Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-04-01

NORTHOLT

Air firing programme drawn up covering the whole day at Dunwich Range. Operational commitments caused cancellation.
12.26. RAMROD No. 19. 12 aircraft including W/Cdr Rolski left Northolt as Target support. Rendezvous with 11 Boston and two Escort wings made over Chatham and formation crossed English coast near Dungeness with 303 Squadron at 20.21,000 feet. French coast was reached at Le Touquet 13.05. After seeing the main formation turn North the Northolt wing proceeded to Montreuil and from there were drifted to a point between St. Omer and Desvres where they observed the Forward Support Wing approaching from Northolt at 24/25,000 feet. After crossing over St. Inglevert they reached the French coast at Gris Nez at 13.16 and the English coast crossed at Dover at 1323 at 14,000 feet. 303 Squadron reporting seeing 4 unidentified aircraft make one dive on the main formation near Gris Nez but owing to the extreme distance further observations were impossible. Several pilots report one merchant vessel of approx. 2000 tons along the mole nr entrance to Boulogne Harbour. Northolt wing was at no time engaged by e/a and experienced no flak. All aircraft landed Northolt 1400 hrs

1942-04-02

NORTHOLT

Squadron at readiness for operations from dawn, but nothing materialised. Great deal of training flying carried out throughout the day including Wing formation, aerobatics and navigation flying. The Squadron was at night readiness and carried out considerable night flying training.

1942-04-03

NORTHOLT

Low cloud and rain hampering visibility. Air firing in Group competition. Some practice flying.

1942-04-04

NORTHOLT

Some low flying training.
09.41. CIRCUS 119. The Squadron / 12 aircraft / with the Northolt Wing left Northolt as Escort Cover Wing, the target being the railway station at St. Omer. Rendezvous was made at 1005 east of Chatman. The 12 Bostons approached from the North and without orbitting set course for France, the Escort Wing and Northolt Escort Cover Wing taking up their positions immediately. Northolt obtained their operational height with 316 Squadron at 17/18000 ft, 317 Squadron at 19,000 feet and 303 at 21,000 feet and the formation crossed over Dungeness at 1013 hours and the French coast north of Hardelot at 1020 hours. Slight inaccurate flak was seen to come from Boulogne and bluish-green as well as red bursts were observed. Over Aire the leading box of 6 Bostons made a sharp left hand turn and the second box of 6 turned more gradually resulting in the second box dropping about 2 miles astern and one mile to starboard of the leading box. On reaching the St. Omer area, 303 Squadron were attacked by about 8 FW. 190 and Me. 109F from above and astern and 8 FW. 190 were seen approaching from the direction of Boulogne at 17,000 feet and were manoeuvring to attack from astern. W/C Rolski ordered 316 Sqdn to wheel and engage the E/A which were attacking in pairs line astern. During the ensuing dog fight the e/a appeared to dive and climb repeatedly and part of 303 Squadron joined in the battle. F/O Horbaczewski destroyed one FW. which was attacking a Spitfire and then escorted one Boston / whose starboard engine had stopped / as far as the Kent coast before returning to Base. F/Sgt. Popek destroyed another FW. Which was attacking the

1942-04-12

NORTHOLT

Information received that the Squadron had won the Group Air Firing competition and the following signal received from the A.O.C. No. 11 Group.
“ To Northolt
“From Headquarters No. 11 Group.
“R/17. 12/4 Group Air Firing competition has been won by No. 303 Squadron with No. 316
“Squadron second and No. 315 Squadron third. My heartiest congratulations to the Polish
“ Squadrons for the keenness and thoroughness with which they have entered the competition
“The standard of shooting reflects great credit on the pilots. LEIGH MALLORY”

