Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1945-04-01

Today’s operation was D.280 in areas DEVENTER – ZWOLLE – APPELDOORN – UTRECHT – AMERSFOORT, Armed Recce. 2 MET were destroyed at Z9131 and at Z5602, 8 HDT’s were destroyed, cannon and MG’s being used. Flak from APELDOORN was accurate, light & meagre, heavy. Operational hours 13.20 Sorties 11. Non operational hours 1.45. Sorties 2.

1945-04-02

There were two operations today, the first being Weather Recce in area between RHEIN and ZWOLLE, the second DD.285, Armed Recce in area ZWOLLE – MEPPEL – MEPPEN, scoring at Z.9645 1 MET destroyed and at Z6104 1 MET destroyed. Cannon and MG’s used. Operational hours 19.20 Sorties 12. Non operational hours 2.05 Sorties [5]

1945-04-03

Again only one operation today. This was DD.294 Armed Recce in areas AMERSFOORT – ZWOLLE – DEVENTER and along Bombline ARNHEM – AMERFOORT. Az E8192 10 MET destroyed and 5 damaged. 2 HDT destroyed, at V1279 6 MET destroyed, E7730 1 MET destroyed, total score MET 18 – 5, HDT 2 – 0. Operational hours 18.50 Sorties 12. Non operational hours 2.10 Sorties 1.

1945-04-04

There were two operation today. DD.299, Armed Recce to destroy all military movement in area AMERFOORT – ZWOLLE – DEVENTER and along bombline. In this operation Squadron scored at Z9384 1 HDT destroyed and 2 damaged. Z9544 2 MET destroyed. E4889 1 MET destroyed E4589 2 HDT destroyed. Total MET. 3 – 0 HDT 3 – 2. Second operation was again DD.299, Armed Recce in same area as before with a score of: At E8293 3 MET destroyed and Z8021 2 MET destroyed. Total MET 5 – 0. Operational sorties 24. Hours 38.10. Non operational hours 1.20 Sorties 1.

1945-04-05

On DD.306. Operation to destroy all military movement in areas ZWOLLE – ALMELO, along bombline ARNHEM – AMERSFOORT – ZWOLLE, a total of 7 – 5 MET and 2 – 0 HDT were destroyed and damaged at the following places. Red Section: E8092, 1 MET destroyed and 2 HDT destroyed, E8505 1 MET destroyed. Blue Section: E3475, a Big Staff Car was destroyed and 3 passengers who abandoned the car were killed. At Z6304 3 MET damaged. Yellow Section: V.0647, 2 MET destroyed, V.1363 1 MET destroyed, V.1132, 1 MET destroyed and Z.7911 2 MET damaged. Flak from Z.8808 was meagre light. Pilots saw at 0735 hours 10 stationary MET facing East between Z8505 and Z8808. These were not attacked due to lack of ammunition, the information being passed on to LONGBOW by R/T. Group Captain GABSZEWICZ flew two non operational sorties in the afternoon when flying to and from B.88 aerodrome. Operational hours 17.30 Non operational hours 1.05. Operational sorties 11. Non operational sorties 3.

1945-04-06

Again one operation, in which 12 of the Squadron aircraft escorted General Anders aircraft who had been visiting 131 Wing and the Squadrons en situ. All the aircraft returned to base at 1730 hours. Operational hours 12.00 Sorties 12. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-04-07

Two operations today. First of all DD.326 Operation Armed Recce in area UTRECHT, Bombline DEVENTER – ZWOLLE. 1 M/C. was destroyed at Z.7505 and at Z5505 – 2 MET were damaged. Cannon and MG’s were used. Second operation DD.326 in same area. 1 MET destroyed at E7393, 1 MET destroyed at Z6810, 1 MET damaged at Z6515, 1 MET destroyed at E.4289, and E3394 1 MET with troops was damaged. No movement was seen on the Zuider Zee, but some activity was seen near barges on the Eastern Shore near KAMPEN. Operational hours 38.40 Sorties 24. Non operational hours 0.35. Sorties 1.

