Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-07-01

NORTHOLT

Weather 1/10 cloud vis. 4 miles – sunshine later 0/10 cloud.
Air firing practices.
14.25
RAMROD 117. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski together with the Polish Wing took off on second fighter sweep – Bradwell – Nieuport – Courtrai – Sangatte. Penetration not so deep as planned. Several enemy aircraft possibly 12 in all at 25,000 ft far away to the South when the Wing was at 26,000 ft over Hazebruck. French coast crossed at Boulogne and in over Hastings.
Weather: Belgium and France – 9/10 cloud 3000 – 5000 ft. Banks of cumulus up to 15,000.
15.20
One aircraft on Rescue patrol with others of 316 Sqdn. Uneventful.

1943-07-02

Fairly thick cloud in the morning vis. 32 – 3 miles. Afternoon 0/10 vis. 7 miles – sunshine.
Cine camera gun training only.
10.45
11 Spitfires IX left for forward aerodrome at Ford.
15.50
Rodeo 236. 1 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. Bienkowski – Wing Leader, W/C Gabsziewicz – took off on second fighter sweep to Pointe d’Ailly – Pavilly – Bernay – Fecamp. Everything according to plan except that Wing went further West inland and came out at Cabourg at 16.45. All a/c landed base 17.25. No e/a having been seen. Weather 3/10 cumulus up to 15,000 ft. Haze to 7000 ft. Vis. excellent above.
15.50
Three a/c on air-sea Rescue patrol landing base 17.35 – Nothing to report.
Sgt. R. Frycze Fitter I and Sgt. Krakiewicz Fitt. IIE. Attached to P.T.T.S. Halton for 6 weeks refresher course.

1943-07-03

8/10 cloud vis. 3 miles. Afternoon 2/10 vis. 4 miles – sunshine. Air firing training.
15.40
RODEO 238. 9 Spitfires IX led by S/L. Bienkowski made r/v with North Weald wing over West Malling to sweep – Dieppe – Formerie – Pavilly – Dieppe. Wing waited 5 mins. at West Malling for North Weald and then swept as instructed. Thence parallel with coast to cross out at Criel, then further brief penetration in Le Crotoy /Berck area. When at 28.000 ft. over Neufchatelu. North Weald appeared to be attacking but this Unit saw no e/a. North Weald continually forced the Northolt Wing up in to the vapour trail layer. Weather 1/10 wispy cloud and low haze. All aircraft landed base 17.27.
S/Ldr. Z. Bienkowski, KW. posted from the Squadron for Sector Gunnery Officer duties at R.A.F. Northolt.
P-0493 F/Lt . J. Falkowski, V.M., K.W., D.F.C. posted from No. 316 /Polish/ Squadron to Command.
F/Lt. C. Głowczynski ceased to be attached to this Unit from Polish Inspectorate General for flying duties.

1943-07-04

3-4/10 cloud sunshine – visibility 5 miles.
Training flying – local flying and air to air firing.
The Squadron paraded at dispersal to meet the new Commanding Officer
12.00
RAMROD 122. 12 Spitfires IX led by S/Ldr. J. Falkowski took off with the Northolt Wing as fighter cover to second formation (3 boxes) of Fortresses returning from bombing Le Mans Marshalling Yards. Rendezvous was made with the North Weald wing and flew to east of Cabourg 12.52 at 22,000 ft and met bombers 10 miles south of Argentan taking up position above. When 10 miles North of Argentan at 13.06 small formation of FW.190s seen attacking the Fortresses from below and behind so 316 dived to engage leaving this Unit above. Attacks continued for 20 miles and 2 a/c claimed to have been shot down. One by W/C Gabsziewicz and one by F/O Ciastula of 316 Sqdn. Two straggling Fortresses escorted separately by sections of 316 rest of formation escorting the remainder. Red marker flak seen from Le Havre indicating position of our aircraft. Over France weather 4/10 stratus at 22,000 low haze. Aircraft landed base 14.00.
16.45
RAMROD 124. 12 Spitfires IX led by F/Lt. Nartowicz took off with Northolt Wing as Target withdrawal support to 12 Mitchells bombing Amiens / Lenguesn. Swept 10 miles south east of Abbeville, when at 17.37 warned of e/a above. Wing turned right and at 17.35 was attacked by Wing of Spitfires which dived from south west and opened fire without result. No enemy aircraft seen. Wing returned via Berch 17.48 landing base 18.30.
17.00
3 aircraft on air/sea rescue patrol – Nothing to report and land 18.40.