12.40. circus 122. 12 aircraft of the Squadron left Northolt, with the Squadron Commander S/Ldr Kolaczkowski, acting was Wing Leader, to act as Target Support “A”. Rendezvous was made with Tangmere and 10 Group wings over Beach Head, but 4 minutes late, owing to the wide orbit of the other Wings. The French coast was crossed between Le Touquet and Hardelot at height 23000 ft. Operations warned the wing of 7 unidentified a/c approaching from the South but they were too far off the engage. As the formation had been delayed the Northolt Wing flew straight for Fruges while the other two wings flew towards Desvres. Between Fruges and Aire 30 e/a were seen to the South east climbing westward and 8 F.W. 190 to port at our height flying west and then turning and flying parallel to out Wing. Four of these were seen to dive suddenly and the other 4 were lost sight of as our aircraft had to watch the 30 e/a to starboard. The main bomber formation was seen approaching Hazebrouch from Bailleul and Northolt turned round Hazebrouch and saw the bombers homeward bound. North of Cassel the Wing was jumped on out of sun by 5/6 F.W. 190 which selected this Unit as Top Squadron. P/O Socha turned and attacked a Me. 109 which he saw attacking a Spitfire. After the second burst greyish smoke was seen coming from it and it wont spinning down. Claimed as probable. F/O Bienkowski was attacked from behind by a F.W. 190 damage being caused to starboard aileron and wing tip. The control column would only operate the elevators and evasive action could only be taken by pushing the stick forward and giving full throttle. Glycol temperature rose to 140. F/O Bienkowski was then crossing the French coast at 20000 ft with radiator streaming white smoke. He switched off the engine undtil the temperature dropped and then switched on again. He repeated this about 4 times finally crossing the French coast at 2000 feet intending to land at Manston but his aircraft lost height to rapidly. Seeing a field he prepared to land up wind, but then noticed landing obstructions. Clouds of black smoke were then obscuring his vision and he therefore glided slowly straight ahead and finally crashed in a small orchard. He was unhurt. P/O Wojda was attacked from behind at the same time as F/O Bienkowski and his engine stopped almost immediately. He glided down at 130 m.p.h. dichting in the sea 4 miles S.E. Dover tail first. He got out of his machine which floated for 4/5 seconds and got in his dinghy. H was rescued after 30 minutes. He was admitted to Hospital at Dover with a slight head wound and discharged after 3 days.

1942-04-13

NORTHOLT

14.10. RODEO “B” REPORT. 12 aircraft of the Squadron left Northolt 14.10 arriving Redhill 14.26 at 10,000 ft and saw other Wings above. Course was made for Hastings and arriving over Le Touquet at 1500 hrs. The Northolt Wing with this Squadron bottom Sqdn at 17,000 ft turned to starboard recrossing the French coast at Hardelot and proceeded to St. Inglevert and out at Cap Gris Nez. Here they turned South flying about 10 miles off the coast, turned to port at Hardelot flew up the coast to Cap Gris Nez and then made course for Hawkinge. All a/c landed 1600 hrs.

