Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-05-01

NORTHOLT

Slight cloud in the morning and change in direction of the wind from East to North. F/O Wojda unable to return from leave owing to complications to gun shot wound in his leg received on 12.4.42. Posted to Northolt N-E.
18.40. CIRCUS 150. 12 aircraft of the Squadron with the Squadron Leader acting as Wing Leader left Northolt to act as escort cover. Excellent rendezvous made at West Malling at 1900 at 8000 ft. Wing climbed to operational height, this Squadron at 19000 ft. Dungeness crossed at 19.15 and the French coast North of Boulogne at 1920. Over the target area bomb bursts were seen, followed by smoke and fire N.E. of Marquise. After the bombers had left to return the wing gained height and the French coast was crossed east of Calais earlier than was intended. Along the coast to the east flak was seen and it was thought that this was the Boston formation. The wing patrolled between Calais and Boulogne at 24/27000 ft and the main formation was subsequently followed to England. About 4 smoke trails were seen to the east but no enemy aircraft were seen. Operations warned the Wing of e/a in this direction. The Squadron reported many barges seen in Boulogne harbour. The Wing returned at 2005. No casualties.

1942-05-02

NORTHOLT

Thick cloud in the morning and weather not fit for operational flying. Squadron released off Station in the afternoon. F/O Kolubinski attached to Headquarters No. 11 Group wef. 28.4.42 for advanced tactical training.

1942-05-03

NORTHOLT

Drop in the wind fins warm weather with prospect of plenty of flying.
10.36. RODEO 13. 12 aircraft of the Sqdn with S/Ldr. Kolaczkowski acting as Wing Leader left base at 10.36 to rendezvous with the North Weal and Debden Wings at Clacton. Rendezvous made at 1100 hours at 6000 ft. Operational height gained on the way out, 303 Squadron flying at 14000 ft. The French coast crossed 10 miles east of Dunkirk at 11.20 and a right sweep was made over Northern France but little could be soon of the land below bacause of 9.10 cloud, The French coast was crossed east of Cap Gris Nez and then a right orbit was made over the Channel and into France again. While on this orbit height was gradually increased to 20/26000 ft as the wing was warned by operations that 9 e/a at 25000 ft were 40 miles to the south. Nothing however was seen of them and the orbit was completed and course set for Manston. Over the Channel they were again warned of 9 e/a at 29000 ft 12 miles to the South. These also were not seen. All a/c of the Sqdn returned to base 1215.
15.18. CIRCUS 145. 11 aircraft of the Squadron with F/Lt. Zak / Flight commander B flight / leading the Wing, left Northolt to rendezvous with Biggin Hill and Kenley Wings over Kenley. The other two wings were late at the rendezvous and course was set six minutes late. Operational height was gained on the way out 303 Squadron flying at 24,000 ft. The English coast was crossed at Dungeness and the French coast at Le Touquet at 15.58 with the wing between 24/28000 ft. Operational gave repeated warnings of 2 e/a in the Boulogne area, some above and some below our wings. Consequently height was further inceared. This Squadroned reported that 8/10 miles south of Calais flying at 27,000 ft the Squadron turned right as they were warned that e/a were in the neighbourhood and higher. As they turned they were attacked by 10 F.W. 190 which dived out of the sun from above and behind, and caused the Squadron to split up: several pilots fired but make no claim. Two pilots were seen to bale out, one from a Spitfire, believed to be Sgt. Cybulski / 303 / and the other from a F.W. 190. All the pilots, with the exception of Sgt. Cybulski, made their way back separately, most of them having to take evasive action. One pilot reported that 2 to 3 Me. 109s joined in the attack. Our pilots also report that the F.W. 190 is painted gray and camouflaged with a darker colour and is silver underneath, the leading edge of the wings being painted yellow.

1942-05-04

NORTHOLT

Continuance of the same warm weather. F/O Zarebski posted back to the Squadron from 81 Squadron.
15.40. RODEO 15. 10 aircraft of the Squadron left with the Wing to rendezvous with two Debden wings over Chatham. Rendezvous was made at 6000 ft at 1600 hrs, the English coast was crossed at Dungeness at 1610 and the French coast at Hardelot at 1619. Operational height was gained on the way out this Squadron flying at 22000 ft. As the French coast was crossed 3 to 4 smoke trails were seen above moving east to west but too far away. On leaving France about 6 e/a were seen near to Calais well below the height of the wing too far away to attack. The English coast was crossed between Deal and Manston, all aircraft landing at base 1705.