1943-07-05

10/10 vis. 4 – 5 miles.
General SIKORSKI, Polish Prime Minister and C in C. of Polish Forces reported killed in a flying accident on the 4.7.1943 when taking off from Gibralta in an American Liberator.
Squadron formation - air to air firing and cine gun practices.
P/O B. Bialecki posted to Northolt N.E. sick on admission to Royal Masonic Hospital London.

1943-07-06

NORTHOLT

9/10 cloud vis. 4 – 5 miles – 10/10 cloud vis. 1 mile rain. later.
09.35
RODEO 240. Wing took off on Fighter sweep – Dieppe /Amiens/ Berck. In over Dieppe at 22,000 ft – some flak. Swept south over Gournay to between Amiens and Montdidier, thence east and north of Amiens. Two Me. 109s seen at 10.38. Inconclusive engagement. Wing then flew S.E. of Amiens and at 10.41 dived to starboard from 25000 ft. to 16,000 ft on 4 Me. 109s. Two e/a seen to go down in flames and one spun down, pilot baling out. These fell to W/C. Gabsziewicz, F/Sgt. Gallus /316/ and Sgt. Kwasniewski of this Unit. Wing then turned North West and crossed out at Le Crotoy. Intense flak at ABBEVILLE. When 10 miles off shore at 10.55 saw 3 F.W. 190s which dived towards the rear of the formation having followed the Wing out from Somme Estuary. Pilots of 303 engaged and two e/a were shot into the sea by F/O Kolecki and F/O Szelestowski and one damaged by F/O Socha. Wing landed at various forward aerodrome. No losses.
F/O T. KOLECKI was leading a section of 4 at 18000 ft off Berck sur Mer when 4 F.W. attacked the Squadron from Starboard, one of which he attacked from head on but observing no results. At about 14,000 ft he then saw a Spit. With a FW. on its tail chasing another F.W. These were well below and he dived down 7/8000 ft giving warning to the Spit. and almost blacking out. He opened fire from 350 yds at 5° above astern closing to 200 yds in short bursts. He saw pieces fly and smoke burst from the Machine. He followed round in a complete circle firing until the cannon stopped. He saw the a/c diving to the sea from 2000 ft. and then a big splash. This was seen by G/C. Robinson, W/C. Gabsziewicz and F/Sgt. Gallus. Claim 1 FW.190 dest. Cine gun exposed.
Sgt. A. KWASNIEWSKI. was flying left of leader of four a/c south east of Amiens at 26000 ft. when he saw 4 a/c about 10,000 ft below flying North to south. They lost height in a right hand turn and he recognized them as Me.109s. He dived with F/O Szelestowski and attacked the nearest on the right hand side of 4 e/a. He attacked unobserved and fired a short burst from about 15° above astern from 400 yds. No results seen and no action taken by e/a. He then closed 300 – 200 yds and gave a long burst seeing cannon strikes and a burst of flame behind the pilots seat. He lost him for a second when he dropped so Sgt. Kwasniewski pulled down and gave him another short burst and he caught fire. He last saw the e/a going down in a spin from about 18000 ft with fire pouring from him. Claim 1 Me.109 des. Cine gun exposed.
F/O M. SZELESTOWSKI. Dived to attack 4 e/a seen 10000 below when south of Amiens, but the Me. which he was about to Attack was destroyed by another Spit. He then broke away climbing to rejoin his formation. Leaving the French coast still about 5 miles behind but then flying higher than the formation he noticed 3 E/a closing from behind at a great speed. He warned the formation and watched the a/c. They were diving slightly and closing very fast and as passing 5000 ft below he recognized them as FW.190s. He again warned the formation and some of the Spitfires turned back. One FW. Turned left and went towards France. The other two started to circle to the right. He dived at the leader and gave a burst from 200 yds at 5° off but saw no results and so got closer to 50 yds and gave a very long burst from dead astern observing at least 8 or 10 explosion on the cockpit and on both wings, all placed between the cannons. At 2000 ft I left him diving into the sea. To observe results he turned left to find another FW on his tail, but shook him off after one circle. This FW was being fired at by another Spitfire so F/O Szelestowski made a climbing turn and saw the place of the crash in the water when his FW had hit. He landed at Friston with 5 galls. refueled and returned to base. Cine gun was reported u/s before take off 1 F.W. claimed destroyed.
F/O S. SOCHA. Was leading white section at 18000 ft when he saw 4 FW. on starboard and slightly above over the sea off Berck on the way out. They turned to attack and he followed the one on the left. He opened fire from 500 yds astern closing to 400 seeing strikes on the fuselage. Receiving warning of 4 e/a which had climbed he broke off at 7/8000 ft. When last seen the e/a was going down out of control. On examination of F/O Sochas machine a dent was found on the underside of the nose and a dent and scratches under the air scoop. He saw nothing fly off the machine but it is possible a piece of wreckage glanced off the underside of his kite. 1 FW. claimed damaged unless cine gun shows probable.