1942-04-14

NORTHOLT

11.40. CIRCUS 123. 12 aircraft of the Squadron together with S/Ldr Kolaczkowski left Northolt to act as Escort Cover Wing to 12 Bostons. Rendezvous made over Tangmere at 500 ft and the formation climbed obtaining operational height over mid-channel the Squadron being at 10,000 ft. The French coast crossed at Port en Bassin from where the formation took a S.E. corse and approached the target on S/N run. Bombs were seen to burst on what appeared to be railway sidings east of Caen, possibly at Colombelles. The French coast was recrossed at 1244 at the mouth of River Orne, and shortly afterwards when about six miles out to sea 4/6 Me. 109F attacked from above and astern. One got among 303 Squadron but could not be attacked owing to danger of hitting our own aircraft. Sgt. Adamek waited until the e/a turned and then attacked. As a result of his fire the tail Unit broke off and the a/c was seen to crash in the sea. F/O Lipinski saw a Spitfire go down and the pilot bale out. He stayed behind orbitting and giving a “Mayday”. The parachute was close to the weather when he was engaged be 2 Me. 109 which dived on him when about 6000 ft. In the ensuing dog-fight he fired a short burst at one of the a/c as a result of which he saw black smoke pouring from the Me. which dived vertically to the sea. When the other Me. left him he dived down to find the parachute but was unable to do so. Flying North F/O Lipinski saw a second parachute and tried to pin point the position but was again attacked and they started the climb and orbit until reaching 17000 ft. F/O Lipinski then dived down but was unable to again locate the parachute and had to return owing to lack of petrol. He landed at Tangmere causing slight damage to the aircraft. All other aircraft returned to base.
17.35. RODEO REPORT. 10 aircraft of this Unit with the Northolt wing left Northolt to make rendezvous with 10 Group wing over Gatwick. The wing arrived at Gatwick at the appointed tome but no other Spitfire wing was seen until they were over the Channel when a formation was seen some distance ahead. Flying over Le Touquet some flak was seen coming up from Boulogne. After passing over Fruges, Calais was reach at 18.36 where intensive accurate flak was experienced. A sudden attack was made by 5/6 F.W. 190 from astern and above but no casualties were suffered by this Unit. The wing had previously been warned of e/a and took evasive action. The Squadron was not in a position to counter attack. All aircraft of the squadron landed at Northolt 1906/10.

1942-04-15

NORTHOLT

14.30. PATROL 11 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt with instructions to patrol over Ashford at 20,000 ft at 14.45 hrs. The order was received late and the Wing reached Ashford at 1450 with 303 Top Squadron. From there they were vectored to Manston where a returning Spitfire Squadron was seen at 10,000 ft. Another vector took them to 20 miles N.W. of Gravelines and at 15/19,000 ft they flew along coast to Gris Nez and back to Dungeness. Wing was warned of bogeys over Hawkinge but nothing seen. Unidentified a/c were seen over Ostend and two over Dunkirk. All aircraft returned safely.
CIRCUS 125. Nine a/c of the Squadron left Northolt with the Wing to rendezvous with the Tangmere Wing over Gatwick at 15,000 ft at 1840. 9 to act as Target support. Northolt Wing arrived over Gatwick 1839 and orbitted until the Tangmere wig arrived at 1844. Dungeness was crossed at 21000 ft and the French coast crossed North of Wimereux at 27000. This Unit was bottom Squadron and reports near Wimereux a dog fight going on in the direction of Gravelines. 5 F.W. 190 approached from this direction and passed in front of the Squadron. Three pilots engaged but were unable to see the results of fire. The Squadron continued to patrol circling between off Wimereux up to Gris Nez and then Griz Nez, Gravelines, Calais, Gravelines, Griz Nez and just off the coast. Over mid-channel they were ordered to return home. The Squadron landed at 2007 hrs. Flak was considerable over Calais and Boulogne.