1942-05-05

NORTHOLT

Authority received from R.A.F. Polish Records for the promotions of Sgts. Adamek and Belza to the rank of Flight Sergeant wef. 1.4.42.
13.50. RODEO 19. 12 a/c of the Squadron left with the Wing to rendezvous with a 10 Group Wing and the Tangmere Wings. Rendezvous made on time at Hastings and operational height gained on the way out 303 Squadron flying at 26000 ft. The French coast was crossed south of Hardelot at 1431 the wing being spread out. Immediately after crossing the French coast 20/24 e/a were seen coming from the north some distance away and higher. At the same time small formation of 8/12 e/a were seen to the south at the same height flying north. The Squadron immediately turned left to engage the larger formation but only two pilots were above to fire and that at too great a range. By this time the formation were over the sea having crossed the French coast south of Boulogne. The Squadron circled to gain height the e/a copying this manoeuvre a little to the south, but as our formation was somewhat scattered they were ordered to return to base. During the first attack one of our a/c was hit but only slight damage was caused, a fragment of explosive shell has been recovered from the aircraft which was attacked by a F.W. 190. The Squadron report seeing two large and six small ships in Boulogne harbour. The Squadron landed at base 1515/40. 316 Squadron claimed 1 destroyed and 1 probable.
17.40. RODEO 20. 12 aircraft of the Squadron left with the Polish wing to proceeded to Beachy Head and thence to France. Beachy Head was reached 4 minutes early at 5000 ft under operational height, the wing circled and set course for Breck at 1805 reaching operational height in mid channel. This Sqdn flying at 23,000 ft. French coast was crossed at Berck and the Wing swept Desvres, Sangatte and then left turn down Channel and in again at Hardelot and out south of Boulogne. Some flak was seen directed at another wing. No e/a were seen and the Squadron returned to base at 1910.

1942-05-06

NORTHOLT

Effective date of posting of S/Ldr Kolaczkowski to Headquarters Fighter Command. F/Lt. Zak of “B” Flight took over command of the Squadron and F/O Bienkowski of “B” Flight was promoted to the acting rank of Flight Lieutenant to command “B” Flight.
12.10. RODEO 21. 12 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt and arrived over Clacton on time at average height of 14000 ft. Course set and the French coast crossed between Gravelines and Mardyck at operational height of / 303 / 25000 ft. The other Wings were seen ahead and below and throughout the remainder of the sweep the Northolt wing stayed behind and in a down sun position. The formations flew down to St. Omer and turned right recrossing the French coast between Calais and Gravelines at 1303, turned right and on being warned of e/a to the south east orbitted over the sea between Calais and DUNKIRK. No e/a were seen and the formation returned crossing the English coast near Manston at 1320. Some flak was encountered near Gravelines which was quite accurate. F/O Domanski did not return, he was last seen at the formation was approaching the French coast. He was then losing height and dropping slight beind. The remainder of the Squadron returned to base 1345.
17.51. CIRCUS 160. 11 aircraft of the Sqdn with the wing left Northolt and height was gained over base and course set for Staines where rendezvous was made with the bomber and other wings at 1800 hrs. The wing was to act as Escort cover and were at 7000 ft at the rendezvous. The English coast was crossed at Hastings at 1815 with the wing just below operational height. Height was made just before the French coast this Squadron flying at 21000 ft. The French coast was crossed just south of Hardelot at 1830. The formation split and a wide sweep was made to approach Calais from the E.S.E. The bombers were escorted almost to the English coast and then the Wing turned right and back to the French coast one wide orbit was made over Cap Gris Nez and the wing then returned crossing the English coast near to Dungeness at 1900 hrs. The sqdn reports seeing 2 ME. 109 on the starboard side 10000 ft below when going in at Hardelot. Height was increased on the way cut to Calais because of warning received from Operations of e/a. Soon after 8/12 E/a were seen approaching from Calais but lost again. Over Calais 6 Me. 109 were seen well below the bombers and appeared to be the target for a moderate amount of flak coming from there. All aircraft of the Sqdn returned to base of 19/25, one having previously landed at 1751.

