Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-06-01

NORTHOLT

8/10 cloud vis. 4 miles. Afternoon 10/10 – vis. 2 miles. Sunshine later.
Squadron move to Northolt completed. Main party moving from Heston by road. This Unit’s aircraft which were to be transferred to 315 Squadron being flown over at 08.00 hrs.
Squadron at readiness on Spitfire IXs at 09.00
P/O E. Oriezblo Enginer Officer attached from 308 Squadron.
F/L. T. Kratke, Controller, posted to 315 Squadron.
P-781307 Sgt. Pilot Bartkowiak Z. posted from 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.

1943-06-02

Weather 4/10 vis. 5 miles – sunshine.
Training Flying on Spitfire IXs.
Sgt. Ruczka, Armr, attached to Rollestone Camp for 7 day Gas course.
Sgt. Pilot. Rokitnicki reposted from Northolt on ceasing to non-effective sick.

1943-06-03

Weather, 6/10 vis. 6 miles –sunshine.
More formation and training flying on Spitfire IXs.
20.35
10 Spitfire IX took off for Bolt Head in preparation for early morning operation on the next day – landing 21.35.

1943-06-04

Weather 9/10 cloud visibility 5 miles.

09.00
The Squadron returned from Bolt Head the operation having been cancelled owing to weather. Some navigation flying.
P/O L. Majewski posted to the Squadron, back from 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth for flying duties on completion of tour as instructor.
Sgt. R. Frycze, Fitt. I returned from 2 weeks course at Rolls Royce Derby.

1943-06-05

10/10 cloud visibility 3 miles. 4/10 8 miles.
Training flying: Local flying, formation, bomber attacks and practice interception.
F/O S. Podobinski reposted from R.A.F. Northolt on ceasing to be non-effective sick.

1943-06-06

NORTHOLT

Weather 5/10 visibility 3 miles – sunshine. 2/10 vis. 7 miles.
Training flying: Air to air firing practices and high altitude flying.
Lecture on Spitfire IX by special Engineer Officer.
16.00
One section led by F/Lt. Retinger “scrambled” to patrol in the region of Dover at a height of 20,000 feet, landing 16.45. Nothing to report. 10/10 cloud visibility 4 – 6 miles.

1943-06-07

1/10 vis. 1 mile – mist. 10/10 cloud vis. 4 miles – some rain.
Training flying: Air to air firing. High altitude flying and local flying. Weather still u/s for operations.
Lecture on behavior when taken prisoner of war.
F/L. C. Glowczynski attached from Polish Inspectorate General for flying duties.
F/Sgt. Pilot Judek and Sgt. Pilot Lewicki attached for four days engine handling course at Rolls Royce Derby.

1943-06-08

Weather 10/10 cloud visibility 2 miles mist and some rain.
Two aircraft on navigation flying only.
Further lecture on performance of Spitfire IX.

1943-06-09

Weather 3/10 – visibility 3 miles – sunshine.
Varied training flying: Formation, high flying, aerobatics and interception practice.
Lecture on escape.
F/Lt. W. Jasionowski posted from 315 Squadron for flying duties – “B” Flight.

1943-06-10

Weather: Morning 10/10 cloud vis. 1 mile – some mist. Afternoon 4/10 vis. 6 miles. sunshine.
17.43
RAMROD 86. 9 Spitfire IXs led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski, together with 316 Squadron took off as second fighter sweep to 6 Mitchells bombing Power Station at Ghent. The Wing crossed south of Dover at 18.18 at 1500 feet and Gravelines 18.28 at 20,000 ft. They then flew over Courtral 25/26,000 ft at 18.40 hrs., made a left turn south of Lille. The French coast was crossed between Calais and Cap Gris Nez and orders were received to wait over Calais. Flying towards latter several friendly aircraft were seen crossing out to sea. No enemy aircraft were seen so at 19.00 hrs. the Wing turned for home crossing between Deal and North Foreland at 19/20,000 ft. All aircraft down 19.45. No flak. Weather over England 10/10. Over France very this cloud at 28,000 ft.
P/O L. Ciatula and F/O T. Pejcz posted to No. 318 (Polish) Squadron for Flying duties.