1942-04-16

NORTHOLT

10.40. RAMROD 20. Nine aircraft of the Squadron with the Polish Wing left Northolt to act as Escort Wing rendezvous being made at 5000 ft over Tangmere with 12 Bostons and a 10 Group and Tangmere Wings. The formation crossed the English coast at 1108 and operational height gained over the sea with 316 Squadron one flight on either side of the bombers at 14,000 ft 303 Sqdn covering in three sections of 3 line abreat behind at 16000 ft. The target was reached at 1140 and the English coast recrossed between Selsey and Bagnor at 1210. W/Cdr. Rolski reported that the bombers made a wide sweep to the S.W. of Le Havre and bombed on a S/N run. He confirms that one Me. 109E which tried to attack him was shot down by a pilot of 303 Squadron and that the German pilot baled out. 303 Squadron report just before reaching target 3 or 4 Me. 109s were seen to the South West. One was attempting to attack a Spitfire, F/O Horbaczewski was ordered to attack. In the ensuing engagement he fired two short bursts, the e/a broke in two and the pilot baled out. Bombs were seen to hit the target. All a/c returned safely between 1225/35.
17.29. RODEO REPORT. 12 a/c of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt to make rendezvous at Dungeness at 1803 at 12000 ft and then climb to operational height. Dungeness was reached at 1802 and Wing circled to height and making contact with other Wings set course at 1809, this Unit being top Squadron at 28000 ft. French coast was crossed at Wimereux at 1818. Wing swept left to Marquise and recrossed French coast south of Gris Nez and flew in again towards Marquise. The Squadron reports seeing 9/10 F.W. 190 flying at same height and ahead E/a dived to attack the Wing below and the Squadron dived after them but did not make contact. Immediately after 4/6 Me. 109 were seen to the starboard side very high. These did not attempt to engage. A parachute was seen going sown in France. French coast was recrossed at Calais at 18.40 where intense flak from Calais and of a lesser degree from the Marquise area was experienced. English coast crossed nr Hawkinge and course set for base. Operations instructed the Wing to return to Hawkinge and before this was completed they were ordered to return to base. All aircraft landed at Northolt 1908/16.

1942-04-17

NORTHOLT

09.45. CIRCUS 128. 12 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing Commander Flying W/Cdr. Rolski and the Wing left Northolt to make rendezvous at Northolt at 5000 ft at 1000 hrs and act as Escort Rendezvous was made but the Wings were not in position until the South coast was reached. Dungeness was crossed at 1021. Operational height was obtained on the way over Redhill the Wing made one orbit over Dungeness this Squadron was bottom at 24/26000 feet. French coast was crossed at Wimereux 1030 flak being experienced apparently from the Boulogne area. The Wing orbitted the Wimereux area then law east over St. Omer back to Marquise, up to Calais and one turn over Calais and returned to base. Bombers were not seen after rendezvous. One a/c of the Squadron returned early the rest returning 1110/20
F/O B. Gladych returned to the Unit on ceasing to be attached to Headquarters No. 10 Group.
15.08. CIRCUS 130. 12 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt to act as escort cover to 12 Bostons, target being the Power Station at Grande Quevilly. Rendezvous was made at Beachy Head at 1555 / 5 min. late / Operational height was gained over the Channel this Squadron flying middle sqdn at 16000 ft. The French coast was crossed West of St. Valery at 16000. When 12 miles West of target the bombers made a gradual left turn and bombed on a SE/NW run – bombs were seen to drop on the target and on the way back columns of smoke were seen rising from the target area. The formation was over target at 1605/7 only flak encountered from Rouen was negligible. No e/a were seen. French coast recrossed east of St. Valery and the English coast at Beachy Head at 1640. 11 aircraft landed Northolt 1652/1710 1 a/c landed Shoreham and then returned to base.

1942-04-18

NORTHOLT

Rather thick haze and some cloud but signs of improvement during the morning.
14.25. LOW RAMROD. Twelve a/c of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt to rendezvous with Tangmere Wing and 10 Group Wing over Tangmere at 1444. Just before take off the rendezvous was changed to 1442. The wing arrived over Tangmere at 1443 at 500 ft. Did not see the other two wings and course was set for Dieppe. The French coast was crossed at 1515 and the wing flew for 6 minutes inland turned and came back home crossing the English coast at Hastings and returning to base. No friendly or hostile a/c were seen. Weather over England 10/10 cloud at 8/10000 ft and over part of the Channel. Remainder of Channel and French coast 10/10 cloud at 19000 ft. Much low haze and visibility poor.

1942-04-19

NORTHOLT

Fine day but again thick haze. Wind changing to the west.
12.00 Two aircraft scrambled but down again after 15 minutes.

1942-04-20

NORTHOLT

Bright weather, but again a large amount of cloud and operations cancelled. Some formation practice.

