Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1945-03-01

B.60 GRIMBERGHEN.

There was only one operational today, this being Weather recce, in which two aircraft took off at 0910, landing at 1030. The operation proved uneventful. Non operational hours and sorties NIL. Operational hours 2hr, 40. Sorties 2.

1945-03-02

There was no operational flying in the morning, but in the afternoon the Squadron took off in operation DD.926, Armed Recce for loco’s, MET, River and Barge movement in area “V”. Bombs were carried, in all 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb, All bombs were dropped on targets. Operational hours 17.40 Sorties 12. Non operational hours 1.30 Sorties 3.

1945-03-03

Today’s first operation was DD.940, Armed Recce in area “V”, approaches to area from ZUTPHEN – ARNHEM, 2 MET were destroyed and 2 MET damaged in Square A.34 at V.6801 a loco and approx. 8 passenger cars, moving East, were attacked, the train stopped. Loco and trucks were damaged but the train had not been reported by R/T. Pilots saw scattered MET on road WESEL – BORKEN. Cannon and MG’s were used. At HANGELO station pilots saw 2 trains – one loco and approx. 4 trucks, the loco and another with 20 trucks were standing facing East and West with steam up, the weather being clear. The second operation was again DD.940, and a convoy of 20+ MET and HDT moving W. on road DORSTEN – WESEL Square A.34 was attacked, 2 MET being damaged. An ARADO, Ar.234 was encountered in the REES area, and was flying W. at 10,000 ft. No attack was made as the aircraft turned sharply and dived away to the east. The E/A had grey camouflage. Flak on the road DORSTEN – WESL Square A.34 was very intense, accurate, heavy and light. From this operation two of the pilots, P/O. PYZIK and F/S. OKSIAK did not return. Total op. hours 38.15. Sorties 22. Non oper. Hours 1.25. Sorties 4.

1945-03-04

Weather conditions made flying impossible today.

1945-03-05

The first operation today was one in which the Squadron escorted Bombers, bombing the bridge at WESEL. /Railway/. The mission was carried out according to plan and was uneventful. No results of the bombing were seen owing to their being 10/10 cloud over the target. Second Op. was DD.984, which was Armed Recce. 22 x 250 lbs Bombs were carried and dropped on a village and two rail-lines. Direct hits were scored on the village and one rail-line. Some moderate heavy and light flak was met with over enemy territory. F/S. OKSIAK returned to the Unit afterhaving been N.Y.R. yesterday. G/C. Gabszewicz flew with the Squadron’s four aircraft in operation DD.967, on bomber escort. The target was covered by 10/10 of cloud but some scattered MET was seen through a gap in the REES area. They were not attacked due to the fact that the aircraft were on bomber escort, and cloud base was at about 3,000 ft. and aircraft were then flying at 10,000 ft. Operational hours 45.30. Sorties 23.

1945-03-06

There was no operational flying today. Wing Commander SAWICZ return to the continent from England. No operational hours 1.15 Sorties 1.

1945-03-07

NO FLYING.

1945-03-08

NO FLYING.

1945-03-09

Taking off at 0915 hours, the Squadron flew in operation DD.980, Escort to light bombers attacking DORSTEN railway centre, which was carried out according to plan, but which proved uneventful. Flak encountered from the target area was moderate heavy. Later in the day, the aircraft flew to B.77. Operational hours 20.10 Sorties 12. Non operational hours 4.45. Sorties 7.

1945-03-10

There was no operational flying today. 4 aircraft carried out local flying from 1430 to 1650, / first landing time 1545 /. 4 aircraft afterwards flew to B.56, taking off at 1545 and landing at 1615 hours. Non operational hours 9.05 Sorties 8.

1945-03-11

The first operation was D.9, Escort to medium bombers /Mitchells and Bostons/ bombing AHAUS, rendezvous being made on the way between GRAVE and EDE. The operation was carried out according to plan, and was uneventful. The second operation, with take off at 1525 hours was D.13, escorting again medium bombers / Mitchells and Bostons, bombing STADTLOHN. The operation went according to plan, but was otherwise uneventful. Pilotes saw about 15 unidentified aircraft 7 – 10 miles South of target area, flying East at about 14 – 15,000 feet. Operational hours 38.35 Sorties 25. Non operational hours 01.35 Sorties 1. ALSO Escorting Mr. ATTLEE, B.56 – Y.29 – NORTHOLT. Sorties 8 Hours 12.10.