1943-06-11

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud – vis. 2 miles sunshine. Visibility increasing to 6/7 miles later.
Some training flying – aerobatics, formation and cine gun practices.
11.35
RAMROD 87. 9 Spitfire IXs led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski took off with the Wing as escort cover to 12 Vent[uras] – target Coke ovens Ostend. The Wing crossed at Bradwell at 12.00 hrs and climbed from 12.13 to a point 5 miles north of Ostend at 16,000 ft, turned left and crossed in at Knocke. When 3 miles south of Knocke aerodrome operations warned that 20 e/a were at 20,000 ft 5 miles to the south. Wing made a left turn and recrossed French coast 5 miles N.W. of Knocke at 16,000 ft. when more enemy aircraft were reported. Wing proceeded on northerly course and when 10 miles north of Knocke made a left turn for home. English coast crossed at Dover and all aircraft landed at base 13.35. Weather: Haze to 7,000 ft. cloud 12/13,000 ft. No flak.
16.00
RODEO 229. 8 Spitfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski took off on Fighter sweep with the Northolt Wing. The Wing crossed at Le Treport at 32,000 ft at 16.40 hrs. They then received a vector 90° and after 2 minutes flying received 120° and warned that 20 enemy aircraft were at 22,000 ft 15 miles east. Wing turned and after 5 minutes flying were vectored 170° and later 010° and warned of enemy aircraft at 27,000 ft 5 miles east. Soon after they saw 20 – 25 Me. 109s just below. The Wing chases these southwards to about 5 – 10 miles north of Beauvais. The Wing was then attacked by Me. 109s and combats ensued. This Unit makes no claims but 316 Squadron claimed one destroyed. The Wing then made a right turn and crossed out at Le Treport at 17.00 hrs at 20,000 ft. Crossed west of Hastings and landed at base 17.35 hrs. Weather – Haze to 15,000 ft. Thin layer of cloud at 28,000 ft.

1943-06-12

3/10 cloud visibility 7 miles – sunshine.
Some air firing practices and high flying.
18.30
RAMROD 91. 10 Spitfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski took off with the Northolt Wing as High cover to 12 Venturas – target Caen aerodrome. The Wing reached the target area at 19.33 at 21,000 feet seeing bombs bursts in the target area and then made a right hand turn and crossed out at Crepon. 5 miles North they were warned of enemy aircraft 20 miles to East. The Wing turned right flying eastwards and climbed to 23,000 ft. Nothing was seen and the Wing came out at Fecamp. At this point smoke trails were seen in the Dieppe – Le Treport area and 8 unidentified aircraft behind and above. No contact and all aircraft landed at base 20.45.
Slightly heavy flak over target area. Weather very good.
19.00
One aircraft on Rescue patrol with aircraft of 316 Sqdn. Nothing to report.
Notification received of promotion of P/O S. Zdanowski to Flying Officer wef. 27.5.43.

1943-06-13

NORTHOLT

Weather 2/10 cloud vis. 8 miles – sunshine.
09.30
RAMROD 93. 8 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski took off with the Polish Wing as first fighter sweep to 12 Bostons – target Grosnay Power Station. Coast crossed at Hasings at 10.00 hrs and Berck at 10.17. Vectors were received in the area Abbeville – St. Pol – St. Omer and Boulogne, together with warnings of enemy aircraft. The Wing flew at 19/22,000 ft but no enemy aircraft were seen. On crossing out South of Boulogne at 10.55 at 19,000 ft a single burst of very accurate heavy flak was experienced which forced our aircraft to disperse, later to reform and crossing over Dungeness at 11.05 landing at base 11.30.
09.45
Two aircraft with 1 of 316 Sqdn on Rescue patrol. Uneventful.
13.40
RAMROD 94. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski took off on third fighter sweep with 316 Sqdn – target Abbeville. When 5 miles West of Dieppe at 25,000 ft. warning was received of e/a but none were seen. The Squadron crossed out at Hardelot at 28,000 ft. at 14.47 recrossing the English coast at Dungeness at 20,000 ft. landing at base at 15.30. Weather over Channel clear. 6/7/10 over France.
14.20
Two aircraft on Rescue patrol.
Information received of grant of permanent war rank of Flight Lieut. to A/F/L J. Palusinski, A/F/L/ W. Retinger, F/O A. Kolubinski, F/O Z. Zarebski, F/O J. Radomski and F/O L. Majewski.
Sgt. Janik Fitt.IIA., returned after 2 weeks course on Spitfire airframe.