1942-05-07

NORTHOLT

P/O Lobarzewski medically boarded and found temporarily unfit for flying duties.
18.55. CIRCUS 164. 12 aircraft of the Sqdn with F/Lt. Zak as Wing leader left Northolt to act as Target support. The wing flew at just under 500 ft to Deal where the English coast was crossed. By the time the French coast was crossed the wing was at operational height with 303 as bottom sqdn 22000 ft. Deal was crossed at 1907 and Merdyck at 1918. The wing then followed the prescribed route making a wide turn which took them over Roulers. Warnings were received from Operations of e/a in the region of Hazebrouck. As the wing approached Ostend the bombers were seen: the wing crossed the Belgian coast west of Ostend where flak was experienced which was accurate for height but behind. The English coast was crossed at Manston at 1950, the Sqdn landed at base at 2010.

1942-05-08

NORTHOLT

Fine day after poorer weather the previous evening. Wind however backing to the east and increasing. P/O Lobarzewski posted to Northolt N-E on admission to Officers Hospital Torquay.
18.25. CIRCUS 166. 12 aircraft of the Sqdn with the wing left Northolt to act as Target Support. Rendezvous was made with Tangmere wing at Horsham at 1840 hours at 10000 ft. The English coast was crossed at Beachy head at 1848 and the French coast at St. Valery – en – Caux at 1904 hrs. By this time the Wing had gained operational height 303 being middle sqdn at 24,000 ft. The formation swept inland and the French coast was recrossed at Dieppe at 1909 hrs. All aircraft landed at base at 1950 hrs. At no time were any e/a seen.

1942-05-09

NORTHOLT

Dull cold weather with little likelihood of operations during the morning.
13.00. CIRCUS 168. 11 aircraft of the sqdn with the wing left Northolt to act as rear support. The Wing flew over North Weald at 1307 below 2000 ft crossed the English coast at Manston 1320 and crossed the French coast at Mardyck 1336. By this time the wing was flying between 23/26000 feet. The formation swept inland to North of St. Omer and were warned of 13 e/a in two sections over St. Omer at 26,000 ft. The wing were unable to reach this height owing to cloud at 24000 ft. No e/a were seen however. Later they were warned of 60 e/a over St. Omer at 28/29000 ft. these also were not seen. The French coast was recrossed at Sangatte at 1346. Haevy flak accurate for height and direction was experienced from Calais. As the wing approached Dover they were told by Operations that an English wing was being engaged in the Cap Gris Nez area. The wing therefore returned to this area but only saw a formation of Spitfires returning to England. The English coast was recrossed at Folkestone 1412. All a/c landed at base 14.20.
Visit to the Squadron of General Anders, Commander of the Polish Forces in Rusia, together with General Ujejski Commanding Polish Air Forces in Gt. Britain.
Squadron parade and handing over by S/Ldr. Kolaczkowski to S/Ldr. Zak. Squadron photograph takeN.
Further operation arranged for the evening cancelled.

1942-05-10

NORTHOLT

A fine morning but slight haze. Operational flight arranged for the afternoon but cancelled owing to increased cloud. Squadron released off station in later afternoon. Heavy rain in afternoon. Heavy rain in evening.

1942-05-11

NORTHOLT

Dull misty morning with low visibility. Only one flight of 20 minutes.

1942-05-12

NORTHOLT

Local flying to Heston by one aircraft. Low cloud and poor visibility.

1942-05-13

NORTHOLT

No flying. Low cloud and poor visibility.

1942-05-14

NORTHOLT

Aircraft tests. Still poor weather and unfit for operational flight. Visit to the Station of Air Vice Marshal T. Leigh Mallory A.O.C. No. 11 Group to present to the Sqdn to cup von in the 11 Group Air firing competition.

1942-05-15

NORTHOLT
Slight improvement in the weather but still low cloud. Heavy rain at night. The Squadron did not flying.