1945-03-12

With take off at 1025 hours, Operation D.18 was carried out by the Squadron. This was an escort to Mitchells and Bostons attacking DORSTEN railway centre. The rendezvous and operation were completed according to plan. After the bombing a huge column of smoke was seen over 10/10 cloud over the target. The bomber were much too dispersed and difficult to escort. At 1605 hours the Squadron took off again on Bomber Escort operation D.22, Mitchells and Bostons bombing DULMEN railway centre. The operational was carried out according to plan, but the aircraft bombers were too early for rendezvous, and much too dispersed. One Lancaster of a returning force from Germany fired at our Spitfires. Operational hours 35.50 Sorties 24. Non operational hours 05.15. Sorties 4.

1945-03-13

Two of the Squadron took off at 0835 hours on Weather R ecce, which was carried out uneventfully. At 0950 hours the Squadron took part in operation DD.29, Armed Recce in Amersfoort – Apeldoorn area. 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 16 x 250 lb were dropped at Z.6802 on the rail-line 4 direct hits being scored. A further 5 x 250 were dropped on a rail line at E4486, scoring 5 direct hits. During this mission 1 x 250 lb bomb hung up. Led by W/C. Sawicz, there was another operation with take off at 1240 hours, Operation D.25. Target cover to B.26 and A26 American Bombers attacking a target at V.755105, the bombers were not seen. The aircraft patrolled the area from 13.21 until 1357 hours. Flak encountered from the target area was moderate heavy. The last operation of the day was DD.37 with take off at 1635 hours. This operation was a fighter sweep in the area TWENTE – RHEINE – MUSNTER – BOHCOLT. and was carried out according to plan, and was uneventful. Operational hours 66.50 Sorties 38. Non operational hours 01.40 Sorties 1.

1945-03-14

Two aircraft carried out weather recce from 0945 to 1125, and conditions were in Amersfoort clear – fog and mist up to 9,000 ft with visibility from 1 to 2 miles. Apeldoorn – Zwolle clear – mist up to 9,000 ft. Visibility 5 miles. Enschede thick mist up to 3,000 ft. 10/10 fog cover at 3,000 ft. 3/10 cloud at 14-15,000 ft and visibility 1 mile. Bocholt clear – heavy mist up to 9,000 ft. Rhine 10/10 at 3-4,000 ft. Mist – Visibility 1 miles.
At 1105 hours the Squadron / 4 aircraft / flew in Operation D.47. Escort to 1 Mitchell in the BOCHOLT area. Rendezvous and operation was according to plan. On operation DD.40 Interdiction rail cutting in area X and Y. S.E. Holland 3 x 500 and 22 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 8 x 250 dropped on rail line at Z.6722, 2 direct hits, at Z.9133 two MET were damaged. 8 x 250 dropped on rail-line and road crossing at Z.5208 – 2 direct hits being scored on the road. At Z.6001 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 lbs. were dropped on the rail line, near misses, Flak from Z.6722 was intense, accurate light. Furing this mission 1 a/c. was hit by flak over Z.6722, the pilot reported over the R/T. that he had been hit and was returning to base. He did not return. Pilot: S/L. OLSZEWSKI. Operation following this was led by G/C. GABSZEWICZ and was D.54. Dive bombing attack on concentration of barges at E.2554. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped on 20 + barges, together with one very well camouflaged tug at E.2554 area. 1 Barge was destroyed and 2 damaged. Many bombs were seen near misses. After bombing the target was strafed with Cannon and MG’s, and strikes were seen. Flak from the target area was meagre, inaccurate light. Operational hours 33.20 Sorties 29. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-03-15

There was only one operation today, that being D.60 interdiction and rail cutting in area Amsterdam – Haarlem – Hague – Rotterdam. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 lbs dropped on rail junction at E.0940, No direct hits. a further 4 x 500 and 8 s 250 lb dropped on rail junction at E.1095, with no direct hits. At D9892 one MET was destroyed. During this mission pilots saw 11 stationary Barges at D.9892 at 1400 hours. Operational hours 11.15 Sorties 10. Non operational hours 01.25 Sorties 2.

1945-03-16

There was no flying today.

1945-03-17

There was no operational flying today. From 1445 to 1605 hours the Squadron carried out Formation flying, All other flights being testing of aircraft. Non operational hours 1800 Sorties 17.

1945-03-18

Today’s first operation was D.90 Interdiction – rail-cutting in Utrecht-Rotterdam – the Hage – Leiden – Haarlem areas. 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 3 x 500 and 8 x 250 dropped on the rail line at D.8386, but no direct hits were observed. 1 x 500 lb hung up. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on tail-line at D.9985. 3 direct hits being scored. A further 4 x 500 and 9 x 250 dropped on tail \junction at E0994, all bombing being very near misses. The second operation was similar to the first, and in the same area. 10 x 500 and 20 x 250 bombs were carried. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on the rail line at E0893, 1 very near miss. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 dropped on the rail line at D.9885, 1 direct hit being scored, a further 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on rail line at D8385, 3 direct hits being scored. Operational hours 23.15. Sorties 22. Non operational hours 01.50 Sorties 3.