1942-04-21

NORTHOLT

Low cloud and thick haze. Visibility very low. No flying. F/O W. Domanski P-0741 nad Sgt. Pilot J. Karczmarz reported on expiration of leave from No. 58 O.T.U. Effective date of posting 14.4.42.

1942-04-22

NORTHOLT

On movement of 316 Squadron to Heston the Squadron took over the dispersal, hanger and offices previously occupied by them. This move would save considerable time is take off with the prevailing wind S.W. and the dispersal was much nearer the hanger and Officers & Sgt. Messes. Weather unfit for operational flying although formation practices were carried out.

1942-04-23

NORTHOLT

Movements of maintenance flight to the new hanger completed. Weather still unfit for flying.

1942-04-24

NORTHOLT

Improvement in visibility. Strong east wind, but some cloud in the morning with promise of better weather in the afternoon.
13.50. CIRCUS 132. 12 aircraft of the Squadron took off with the Polish Wing to rendezvous over Biggin Hill. Target St. Omer. English coast crossed at Dungeness and operation height at 23,000 feet gained over Channel. French coast crossed by Ambleteuse and thence to St. Omer, Mardyck and then returning to base. Some unidentified aircraft seen but a considerable distance away. Weather over Channel 6/10 clouds at 6-8000 feet. Visibility excellent.
16.40. The Squadron was scrambled at 16.40 for operational flying but was recalled landing at 16.50.

1942-04-25

NORTHOLT

09.42. RAMROD 26. 12 aircraft of the Squadron left Northolt with the Wing and set course for Deal. The wing was to act as Target support. Operational height was gained on the way out, 303 being at 23,000 ft. English coast crossed between Deal and Dover at 1016 and the French coast crossed between Calais and Gravelines at 1025. The wing proceeded to Hazebrouck and on turning left just south of Hazebrouck contact was made with enemy aircraft. This Unit was attacked by 8/10 Me. 109s but no real contact was made. The Squadron joined in the dog fight taking place over Dunkirk on the way out. One pilot on being attacked by a F.W.190 saw it attacked by two other Spitfires and shot down. Very considerable flak from Dunkirk. One Boston trailing black smoke glided into the sea about 10/12 miles off Dunkirk. The Unit returned in odd numbers to base. The Wing claimed 5 F.W. 190 destroyed and 2 damaged although no e/a fall to this Unit.
13.41. RAMROD 28. 11 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt to act as Escort cover to 12 Bostons. Target Le Havre docks. Rendezvous made over Shoreham. Operational height being gained over Channel, 303 Squadron at 25,000 feet. Nothing of importance happened on the way out but as this Squadron was turning to fly over Le Havre 2 Me. 109s were seen approaching from the South and climbing to attack. The Squadron turned to meet them but the e/a dived away. One pilot only fired but makes no claim. Half way back the Squadron was vectored to Isle of Wight as Operations reported 6 bandits in area. A Hampden only was seen. All a/c of the Squadron landed at base 1515/1525.
Sgt. pilot Zwierowski dislocated his shoulder and was posted to Northolt N.E.