1942-05-16

NORTHOLT

A brighter morning but still fairly heavy cloud. Some flying training. Low formation and battle practices.

1942-05-17

NORTHOLT

Much better weather and operational resumed. There being new four Polish Squadrons in the Sector, three, Nos. 302, 316 and 317 went to St. Omer on Ramrod 33, this Unit heaving merely to provide aircraft for Air/Sea rescue patrol. First patrol of four aircraft left Northolt for Hawkinge and took off from there at 11.15 returning to Northolt 1300 hrs. Some aircraft having been shot down in the Channel in the morning 9 aircraft of the Squadron took off as Escort for Rescue aircraft and launches at 12.35 and returning 14.35/40. Further operations carried out in the afternoon / Rodeo /, this Squadron again sending 3 aircraft on Rescue patrol. Worsening of the weather during the evening with rain at night.

1942-05-18

NORTHOLT

Heavy cloud and some rain during the morning. Operation arranged for the evening cancelled owing to weather. Some formation practice carried out. Effective date of posting of S/Ldr. W. Zak to No. 308 / Polish / Squadron to command. F/Lt. J. Zumbach reposted to Command the Squadron and F/O J. Marciniak reposted as Flight Commander. F/Sgt. M. Belc recalled from 28 days special leave, which had been granted on his completing over 150 hours operational flying. Recalled for medical board on recommendation for commission for distinguished service on operation.

1942-05-19

NORTHOLT

Still heavy low cloud with bright intervals. Not fit for operational flying. Some Squadron formation practice. P/O Damm reposted to the Squadron from No. 317 / Polish / Squadron.

1942-05-20

NORTHOLT

Readiness at 6.30 for operation, but heavy ground mist reducing visibility to 100 yards destroyed all chance of an operation in the morning. Great improvement in the weather during the afternoon and possibility of operation in evening. Training flying during the afternoon. Cloud burst and heavy rain in the evening between 1800 and 1900 hrs prevented any operation flying. F/Lt. Jaszębinski posted from R.A.F. Northolt supernumerary for Ground Defence duties.

1942-05-21

NORTHOLT

Dull morning and low visibility. No flying during the day.

1942-05-22

NORTHOLT

No great improvement in the weather. Some bright intervals, but weather unfit for operational flying. Again heavy rain in the evening. F/Sgt. Wojciechowski commenced 28 days special leave on completing well over 150 hours operational flying.

1942-05-23

NORTHOLT

Bright morning but some cloud. Again heavy rain in the evening. F/Lt. J. Palusinski Operations Room, attached to No. 306 / Polish / Squadron Kirton Lindsay.

1942-05-24

NORTHOLT

Again a brilliant morning early, but getting cloudy later. Heavy rain in afternoon and evening. Some flying training carried out. Low flying and G.C.I.

1942-05-25

NORTHOLT

Very strong wind and heavy cloud. Again heavy raining throughout the evening. News received that S/Ldr. J. Jankiewicz, V.M, K.W., D.F.C. formerly a Squadron Commander, but now leading a British Squadron was missing from an operational flight. Four pairs of aircraft on convoy patrol covering period from 13.20 and 17.45. Nothing to report.

1942-05-26

NORTHOLT

Brighter morning with not quite so much wind, but again very unsettled. Some local flying, being three aircraft on test of ammunition. Heavy rain again in the afternoon and increase in wind.

1942-05-27

NORTHOLT

Again fine sunny morning, but some wind and cloud.
10.45. RODEO 53. 12 aircraft of the Squadron with the Polish Wing / four Squadrons / left Northolt and flew via North Weald to Southend which was crossed at 1106. The Wing flying at 500/1000 feet then gained operational height over the sea and the French coast was crossed between Mardyck and Dunkirk at 1130 at 20/27000 feet. Nothing of interest was seen during the sweep over France and the French coast was recrossed between Cap Gris Nez and Ambleteuse at 11.40. The return to Northolt was made via Dungeness and all aircraft landed at base 1215. Weather over England 6/10 at 3/4000 ft. Channel clear. France 9/10 – 10/10 tops of cloud at 15000 ft. Visibility very good.
Again a worsening of the weather in the evening. Mist and rain. F/Sgt. Belc M., V.M., K.W., posted to No. 58 O.T.U. for Instructor duties.