1943-06-14

10/10 cloud – visibility 2 miles. Rain. Later in day 4/10 cloud vis. 7 – 9 miles.
Little flying – only local and G.C.I.
P-784758 Sgt. Pilot J. Dabrowski was killed in a flying accident when on Interception practice, his aircraft crashing into the ground at Islington Cemetery, Finchley. It had been stormy during the afternoon and bad weather conditions in cloud was believed to be the cause of the accident.
P/O J. Stasik admitted to Paderewski Hospital, Edinburgh.

1943-06-15

9/10 cloud vis. 3 miles. some rain later.
07.30
RAMROD 95. 10 Spitfires IX took off with S/L. Bienkowski leading and with the Northolt Wing were to provide first fighter cover to 40/50 Fortresses attacking Bernay aerodrome. The Wing climbed from base and crossed out over Bright area at 24,000 ft. at 08.00 hrs. Fortresses were then seen to the left crossing out to sea and Wing joined then. In mid-channel the Fortresses made right hand turn and returned. The Wing returned to base landing 08.35. Weather cloud – Stratus at 10,000 ft. Cumulus 6/10 at 10-26,000 ft. Alto – Stratus at 30,000 ft.

1943-06-16

NORTHOLT

8/10 cloud visibility 1 ½ miles. 4/10 cloud vis. 5 miles – sunshine.
Apart from aircraft tests only 3 aircraft on formation flying.
Further lecture to pilots escape.

1943-06-17

Weather 1/10 – visibility 4 miles sunshine. Visibility increasing later.
Training flying: G.C.I. Air firing and night flying.
08.40
CIRCUS 311. 8 Spitfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski took off on Fighter sweep to 12 Bostons – target Petrol stores at Flushing docks. The wing crossed North of Deal at 09.14 at zero feet and climbed at 09.16 arriving at Nieuport at 09.30 hrs at 26,000 ft. Turned left out to sea for about 4 miles and in again over Ostend at 26,000 ft. Operations warned that 20 e/a were over Welcheran area at 25,000 ft. Wing turned North and orbited at sea West of Welcheran and when crossing in again at North West of Knocke received another warning of e/a to the south. Wing flew south at 26/27,000 ft and saw one formation of Me. 109s and FW.190s at 1000 ft below and ahead. W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski gave order to attack and combats ensued over Bruges area. Further e/a arrived and engaged the Wing. Shortly all the enemy aircraft dived away and the Wing proceeded to the Ostend area. Two pilots from this Unit, Sgt. Rutecki and Sgt. Kwasniewski engaged the enemy with cannon fire but from about 700 yards and had no time to observe results. The Wing left the French coast at the Nieuport area and returned to base crossing in at North of Deal at 10.05. All aircraft landed base 10.40. Weather 6 – 9/10s cloud.
09.20
Two aircraft on rescue patrol from Manston. Nothing to report.
14.35
RODEO 231. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski took off on first fighter sweep. The Wing began climbing north east of Ashford and crossed out at Dover at 15.00 hrs at 22,000 ft and thereafter flew at 24/26,000 ft. In the Gravelines and proceeded to Ypres, Courtrai and then turned left. Over Aeulte at 15.32 they saw a Wing of Spitfires which made a right turn as if to attack but flew off on recognising the Wing as friendly. Wing crossed out at Knooke at 15.38 hrs and flew down the coast. Wing then proceeded to 4 – 5 miles off Dunkirk and were ordered by Operations to orbit (15.48). Later they crossed in over Mardyck and were then ordered to fly south west of Dunkirk. A few friendly aircraft were seen flying towards Gris Nez. Wing crossed out over Gris Nez and in south of Deal at 16.00 hrs. landing base 16.30.
15.30
Two aircraft on rescue patrol from Manston. Nothing to report.