1945-03-19

Taking off at 1030 the Squadron took part in operation D.99 which was again interdiction – Rail cutting in areas Zwolle – Deventer – Arnhem – Utrecht – Rotterdam – The Hague. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 lb bombs were dropped on the rail-line at D.9885, 1 direct hit being scored. A further 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 on rail line at E.8779, no direct hits obstained. 4 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on rail line at D.8286, bombs exploding on the road. At E8885 one MET with troops was strafed, the MET being destroyed. 1 V.1. trail was seen from the ZWOLLE area at 1120 hours. Pilots observed considerable movement of H.D.T’s carrying straw, in the GOUDA area. The second operation was again D.99, in the same area, and 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 bombs were carried. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on the rail line Utrecht – Amsterdam in Square Z.10, near misses. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on rail-line Arnhem – Zutphen at E.9188, scoring 3 direct hits, a further 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 dropped on rail-line Zwolle – Hardenberg, at W.1335 4 direct hits and 3 near misses scored. Flak from Deventer and E7980 was meagre heavy. Operational hours 25.00 Sorties 22. Non operational hours 2.35 Sorties 4.

1945-03-20

Today’s first operation was D.111/C.D.123, Dive Bombing of German 88 Corps H.Q. 302 Squadron carried 9 x 500 and 18 x 250 lb. bombs, and flew together with 308 and 317 Squadrons. Altogether 81 x 500 lb and 54 x 250 lb, bombs were dropped on target. 3 Houses in the target area were destroyed and pilots claim 88 Corps H.Q. as probably destroyed. At E.293941 one cut was obtained in the Rail-line the target being strafed and bombed. Flak encountered being intense, light from area S. and S.W. of Target from Hutted Camp on the Western side of the Railway. The second operation was DD.118, Interdiction and Rail cutting in the areas Rheine – Enschede – Arnhem – Amersfoort – Zwolle – Alemelo. 10 x 500 and 20 x 250 bombs were carried: 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on the rail-line at V.1419 scoring 5 direct hits. 3 bombs being too long exploded in the nearby factory yard, causing a big fire. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 were dropped on the rail-line at V.0123, no direct hits, and a further 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 were dropped on the rail-line at V1010, scoring a possible 3 direct hits. Flak encountered from area V.1217 was moderate light. W/C. SAWICZ took up an aircraft for testing from 1730 to 1800 hours. Operational hours 24.55 Sorties 19. Non operational hours 0.30 min. Sorties 1.

1945-03-21

The first operation was DD.123, with take off at 0610, being Interdiction and rail-cutting in areas Rheine – Mappen – Meppel – Zwolle – Amersfoort – Utrecht – Arnhem – Zutphen – Enschede. 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 bombs were carried and dropped at E.3093 and E.3192, on goods train facing N. consisting of 34-45 trucks, on Rail and Road Crossing 1 direct hit and on a factory which was left on fire, 1 loco and 5 trucks were damaged, the train appearing to be loaded. At E3126 one MET was destroyed, cannon and MG’s were used. Flak encountered being intense, accurate light and heavy from the target area, from nearby A/F. and from the train. During this mission pilots observed at E.2997 station DOLDEN one train stationary, facing E, at UTRECHT 3 stationary train, the longest of them facing N. seen at 0710 hours. Eventually, it was confirmed that the train at E.3093 sustained 6 trucks destroyed. Again flying on Interdiction – rail cutting, the Squadron took off at 1040 / 3 aircraft / in operation DD.125 in the same areas as the previous operation. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 bombs were carried. 2 x 500 and 3 x 250 were dropped at E3093 on a train, all being near misses. 1 x 250 lb bomb hung up. In area E.3093, a factory was hit causing one heavy explosion. Flak from E.3093 and E.3097 was intense light. Taking off at 1430 hours , and being led by W/C. SAWICZ the squadron next took part in operation D.130/OD.124. Dive Bombing and strafing of a para-troop camp, comprising two lots of buildings in the HARDE area, 18 x 500 Incendiara, 15 x 500 G.P. and 58 x 250 lb bombs were carried, the operation taking place with 308 and 317 Squadrons. 12 x 500 Inc. 10 x 500 G.P. and 43 x 250 were dropped on the first priority target, all bombs falling in the target area. 6 x 500 Inc. 5 x 500 G.P. & 14 x 250 were dropped on the 2nd. priority target, all bombs in the target area, both targets were straffed after bombing and set on fire. During this mission 1 x 250 lb. bomb hung up. Operational hours 28.15, Sorties 24. Non operational hours 1.00 Sorties 2.