1945-04-08

The first of the days operations was weather Recce in which two of the Squadron aircraft took part. This operation was uneventful. The second operation was Armed Recce DD334, in the area “Y”. UTRECHT – ZWOLLE – LEEUWARDEN. 1 MET was damaged at E5588, AT Amersfoort Railway Station observed a great amount of trucks, but no Loco’s. The third operation was in the same area as the first, but bombs were carried, and droppedon a train in Apeldoorn Railway Station. Direct hits were scored and smoke and fire were seen after the bombing. 1 MET destroyed at Z5203, and in the area Z6798, pilots saw from a wireless station three explosions and fire in one of the buildings. No a/c were seen in the vicitinty. The only flying apart from the above mentioned was one local flight Aircraft Test. Operational hours 41.45. Sorties 24. Non operational hours 1.15. Sorties 4.

1945-04-09

There were two operations under number DD345 today, the first had takeoff at 1400 hours, and was Armed Recce in area “Y” UTRECHT – ZWOLLE – LEEUWARDEN. 1 MET was destroyed at Z9347 1 MET flamer at Z6506, and 1 MET damaged at E6393. During this mission 1 Aircraft with Pilot W/O. Schmidt, crash landed at E4895, the pilot reported by R/T. Engine trouble after an attack on MET. The a/c. lost wings and turned over on landing. Smoke was seen coming from the Engine. Again in the same area, with take off commencing 1655, an operation proved uneventful, no Military movement being seen. Operational hours 39.00 Sorties 23. Non Op. hours NIL Sorties NIL.

1945-04-10

There were four operations today. The first, D.361, to bomb and strafe 20 + MET in a wood near a large house at E5497 BARNVELDE. The target was not found, and 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 were carried and were dropped in rail line at Z8119, and one direct fit was scored. The second, carried out by four aircraft was DD.356, Armed Recce in area “Y” UTRECHT – ZWOLLE – LEEUWARDEN, 1 MET was damaged at Z8833, flak encountered from the same pinpoint was very intense light. Third operation was again DD.356, with 1 MET destroyed at E2265, and 2 MET damaged elsewhere, The section was diverted by Long bow for anti-shipping patrol in the HILVERSUM – AMSTERDAM area. No ships were seen, but barged were observed in the HILVERSUM dock area. Nextly, the last operation of the day, DD.371, which consisted of bombing the rail-line. ZWOLLE – APPELDOORN, APPELDOORN – AMERSFOORT. 7 x 500 and 14 x 250 were carried, 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped on rail line at Z.6201, and 1 direct hit was scored, the remaining bombs were dropped on the rail-line at Z.8120, no hits being scored. 1 MET was damaged in this operation. Operational hours 32.50 Sorties 22. Non operationalhours and sorties NIL.

1945-04-11

There were five operations today. The first was D.377, in which 2 of the Squadron took off at 0735 hours for weather and Armed Recce in the ZWOLLE – APELDOORN – DEVENTRE areas. A considerable number of MET, TAMKS and HDT were attacked and 3 MET were damaged. The second operation was carried out by 10 aircraft, and was again number D.377, with a total result obtaining: 6 MET destroyed, 7 flamers, and 8 damaged, another tank being destroyed by typhoons which were led to the scenen by the leader of Red Section. The third operation was again D.377. resulting in 1 A.F.V. being destroyed and 1 MET destroyed. Very little shipping was seen. Later in the day, again on the same number operation, things proved uneventful. The last operation D.405 was to recce for 30 + Barges Assault boats preparing to launch at E041512, 10 miles North of Breda. These were not found. Operational hours 52.30 Sorties 31. Non operational hours 0.30 Sorties 1.

