bomb and destroy SONSBECK A.0535 village. Interdiction communications and enemy reserves. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 10 x 500 and 22 x 250 lb dropped on SONSBECK village all bombs falling in the target area. 1 x 500 and 2 x 250 lb bombs were dropped on village at A0513, no result being seen. From this operation 1 x 500 lb bomb hung up. Pilots heard on Button “A” frequency / calls in German “HEINRICH – KOLN – HEINRICH – JULICH /”. Third operation was again to SONSBECK to bomb and destroy village, interdiction, communications and enemy reserves. 16 x 250 and 8 x 500 lb bombs were carried, 14 x 250 and 7 x 500 lb dropped on village SONSBECK all bombs falling in the target area. A few fires were seen in the village. Intense heavy and light flak was encountered from the target area. Operational hours 43.20 Sorties 31. Non operational hours 1.20 Sorties 1.

[Illegible]
for Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 302 /Polish/ Squadron.