1942-04-26

NORTHOLT

Continuance of the same cold sunny weather, with strong east wind, but a fair amount of haze.
09.54. CIRCUS 138. 12 aircraft of the Squadron left Northolt with the Wing to act as rear support. The English coast was crossed at Dal at 10.25 and by that time the Wing had gained operational height, the Squadron flying at 24,000 feet. Later the Wing had to fly lower than intended owing to smoke trails being visible. As the Squadron turned right over Gravelines. 12 e/a were seen some distance away flying from the south at 30,000 ft leaving smoke trails. These did not engage. Another similar formation of e/a was seen south of Calais flying towards Gravelines higher than the Wing. As the Squadron recrossed the French the Wing leader W/Cdr. Pisarek flying with the Squadron, and his section of four aircraft attacked a single F.W. 190 but had to break off the attack as the e/a was being attacked by a Spitfire of another Wing. Later 4 more F.W. 190’s were seen diving to attack a lover formation and another section of 4 from the Squadron went to attack them. A number of dog fights took place but no claims are made. The Squadron returned to base in ones and twos land 1120/30.
14.15. CIRCUS 139. Twelve a/c of the Squadron with the Squadron Leader. S/Ldr. Kolaczkowski acting as Wing Leader, left with the Wing to act as Escort cover to six Bostons whose target was to be Hazebrouck Marshalling yards. Rendezvous made near Clacton at 1441 at 6/7000 feet and operational height reached at they crossed Channel, the Squadron flying at 17000 feet. Escort Wing joined the formation over the sea. French coast crossed 10 miles east of Dunkirk at 1505. S/Ldr. Kolaczkowski reported seeing a merchant vessel of about 4,000 tons sailing towards Ostend 1/2 miles east of Dunkirk. The couse was followed as planned and all three Sqdns saw bomb bursts in the target area. No e/a were seen during the whole time – no flak was experienced until west of Dunkirk on the way back. The English coast was recrossed at Manston at 1535. The Squadron landed at 1602 except one aircraft which returned early.

1942-04-27

NORTHOLT

F/O Ciastula posted to No. 315 Squadron and Sgt. Pilot Bondarczuk posted from 315 Squadron to this Unit.
10.40. RODEO 111. 11 a/c of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt and rendezvous was made with other Wings and operation carried out according to schedule. One enemy aircraft was seen near Gravelines at 29,000 ft making smoke trails. Three e/a seen near Cassel very far away and one solitary a/c near Boulogne. All aircraft landed at base 1215.
14.40. CIRCUS 141. 11 aircraft of the Squadron with S/Ldr. Kolaczkowski acting as Wing Leader left Northolt to act as Escort cover. Rendezvous was made over Southend at 1504, the Bombers being four minutes late. Operational height was gained on the way out, this Squadron flying at 17,000 feet. French coast was crossed east of Dunkirk at 1530. About 10 miles before target 8 F.W. 190\s came in from the West, turned and flew parallel to the beehive. They then came in to attack the bombers. The Squadron with 317 Squadron went in to attack. Intense flak was experienced in the Lille area. Over the target all the fighter Wings were engaged with e/a aircraft and the bombers were alone. A running fight continued to the French coast. Altogether about 40 e/s were seen, one Boston was believed to have been shot down over the target and two – although hit – reached the English coast. F/Lt. Zumbach and P/O Glowacki each probably destroyed a F.W. 190, but immediately after this attack the Section was attacked head on by 4 Me. 109s and F/O Kolodynski said over the R/T that he was having to land in France. He is believed to be prisoner of war. All other aircraft returned to base. Two having to land elsewhere and return to base later.

1942-04-28

NORTHOLT

No break in the weather. Brilliant wind but the same cold east wind.
10.38. CIRCUS 144. 10 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left to act as Escort Cover and rendezvous over Eastchurch with six Bostons. Rendezvous was made at 11.00 hrs. English coast crossed at Dover at 1111 and the French coast was crossed at Sangatte at 1118. Owing to extensive patches of cloud at 16,20,000 ft over North France two Squadrons flew below cloud / 303 at 16,000 ft and 316 at 15,000 ft / and 3167 flew above at 23,000 ft. The Wing re-joined in a clear patch over Guines but split again towards St. Omer. 317 Squadron again flew above and the other two Sqdns below a large bank of cloud. Near St. Omer, when below cloud to protect the bombers it was known as 317 Sqdn were engaged with a number of E/a. over the target 3 formations of 8/10 unidentified a/c were seen flying at 23/25,000 ft leaving smoke trails. No contact was made. The bombers made a run from West to East and bombs were seen to burst amongst buildings alongside the railway line. On the way back to the coast they were followed by 4 F.W. who were later joined by a fifth, but no attack developed. After Gravelines they were warned by Operations of e/a behind and they turned back but saw nothing. Nine pilots made several orbits over the Channel searching for a pilot who was in the sea, and landed Manston 11.20. They left again 1240 to continue their search but were unsuccessful. One pilot reported seeing about 50 barges in Gravelines Harbour.
Here was a deterioration of the weather in the afternoon, visibility particularly worsening.