1945-04-12

Starting the day came operation D.407, Armed Recce in area Z.204[3]15, z.212798, Area of VIERINGEN – ZURICH cause way. This was uneventful. Following this was DD.43, B.1, to dive bomb and cannon a Forth S.E. of ARNHEM. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 bombs were carried by this Squadron, all of which fell at E.777764 on the fort, scoring 17 direct hits. 51 Bombs fell in the target area as two other Squadrons also took part in the operations. After bombing the target was strafed. Operational Hours 35.15. Sorties 22. Non operational hours 1.20 Sorties 4.

1945-04-13

There was only one operation today. This was D.449, in which GARREL village was bombed by 3 Squadrons. Altogether 24 x 500 and 47 x 250 were dropped on the village at W.195850, all bombs with the exception of two, falling the in target area. 1 x 250 lb. hung up. 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 lb. were dropped at FRIESOYTHE village at W.0892, on order from R/T. LONGBOW. This target was hit by 21 bombs. Operational hours 25, Sorties 12. Non operational hours 05.30 Sorties 5.

1945-04-14

There was a weather recce in the afternoon, as there had been no flying all morning. Two aircraft took part, and flew over the OLDENBURG area, and 40 minutes later, the Squadron took off on operation D.466/WME.4, to bomb and strafe a village 15 miles W. of OLDENBURG at W.06619953. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped on the village. All in the target area. 4 buildings were set on fire. The target was afterwards straffed. Operational hours 19.10. Sorties 15. Non operational hours 1.00 Sorties 1.

1945-04-15

NO FLYING.

1945-04-16

On DD.484 in the morning. Bomb and Armed Recce for trains in the EMDEN – OLDENBURG – BREMEN – WILHELMSHAVEN areas. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 were carried. 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 were dropped at R.3118 on a stationary train consisting of 20 – 25 foods trucks without loco, 4 direct hits and 3 near misses. After bombing the train was was strafed, and 1 truck blew up. Bombs were dropped on rail-line at R.3019, and 2 direct hits were scored. At R.3217, 1 MET flamer, at R.3118 1 MG. position was strafed and silenced. A further 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on the rail-line at R.2823, no direct hits. At R.0523, 1 MET flamer. Total destroyed and damaged. Trucks 3-15. MET 2-0, Guns 1. On the same area and operation again in the afternoon, 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on a stationary train at R.2009, 1 direct hit being scored on the train, and direct hit on the railline. 8 x 500 and 13 x 250 dropped on train at Q.6159, scoring 2 direct hits on the train, after train and loco were strafed. Total MET – 3 destroyed 2 damaged. HDT 1 destroyed, Trucks 3 destroyed 5 damaged, railcuts 1. Operational hours 33.15, Sorties 24. Non operational hours 4.45, Sorties 5.

1945-04-17

There was a weather recce carried out by one aircraft of this Squadron, together with one of 308 Squadron. Afterwards the aircraft took off in D.511/0.5. to bomb barracks at R.3304, OLDEBURG. 6 direct hits were scored, the remaining bombs falling in the town, and to the east of the target. Fires were seen. The next operation D.511/0.6. was similar insofar as the target was a Hutted Camp in OLDENBURG. R.3105. All 308 and 317 Squadrons took part with 302 Squadron. and 10 direct hits were scored. The fourth operation was D.523/YQG3, bombing and strafing village of NEULEHE at V.7789. All bombs fell in the target area, which was strafed after bombing. 3 buildings were set on fire. Operational hours 41.35, Sorties 36. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-04-18

First operation was D.548/MAQ. Bombing and strafing heavy gun positions in Papenburg area. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 lb bombs carried and dropped. 9 bombs scored direct hits, and target was strafed after bombing. The second operation was to bomb and cannon and carry our rail-interdiction on lines BREMEN – BREMERHAVEN -. OUXHAVEN – STADE – HARBURG, EMDEN – AURICH – RUSTRINGEN – OLDENBURG – BREMEN, and to attack locos, TRG’s and MET in same area. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 bombs dropped on warehouses in Papenburg port. 3 direct hits scored, resulting in a big fire, with smoke up to 4,000 ft. Operational hours 17.40 Operational sorties 16. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-04-19