1942-05-28

NORTHOLT

Very strong west wind and heavy cloud. No flying. Arrival of P/O S. Baran and Sgt. Rokitnicki from No. 58 O.T.U. Effective date of posting 21.5.42., but reporting on expiration of seven days leave.
Squadron released off Station from mid-day.

1942-05-29

NORTHOLT

Continuance of the same weather, although more brighter periods. Some flying training. Formation practice and sector recco. Night readiness and one aircraft did night flying for 20 minutes. Weather not particularly good.

1942-05-30

NORTHOLT

After night readiness early morning patrols of 2 aircraft were maintained. The first patrol leaving base at 04.45 hours the last patrol landing at 07.40. Rain and bad visibility encountered and nothing further to report. Improvement in the weather towards the afternoon and formation practice carried out. Operation in evening.
20.22 RODEO 61. 12 Spitfires VB of the Squadron with the Polish Wing, Leading W/C Janus and S/Ldr. Nowierski, leading Northolt at 2022. Wing acting as top wing with Kenley and Hornchurch Wings. Rendezvous made on time at 2047 at Rye with the Northolt wing just above 500 ft. French coast crossed North of Cap Gris Nez with Wing at 15/17000 feet. Flew to St. Omer where there was a break in the clouds but the ground was very dark below and there was a layer of black haze at 26000 ft. In these conditions the other two wings were lost. The wing turned North and receiving a warning from Operations of e/a to the North. These e/a were not seen. The Wing passed over Audrieq continuing at operational height which was reached after crossing the coast and made contact with the other wings near Guines, these wings were then at a height of 28/30000 ft. French coast was crossed half way between Boulogne and Cap Gris Nez and the English coast at Dungeness. When crossing the French coast on the way back 4 and 6 e/a were seen to the south but these turned back over France. Slight flak was encountered over Boulogne. 4 white shell bursts were seen over St. Inglevert. 3 red shell bursts seen over St. Omer. 4 black south of Guines. All aircraft landed at base 2150/55.

1942-05-31

NORTHOLT

Dull morning, a drop in the wind and some low cloud.
18.58. RODEO 64. 12 aircraft of the Squadron with the Wing left Northolt this Unit ad bottom Sqdn. Rendezvous was made with the Kenley Wing at Rye at 500 feet Northolt as Top wing. The formation crossed the French coast south of Berck at 1933 but by this time 316 has lost the other two Squadrons when climbing through cloud over the Channel. The wing was by this time between 19 and 21000 ft. At Abbeville the formation turned right receiving at this moment a warning of 20 e/a in the vicinity. Just south of Abbeville 302 had three e/a dive vertically through and one of their Sgt. pilots was shot down. Over Oisemount 4 e/a made to attack the wing from out of sun but turned away without attacking and dived down to the south east. Immediately afterwards 3 e/a were seen flying parallel to the bottom Sqdn and at the same height, on the starboard side but some distance away. This seemed to suggest a co-ordinated decoy. Just south of Dieppe this Unit was attacked from the North by 4 F.W. 190. The Squadron turned to meet the attack and although the e/a climbed and then dived away F/O M. Lipinski who was flying Blue 2 claims to have damaged one. As he turned to the left he saw the 4 F.W. about 500 yds astern closing rapidly. Two of the e/a were firing at him so he immediately took evasive action, but found that the two e/a had evidently dived beneath him and one was pulling up in front. Before firing he turned over on his side to see where the second e/a was and saw it beneath and following the first F.W. 190. While in this position he opened fire on the second e/a, a short burst with cannon only from 150 yards range and saw strikes on the fuselage just where the wings join the fuselage. He then dived down almost vertically and tried to rejoin the Squadron, but had to weave continually and did not manage to catch then until base. The Wing recrossed the English coast west of Brighton at 2000 hrs, landing at base about 20.25.

The Squadron completed 687 hours of which 339 were operational during the month, and recorded no accidents other than due to enemy action.

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