1943-06-18

10/10 cloud visibility 5 miles. Rain showers later.
Training: Night flying only.
Funeral of Sgt. Dabrowski. Service held at Northolt and burial in Northwood Cemetery.
Lecture to pilots on results of “Spartan” exercise and German organisation.

1943-06-19

NORTHOLT

10/10 cloud – visibility 4 miles – sunshine.
Training: Navigation and night flying.
20.40
One section “scrambled” to patrol in the region of Hastings and to about 13 miles from the coast at a height of 1800 ft. Weather and visibility excellent. Nothing to report and down 21.30

1943-06-20

Weather 4/10th vis. 4 – 5 miles. Sunshine.
Night flying training.
12.25
CIRCUS 313. 7 Spitfires IX led by S.Ldr. Bienkowski took off as withdrawal support wing to 12 Bostons – target Poix aerodrome, together with 316 Sqdn. The Wing began climbing after crossing out at Newhaven at 12.51 hrs. French coast crossed 10 miles West of Dieppe at 23,000 ft at 13.10 hrs. Turned left and flew to Oisement area losing height to 22,000 ft. Operations warned of e/a in Abbeville area. South of Abbeville flak was seen and also I a small gap of clouds the bomber force flying N.W. The Wing again lost height to 20,000 ft and carried out weaving tactics behind the bombers. At 13.25 hrs Operations warned that 6 e/a at 18,000 ft were starboard of bombers but these were not seen. Wing crossed out over Some Estuary at 20,000 ft at 13.27 and in over East of Dungeness at 13.26 landing at base 14.00.
Weather 3 layers of cloud over France. Very thin at 27,000 Layer at 22/25000 and one layer some thousand feet below the wing.
12.35
Two aircraft on Recue patrol.
21.25
One section led by F/Lt. Nartowicz ‘scrambled” to patrol in the Dover area at 1000 ft. and about 7 miles from the coast. Down 22.40 after uneventful patrol.

1943-06-21

2/10 cloud vis. 3 miles – sunshine.
Air firing and night flying training.
13.25
12 aircraft scrambled on Exericse “Eric” to patrol Bexhill – landing 14.50.
18.30
Twos sections of total four aircraft, on patrol 4 – 5 miles from the coast between Hastings and Beachy Head at heights between 1 – 5000 ft. No enemy aircraft seen and down 20.30 Weather slight haze.

1943-06-22

6/10 cloud vis. 3 – 4 miles – sunshine. Dusk and night flying training.
05.00
12 Spitfires left for forward aerodrome at Manston.
09.35
RAMROD 99. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski together with 316 Squadron took off to met main force of American Fortresses returning from raid on Kiel. The bombers were met on time over Sliedrecht at 10.15 and Wing gave cover to Clacton / Orfordness area /11.00 hrs/ when the Wing left bombers and returned to base. 4 Me. Were seen south of Rotterdam but no engagements. Wing flew at 22,000 ft. Excellent weather.
09.55
2 Aircraft on rescue patrol landing back at base 12.05.

1943-06-23

7/10 cloud – visibility 6 miles – sunshine. 4.10 cloud in afternoon vis. 4 miles.
14.00
11 Spitfires IX took off landing at Tangmere 14.20.
17.00
RAMROD 100. 11 Spitfires IX led by F/Lt. Nartowicz took off from Tangmere as escort to heavy bomber diversion – Target Bernay. Rendezvous was made at Beachy Head with one box of bombers and position as close escort was taken up. 303 Squadron below and in front 316 Sqdn 1000 feet above. One other fighter Wing seen and bombers on parallel course 20 miles to East. Escorted bombers turned left soon after crossing French coast and returned. Wing left bombers over English coast and returned to base. No flak. No enemy aircraft seen. Weather – Channel clear. 5/10 thickening to 10/10 over France.

