Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-10-01

SPEKE

In the morning one section was maintained over a convoy – but there was nothing to report. Some formation practice and army co-operation exercises made up the days program.

1941-10-02

SPEKE

Considerable training during the day as the weather allowed.

1941-10-03

SPEKE

No flying.

1941-10-04

SPEKE

Restricted training only. F/O Dambrowski posted from No. 54 M.U. supernumerary for Engineer Officer duties.

1941-10-05 – 1941-10-08

SPEKE

The Squadron moved from R.A.F. Speke to R.A.F. Northolt on 7th Oct. 1941 and the weather was bad in the last two days at Speke. The Squadron took over at Northolt the Spitfire Mark VB aircraft of No. 306 Squadron, leaving their aircraft at Speke for No. 306 Squadron.
F/O I. Olszewski, P/O Hrycak, P/O Stembrowicz, P/O Sobolewski, P/O Rodziewicz, Sgt. Kopa, Sgt. Marek and Sgt. Lipiec remained at Speke / Posted to No. 306 Sqdn / to continue training.

1941-10-09

NORTHOLT

Both flights did considerable formation flying – getting to know the sector again after four months absence.

1941-10-10

NORTHOLT

The process of yesterday was continued on a considerable scale.

1941-10-11

NORTHOLT

Considerable training. These first three days flying at Northolt indicated the reactions of the Squadron on their return – enthusiasm.

1941-10-12

NORTHOLT

At 11.30 hours the Squadron set off with the Wing on target support duties for a circus operation. When over France they responded to a call for assistance from No. 308 Squadron: Sgt. Adamek attacked and destroyed one Me. 109, but the others did not engage.

1941-10-13

NORTHOLT

Another circus at 12.25: The Squadron was part on the High cover wing. Apart from some flak the trip was relatively uneventful except for F/O Zumbach. On the way out he spotted two Mes. One of these he succeeded is shooting down. As he was returning he was attacked by a small formation of Bloch or Focke-Wolfe radial engined fighters. One he damaged, but he had his own guns immobilised by a stray bullet and returned home.

1941-10-14

NORTHOLT

Two aircraft took off on test.

1941-10-15

NORTHOLT

Some practice and formation flying.

1941-10-16

NORTHOLT

Practice on a restricted scale. P/O Serejko posted to No. 25 / Polish / Air Crew Training Centre Hucknal.

1941-10-17

NORTHOLT

Both flights took part in formation flying practice.

1941-10-18

NORTHOLT

Restricted flying only.

1941-10-19

NORTHOLT

Similar.

1941-10-20

NORTHOLT

Extensive formation and general practice.

1941-10-21

NORTHOLT

The Squadron went to act as middle Squadron in a Sweep over France – the Hardelot area this time. There was no incident except that P/O Lobarzewski had engine trouble and boks formation to return. He fired at 1 Me. 109 without observing results. His aircraft caught fire and he had to bale out – landing in a tree nr Hawkinge – quite unhurt.

1941-10-22

NORTHOLT

Wing formation exercises over base provided the days activities.

1941-10-23

NORTHOLT

The pairs set off at 16.10 hours on a Rhubarb over France. F/O Bienkowski and Sgt. Wunsche fired at a power station – observing vivid flashes as a result. They also attacked an aerodrome – especially a private car in front of a hangar. The other pair returned owing to unfavourable weather – too clear. F/O Bienkowski’s aircraft was slightly damaged by machine gun fire.

1941-10-24

NORTHOLT

The Squadron took part in another sweep. Cloud conditions were rather bad – the Squadron at 25,000 feet was above the cloud layer. The whole Squadron was involved in a dog fight on the return. F/O Zumbach attacked an Me. which was attacking another Spitfire. He shot away one wing and the enemy aircraft spun downwards. P/O Gladych was attacked by 4 F.W.190s. One of the became detached, he fired at it and followed it down through the clouds finally seeing it crash on land. Sgt. Belc destroyed a 109 about the same time. H saw it go to down in flames. P/O Drobinski also attacked an E/a which went down pouring smoke – a probable. All our aircraft returned safely.

1941-10-25

NORTHOLT

No flying.

1941-10-26

NORTHOLT

A small number of training sorties.

1941-10-27

NORTHOLT

No flying. Sgt. Belc attached to Polish Ministry of Information for special duties for 4 days.

1941-10-28

NORTHOLT

Only two aircraft airborne. F/O Gwizdalski posted from Polish Depot Blackpool for Intelligence Officer duties.

1941-10-29

NORTHOLT

A little formation flying.

1941-10-30

NORTHOLT

Similar – a very quiet finish to the month.