Again two operations today. First of these was D.571/YZO.1. bombing and strafing gun positions S.W. of OLDENBURG. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 bombs all fell in the target area. At R.137060, 4 x 500 and an MG positions was silenced and four buildings were seen burning 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on target indicated by red smoke at R,148017, all in the target area, Still 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 dropped on village at E.143071, all in target area: 1 building seen in flames, After all bombing attacks targets were strafed with MG and Cannon. Next operation D.577 to bomb and cut rail-lines North, South, and East of LEER. 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 bombs were carried. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 dropped at Q.8007 on rail line scoring: very near miss. At Q.8608, 1 HDT was destroyed. At Q.9290 1 HDT destroyed and village of POTSHUISEN Q.9110 was strafed. 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 dropped at Q.8515 on rail line. No hits. At Q.9316 1 HDT was destroyed. The village of STURHAUSED 19414 was strafed and 1 building was left on fire. Cannon and MG’s were used. Total HDT 3-0. Operational hours 27.55 Sorties 23. Non operational hours ad sorties NIL.

1945-04-20

On Armed recce by 2 Aircraft 1 MET flamer obtained at N.4319 and train consisting of Loco and 20 passenger coaches moving S.W. at 3295 was strafed. The loco blew up and troops trying to escape from the train were strafed and many were killed. Observations made were as follows: About 50 MED red cross markings moving S.E. on road in Square N.42. At NEUMUNSTER airfield no a/c. were seen. 12-20/1230 hours at S.2061 a 2,000 ship stationary. Square S.35, 5 ships, each of about 2-3,000 tons stationary and several small ships around. 12 Barges moving E. in square R.98. At R.7026, probably an ammunition dump around which was intense activity. 30 – 40 barges stationary between R.4933 to R.5042. On Operation D.593 to bomb and cannon in area PAPENBURG – LEER. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 bombs were dropped on ASCHENDORF village at V.7396, 1 building left burning at V.9475, a wood was strafed and out own ta[ken] were steen moving in. 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 were dropped on PAPENBURG town, all bombs ween falling in the target area. A further 3 x 500 and 6 x 250 were dropped on crossroads at V.8097, no direct hits being scired. At V.9475, a wood was strafed cannon and MG being used. The third operation was D.606, in which 11 aircraft and G/C. Gabszewicz took off to Bomb and ammunition dump 15 miles North of BREMEN. 11 x 500 and 22 x 250 bombs were carried by 302 Squadron. The two Squadrons 308 and 317 also carried bombs to the same scale. Altogether 32 x 500 and 62 x 250 were dropped on the target and in the target area, and 2 big explosions were seen. 1 x 500 lb afterwards was jettisoned at W.4035. Operational hours 31.10. Sorties 23. Non operational hours 0.20 Sorties 1.

1945-04-21

NO FLYING.

1945-04-22

NO FLYING.

1945-04-23

Today’s first operation was DD.629, Armed Recce in area “Z” EMDEN – BREMEN – CUXHAVEN. At R2237 a train was attacked / loco and 30 trucks / , and the loco was blown up. The 30 trucks were damaged. At R2524 1 MET and 1 M/C destroyed and 1 MET damaged at R0838. Again operation DD.629 later in the day, armed recce as above, and 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 lb bombs were carried. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on a railway station and stationary trucks at R.1154, 3 direct hits being scored. A further 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on a rail line at R1215 and some near misses were scored. Villages at R1318 and R1012 were strafed with cannon and MG’s and 3 buildings were left burning. A further operation DD.629 was carried out by 4 aircraft, but this was uneventful, and yet again by 8 aircraft, when 1 MET was destroyed at Q.9735. Operational hours 48.55 Sorties 32. Non operational hours 2.15 Sorties 6.