1945-03-22

The first operation was D.137 in which the Squadron escorted Bostons and Mitchells bombing Marshalling yards east of the River Rhine. It was carried out according to plan and was uneventful. Together with 308 and 317 Squadron, the Squadron led by G/C. GANSZEWICZ and W/C. SAWICZ, provided escort to bombers attacking Marshalling yards East of the River Rhine, in operation D.141. The mission was carried out according to plan and was uneventful. There were neither enemy aircraft nor flak. Operational hours 40.05 Sorties 26. Non operational hours 4.50 Sorties 3.

1945-03-23

DD.144, was an operation in which 2 a/c. of the Squadron, led by G/C. GABSZEWICZ went out at 0530 hours to find some rail mocement in area Rotterdam – The Hague – Utrecht. There were 3 train spotted and 2 of them were attacked at D.7925. Train with loco and about 20 – 25 trucks moving towards Hague were attacked. Loco blown up. At E.2394, train with loco moving towards Utrecht and approximately 20 trucks attacked an d loco blown up. Very large boxes protected by sand were seen inside open trucks. Time of observation 05.50 to 06.10 hours. Cannon and MG’s used. At D.9284, a train with loco, steam up, stationary before Rail-Bridge, possibly unloading material material for V.1 to V.2 sites on to adjacent roads, damaged Bridge probable reason for stopped train. Following the above, 12 aircraft took off at 0610-0700 to finish off the preiosly spotted trains. The Squadron attacked with bombs, 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb being carried, one of which hung up. After bombing the target was strafed and there was black smoke coming from the burning material in the trucks. The train was hit with 8 bombs and there were 3 direct hits and 6 trucks destroyed. Starting at 1235 until 1350, 8 of the Squadron aircraft carried out practice bombing. Operational hours 17.10 Sorties 14. Non operational hours 07.50 Sorties 9.

1945-03-24

With a take off at D.181, the Squadron carried out Armed Recce in Holland, 16 x 250 lb bombs being carried. 8 x 250 were dropped on the rail-line between Z.6902 and Z.7501, and 4 direct hits were scored. 8 x 250 were dropped on the rail-line at D.8679, scoring 1 direct hit, and at E.1091, two MET were destroyed. During this mission, pilot observed at AMERSFOORT 1, stationary Goods train facing E. and at Utrecht 2 stationary trains / 1 goods / facing N., seen from 06.20 hours. At 1055 the Squadron again flew in operation D.171, led by W/C. SAWICZ standing patrol in ZUTHPEN – WINTERSWIJK – ARNHEM – RESS AREAS. This operation went according to plan, and was otherwise uneventful. Two e/a, probable jest were seen at approximately 25,000 ft. in the WESEL area, but no engagement was made. the e/a. were patrolling the WESEL area. At 14.55-1430, the Squadron again flew in D.181, Armed Recce over Holland. 22 x 250 bombs + and 4 x 250 of these were dropped at A.1266, one MET being destroyed. 2 x 250 dropped on buildings at A.3255, no result observed. 2 x 250 dropped on 2 MET at A.0962 – 1 MET destroyed, 8 x 250 dropped on rail line at Z.4397, no result seen, 6 x 250 were jettisoned in the HARDERWIJK area, due to E/A being in the vicinity. At E.4078 one MC. And 1 H.D.T. were destroyed, and in area Z.4908 three MET were destroyed. Two E/A JET followed our A/C. as far as AMERSFOORT, then turned back, the e/a. were above 20,000 ft. in there was no engagement. Total score 5 MET – 1 M/C. and 1 H.D.T. destroyed. Bombs, Cannon and MG’s were used. From A.1266 – E.4078 the flak was intense light and from ZWOLLE intense heavy. Weather conditions in the WESSEL – ZUTPHEN – GROELNO areas heavy mist from 2,500 to 7,000 ft. and very poor visibility. N. of ZUTPHEN clear. Operational hours 54.30 Sorties 34. Non operational hours 02.55 Sorties 3.

1945-03-25

No operational flying took place in the morning, and the pilots were engaged in Practice Dive Bombing until 1625, when they took off on operation DD.193 and D.206. Armed Recce in ZWOLLE – ENSCHEDE – EMMERICH areas, where no movement was seen, the operation proving uneventful. When the second section was returning home, there was a german station calling them in English to stand by, the reception very faint, whilst our LONGBOW was clear and loud. Operational hours 14.00 Sorties 9. Non operational hours 19.15 Sorties 18.