1943-06-24

NORTHOLT

Weather 1/10 cloud visibility 8 – 10 miles.
07.40
RAMROD 102. 10 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski took off as second fighter sweep – 12 Venturas bombing Flushing Oil store. The Wing went in to Nieuport at 08.45 and swept 10 miles further east. They then climbed to 32,000 ft North of Ostend when 10 e/a seen over Nieuport. A further 20 plus e/a were seen to the south climbing east from 26,000 ft. Wing turned towards these but 316 Sqdn were attacked from sun by approx. 20 more e/a at 08.58. and dog fights took place with these and the original 20 plus. F/Lt. Kolubinski claimed 1 F.W.190 damaged. One destroyed and one damaged were claimed by 316 Sqdn. P-2066 P/O J. Karczmarz and P-2203 P/O J. Kobylinski of this Unit did not return and are presumed missing. Nothing was seen of them by the other pilots in the Wing. The remainder of the Sqdn returned in independent sections, landing approx. 09.50 – 1000 hrs.
08.30
3 aircraft on Rescue patrol. Nothing to report – landing 10.15.
11.10
RAMROD 103. 11 Spitfire IX /including S/L. Sawicz Wing Leader / led by F/Lt. Retinger took off as target support wing – 12 Bostons bombing St. Omer Marshalling Yards. Climbed to cross in West of Gravelines at 11.51 at 20,000 ft and then St. Omer 23,000 ft to follow the bombers north from the target to the coast. Out of Mardyck 12.00 hrs 24,000 ft. and in again east of Dunkirk on receiving report of 30 plus e/a west of Lille at 22,000 ft. Swept again over St. Omer 12.10 hrs 26,000 ft and then proceeded West making orbit North of Desvres. Out at Ambleteuse and then to Le Treport seeing convoy of 10 small ships going south. They crossed in over Boulogne at 22,000 ft experiencing slight heavy flak. Friends reported at Gravelines fo wing flew there 12.33 but nothing seen so Wing returned via Dover. Sqdn landed base 13.05.
16.40
RAMROD 106. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski took off as withdrawal support to Cirrus 106 – 12 Venturas bombing Yainville Power Station. The Wing – 303 and 316 Sqdns – proceeded as planned to Yvetot 22,000 ft. 17.27 seeing bombers on way in. Swept Bolbec – Pont Andemer – Bourd Achard – Caudec-en-Caux, and West of St. Valery-en-Caux, turning left entering France at Cap d’Antifer and out again S. Valery 17.46. Heights between 22,000 ft – 32,000 ft. Probable trails of e/a seen at 32,000 ft but these soon left trail heights and were lost. At 17.56 in mid Channel told of friends in distress to south so wing swept back to 10 miles North of St. Valery returning to base over Newhaven. Weather cloudless and visibility excellent.
17.15
Two aircraft on Rescue patrol landing 18.40
20.15
9 Spitfires IX and 2 Spitfires VB took off for Coltishall landing 21.50 in preparation for early morning operation.

1943-06-25

4/10 cloud vis. 3 miles – sunshine.
07.45
12 GROUP RAMROD 19. 9 Spirfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski took off from Coltishall as Top cover to 12 Bostons, but the operation was abandoned 10 miles off the Dutch coast owing to unfavourable weather 10/10 cloud at 7000 ft. – rain. All aircraft landed Coltishall 09.25.
08.15
Two aircraft on Rescue patrol landing Coltishall 09.55.
10.50
Squadron returned to Northolt landing 11.55.