1945-04-24

D.659/H.N.P.9. This was to bomb and strafe strong points and artillery positions in farms at R.1110. 6 x 500 and 12 x 250 lb bombs were carried and dropped on target at R1110, scoring 6 direct hits on two farms, both being destroyed. Three other farmshorses were strafed and set on fire. Nextly Operation D.663/H.N.P.5. To bomb and strafe artillery positions and enemy infantry in Square R.00. 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 lb bombs ere carried and dropped on target indicated by smoke at R.0702, A wood at R.065005 was also strafed, cannon and MG’s being used. D.671/S.D.D.1. was an operation in which the Squadron had to bomb and strafe regimental H.Q. in village of MUNDERLOH, 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 bombs were carried and dropped on the village, all bombs falling in the target and target area. After bombing strafing took place, and fires up to seven were seen. 1 MET was also destroyed in the village. D.668/T.H.G.2. To bomb and strafe strongpoints and heavy gun positions in a factory at Q.778118, total bombs being carried were 20 x 500 and 38 x 250 lb, This operation was carried out by 308 and 317 Squadrons, but Group Captain Gabszewicz flew with them in an aircraft of 302 Squadron. 19 x 500 and 36 x250 were dropped at Q.778118, all bombs falling in the target area, and a big explosion was seen. After bombing the target was strafed, and the factory was left in flames. 2 x 250 lb. bombs and 1 x 500 lb bombs hung up in 308 and 317 Squadrons. Operational hours 33.05. Sorties 27. Non operational hours, and sorties NIL.

1945-04-25

Bombing and strafing of Leer town took place in operation D.682. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 bombs were dropped there, 1 direct hit being seen on a factory or stores which was left smoking. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on a factory at Q.807144, and one direct hit was scored. A further 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were dropped on another factory an oil refinery, at Q808155, and all bombs hit the target. Black smoke was seen rising to eight thousand feet. Nextly D.682, bombing and strafing of LEER town. 12 x 500 and 25 x 250 were carried. 12 x 500 and 23 x 250 were dropped in LEER scoring 3 direct hits on a factory and a fire was seen to start. 1 x 250 lb bomb hung up and the flak was intense light. D.682. Bombing and strafing of LEER town. 12 x 500 and 24 x 250 were dropped on the town, all bombs falling in the town. 1 factory was seen burning after an attack by 317 Squadron. Flak encountered was intense light. Operational hours 34.50 Sorties 36. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-04-26

Toady’s first operation was D.713/A.Y.E.2. in which the aircraft were to bomb and strafe enemy defended positions in area about 15 miles West of OLDENBURG. 4 x 500 and 8 x 250 were carried and dropped on a factory at R.175064, no hits being scored. Buildings to the S. and N. of the target were strafed. 1 Building S. 300 yards from the target was set on fire and troops and MET in buildings 400 yards N. of the target were attacked and 2 MET were destroyed and 2 damaged. Cannon and MG’s were used. The second operation was again in the sane area as the first. D.713/A.Y.E.7 to boab and strafe enemy defended positions in area about 15 miles west of OLDENBURG. 8 x 500 and 16 x 250 lb were carried and dropped R.152062, 6 direct hits being scored. Target strafed and 8 buildings set on fire. VAREL town was also strafed, cannon and MG’s being used. DM724/Y.Y.Q.4. This operation was to bomb and straf enemy defended positions at Q.78661577. Defence Point. The building was destroyed. 40 other buildings along the road from Q.789156, to Q.780168 were strafed and set on fire. Cannon and MG’s were used. Operational hours 29.45. Sorties 24. Non operational hours and sorties NIL.

1945-04-27

There was no operational flying today, but Group Captain Gabszewicz flew non operationally to B.113. Non operational hours 0.35 Sorties 1.

1945-04-28

No flying at all today.

1945-04-29

No flying at all today.

1945-04-30

Today, the Squadron moved to B.113 airfield, and no operational flying was carried out. The air party left and times from 1045 to 1150, and landed at B.113 between 1110 and 1205. Operational hours and sorties NIL. Non operational hours and sorties 07.30. Sorties 18.

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