1945-03-26

Today’s first flight had take-off at 0945. The operation was DD.215, - Armed Recce and Interdiction in areas EMMERICH – ENSCHEDE – ZWOLLE – AMERSFOORT – ARNHEM, with emphasis on RAALTE and CROSBOW sites. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 lb bombs were dropped on the Rail-line at Z.9407, no direct hits being scored on the line. Bomber hit some stores or dumps just 3, of the Railway scoring 6 direct hits and one building was destroyed. 6 x 500 and 12 x 250 were dropped at A0590 on a train of about 40 trucks, 20 goods – 15 open, with 5 tankers on the back. 8 direct hits were scored. 6 trucks were destroyed, 4 damaged and 3 fired. At E7386 one HDT was destroyed, and at A.0386 one HDT destroyed and 1 MET damaged. Cannon and MG’s were used. Flak from A.0590 was intense light. Op. DD.215 – Armed Recce and Interdiction in areas Emmerich – Enschede – Zwolle – Amersfoort – Arnchem, with emphasis on RAALTE and CROSBOW sites. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped on train at A.0590, scoring 2 direct hits, pilots report all train is burned and destroyed, 30 trucks all destroyed, cannon and MG’s used. A photo was required to confirm. Flak from A.0289 was intense heavy and light. Weather conditions from Zuthpen were 10/10 at 6,000 ft. with mist and poor visibility. Operational hours 18.55 Sorties 14. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-03-27

At 1500 two aircraft took off on Weather Recce 10 miles N. of Line TILBURG – BREDA – S’HERTOGENBOSCH, WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT UNEVENTFULLY. Afterwards, at 1745 hours 4 aircraft took part in operation DD.232, Armed Recce in UTRECHT – APELDOORN area. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped at V.1020, and 2 direct hits were scored on the railway. Flak encountered was very intense light. Operational hours 07.00 Sorties 6. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-03-28

In operation DD.239, 3 aircraft took part, being Armed Recce in area “Y” with emphasis on N.E. approached to battlefield. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped on a train of about 40 trucks in the railway station at Z.8229, no direct hits on the train, the target, after bombing, being strafed, cannon and MG’s used. The pilots, whilst over the target heard a message in German, on Button “A” warning an Oberleutnant that Fighter Bombers were over Utrecht and Zwolle. Group Captain GABSZEWICZ flew in an Operation with one pilot of No. 308 Squadron DD.239, Armed Recce in area “Y” with emphasis on N.E. approaches to Battlefield. 1 Training moving E. was attacked West of GOUDA, the loco being destroyed. At E.3497 a train going W. attacked and the loco was damaged, a train moving W. at E0895 was also attacked and the loco was damaged, Scattered MET was seen on the road from E.0089 to E.2088 and in the Munster area a V.2 trail was seen at 0620 hours. Cannon and MG’s were used. At Zwolle railway station pilots saw 4 trains stationary, loco’s with steam up, observed at 0610 hours. Operational hours 05.50 Sorties 4. Non operational Hours and sorties NIL.

1945-03-29

There was no flying at all day.

1945-03-30

Today’s first operation was D.254, with a spread take-off from 1150 to 1250 – Armed Recce to destroy Military transport and kill huns in area “Y”. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped at Z.9601 on the Rail-line and 1 direct hit was scored. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on the Rail-line at Z.9702, 1 direct hit scored, 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 fropped on rail line at Z.8129 scoring 1 direct hit. At A,0197, one barge was strafed, cannon and MG’s being used. On operation D.254, Armed Recce to destroy Military transport and kill Huns in area “Y”, 20 x 250 lb bombs were carried, 8 x 250 lb dropped on rail line at Z.9845, no result being seen. Area Z.3751, MEPPEL – STEENWIJ, Z.8070. WOLVEGQ – LEMMER flooded, water both sides of the railway at MEPPEL – STEENWIJK only. Western outskirts of MEPPEL were flooded also. 8 x 250 lb were dropped at Z.9944 on the rail-line but no direct hits. A further 4 x 250 lb were dropped at V.1359, and direct hit was scored. Operational hours 32.20 Sorties 22. Non operational hours 03.40 Sorties 4.

1945-03-31

There was only one operation today, D.269/C.D.174, to Dive bomb. Target was a Brick works used as an ammo dump at E.373770. 36 x 500 and 72 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped on the target, all bombs falling in the target, which was destroyed, especially the Eastern Section. Operational Hours 15.15. Sorties 13. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

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