1942-04-29

NORTHOLT

15.16. CIRCUS 145. 11 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left to act as Diversion Wing. Rendezvous was made at Kenley with another Wing at 1531 at 8000 ft. It is since learned that this was the Biggin Hill wing. The Kenley wing joined up later. The formation proceeded to Dungeness and thence to Hardelot which was reached at 1600 hrs. Northolt wing climbing all the way, operational height was gained just before the French coast. 303 Squadron flying as Top Sqdn at 28,30,000 ft. On crossing the French coast a number of e/a were seen on the starboard side coming round into sun and 303 Sqdn and 316 Sqdn turned right to check this tactic the other Sqdn turned left. Just before turning right the Sqdn saw two layers of e/a one about 3,000 ft below and the other about the same height above in the Le Touquet area. A battle seemed to be in progress as one a/c was seen to go down in flames. The Sqdn came cut at Le Touquet completed the right hand circle and went in again at Boulogne, penetrated a few miles inland, reached 33,000 ft and saw 30/40 Me. 109s slightly above coming from St. Omer. The Squadron turned left, recrossed the French coast still climbing and about mid Channel as the enemy were in contact the Sqdn dived and took evasive action. English coast was crossed at Dungeness at 1620, one pilot reports seing a number of barges in Boulogne Harbour. The Sqdn estimated that over 100 e/a were seen. From this engegement the Wing Commander Flying W/Cdr. Pisarek and S/Ldr. Ozyra of 317 Sqdn did not return. The Wing claimed 2 F.W. destroyed 1 probable and 1 damaged. Several pilots reported hearing the Wing Commander call the ground station on the T/T and say that he was shot down.

1942-04-30

NORTHOLT

10.36. CIRCUS 148. 12 aircraft of the Squadron left with S/Ldr. Kolaczkowski acting as Wing Leader of the Polish Wing to act as Escort cover to six Bostons, target Le Havre docks. Rendezvous was made over Tangmere at 500 to 1000 ft at 1100 hours. Operation height was gained on the way out with 303 bottom Sqdn at 16000 ft. Nothing of importance happened on the my cut. Land was not crossed as the Wing was always down sun of the bombers. The bombers bombed on a south west – north east run, bombs were soon to drop in the target area, many hits on docks buildings and as the formation turned for home the area was obscured by a considerable pall of dust and smoke. Moderate amount of flak was encountered apparently aimed at the bombers and one of them appeared to be hit. Operations warned them of enemy aircraft to the South and a little later 10 miles north of Le Havre 4 E/A some distance behind and at the same height as the Wing were seen. These pursed the main formation and were apparently engaged by the Target Support Wing. All the bombers returned. The English coast was recrossed at Nerston at 1205 hrs. All aircraft of the Squadron landed at base 1210.
18.31. CIRCUS 147. 12 a/c of the Squadron left with the wing to act as forward support. Wing was to rendezvous with the Tangmere Wing over Shoreham at 1851. On arriving over Shoreham a little early the Tangmere wing was not seen, so a wide orbit was made and course set. Contact was made with the Tangmere wing over Brighton. The Wing climed 2000 feet higher than the prescribed operational height and reached Le Treport at the correct time of 1918. It has been decided before take off that the Wing should be 2000 feet higher than that laid down at the French coast so that a shallow dive would give them a faster speed in the turn west of Abbeville where it was considered that e/a may be met. The wing came out of France before the bombers. Apart from above operation carried out according to schedule. No shipping seen and no enemy aircraft. All a/c returned to base 2005.

A very busy month after a quiet start, over 900 hours flying.