1943-06-26

Weather 2/10 cloud vis. 6 miles sunshine.
No training flying – aircraft tests only.
16.55
RAMROD 109. 11 Spitfires IX led by F/Lt. Nartowicz, together with 316 Sqdn and W/C Gabsziewicz, took off as escort to heavy bomber diversion on Ramrod 108 /two boxes of bombers against Tricqueville. On arriving at Beachy Head 17.22 Wing found 2 boxes of Fortresses at expected position and height so climbed and escorted first box until at 17.38 hrs, approximately 30 miles N.N.E. of Fecamp when the bombers turned N.W. After contacting Operations Wing leader realized wrong box of bombers had been escorted so he proceeded straight to target. Wing flew over Le Havre and saw bombers and took up escort position at 30,000 ft. and above the bombers as they headed North over Bay of Seine at 17.52. Some e/a seen over Le Havre heading S.E. 303 Sqdn escorted box of bombers back over Beachy Head. Wing leader suggested where two boxes of bombers would be as same rendezvous it would help if some means of recognition could be given to select correct aircraft to be escorted. Weather – Channel and western France – clear. Vis. excellent. All this Unit’s aircraft landed base 18.45.
17.10
Two aircraft on rescue patrol – landing 19.00 hrs.

1943-06-27

NORTHOLT

Weather 9/10 cloud visibility 4 miles increasing in evening to 8 miles.
Training flying – air firing and cine gun practices.
09.50
RODEO 234. 11 Spitfires IX led by F.Lt. Retinger and including W/C. Gabsziewicz left with the Polish Wing to join Biggin Hill Wing and swept Nieuport – St. Omer – Le Treport. The Biggin Hill Wing was not seen and this Wing was recalled 15 miles North of Dunkirk when at 12,000 ft. All aircraft landed base 11.10. Weather 10/10 cloud at 1000 ft up to 7000 ft. Clear over 7000 ft.

1943-06-28

0/10 cloud vis. 4 miles slight haze in the morning. Visibility increasing to 7 miles.
Operation arranged for the morning not proceeded with.
13.25
12 Spitfires IX and 3 Spitfires VB left for forward aerodrome at Tangmere.
17.30
RAMROD 113. 12 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski and including S/L. Sawicz as Wing Leader airborne to act as Fighter cover to 40 Fortresses – Target Beaumont Le Roger aerodrome as diversion to main force bombing target to the West. Fecamp 17.25 at 25/27,000 ft. where bombers were seen 10 miles inland, evidently early. Wing increased speed and at 17.29 hrs over Berville sur Mer got into position. two miles in front of the bombers. Over target 17.38 and bomb bursts seen believed in the target area. 2 FW. Approached from the south east but flew off on being threatened by one section of 316 Sqdn. Operations gave several warnings of enemy aircraft climbing towards the bombers and the Wing dropped back to keep above bombers to afford cover. No enemy aircraft seen. French coast crossed out over St. Valery at 17.55 and in over Beachy Head at 18.13 hours. Weather excellent.
F/Lt. J. Radomski posted to 317 Sqdn for flying duties. F/Lt. Filipowicz posted from 317 Sqdn for Operations Room duties.
17.15
Three aircraft on Rescue patrol – Nothing to report.

1943-06-29

4/10 cloud vis. 3 – 4 miles. Little change in afternoon.
Some air firing practices.
17.55
RAMROD 114. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski including W/C. Gabsziewicz, took off on Fighter cover to 40 Fortresses – target Triqueville aerodrome as diversion to Main Force of Fortresses. Rendezvous at correct time and height and Wing took up position, this Squadron slightly below and to port in front of the bombers. 10/10 cloud encountered and not seen whether bombs were dropped or not. Formation turned right and crossed out over Fecamp at about 19.00 hrs. still at 25,000 ft. and in over Beachy Head at 19.20 making base at 19.55. No enemy aircraft and no flak seen. Weather – No clouds en route to r/v but beyond 10/10 with gaps.

1943-06-30

NORTHOLT

Weather 10/10 cloud visibility 2 miles. Later 8/10 vis. 5 miles. Cloudless in evening.
Tests of aircraft only. Weather non-operational during most of the day.
Squadron at 30 mins. state during the day.

J. Bienkowski (Autograph)
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 303 /Polish/ Squadron.