1943-07-07

6/10 vis. 7 – 8 miles. 15 pilots on cine gun training and some G.C.I. training.
Notification received of promotion of the following pilots to the British rank of F/Sgt. wef. 1.5.43. Sgts. Rutecki, Rokitnicki, Szymkowiak, Lewicki, Kwasniewski, Zygarlicki, Dabrowski /killed 14.6.1943/.
Lecture to pilots on performance of Spitfire IX.
F/Lt. A. Kolubinski posted to 308/P/ Sqdn for flying duties. F/Lt Zarebski posted to 306/P/ Sqdn for flying duties.
F/Lt. S. Wandzilak posted from 308/P/Sqdn supy. for flying duties “B” Flight. F/Sgt. W. Kempka posted from 308/P/Sqdn for flying duties “B” Flight.

1943-07-08

Weather 4/10s cloud. vis. 4 miles. Afternoon 8/10 vis. 5 – 6 miles.
Complete day spent on air firing and cine gun training.

1943-07-09

10/10 cloud – vis. 3 miles.
Some formation and air firing and cine gun training.
07.10
RAMROD 127 . 12 Spitfires IX led by F/L. Retinger and including S/L. Zurakowski took off as part of the Polish Wing providing second fighters sweep to 12 Mitchells – target St. Omer Marshalling Yards. Wing climbed at 07.30 and crossed French coast at Berck at 07.55 at 25000 ft. When at Hesdin warned of e/a 40 miles south east. Various vectors given and warnings of e/a but nothing seen. North West of Arras Wing turned about and on reaching St. Pol area at 25000 ft they dived reaching Montreuil area at 08.14 at 17,000 ft. Here 316 Sqdn
/ top / were attacked out of sun by 4 F.W.190s /claims 1 FW. des. 1 probable and 1 damaged all to 316 / this Unit not being engaged. After combats Wing proceeded to Coast crossing out at Le Touquet at 08.20 hrs. Wing orbited once off Le Touquet, reformed, and flew to base landing 09.00. Weather good.
07.30
Three Spit. VB on rescue patrol – nothing to report.
11.25
RODEO 243. 11 Spitfs. IX led by S/Ldr. Falkowski took off with 316 Sqdn on fighter sweep. The Wing climbed from base, crossed out South of Bradwell and reaching Walcheren at 30,000 ft at approx. 12.30 hrs. Warned of 12 plus e/a over the island but none seen. Turning south Knocke was reached at 34,000 ft. 10/15 e/a some distance to S.E. at 35/37000 ft seen flying into Belgium. Over Knocke joined by friendly Wing and whole formation proceeded down coast to Nieuport. Course then taken for home and Wing crossed in over Manston landing base 13.10. 9/10 cloud in layers at 7000, 15000 and 2000ft. over sea. Clear Holland and Belgium.
11.40
Two aircraft on air/sea rescue. Uneventful.
21.05
10 Spitfires IX left for Tangmere in readiness for early morning operation.

1943-07-10

Weather 10/10 visibility 2 miles. Not much change in afternoon but rain.
08.30
RAMROD 128. 10 Spitfires IX led by F/Lt. Majewski took off from Tangmere as Withdrawal cover to Fortresses returning via Meziden from bombing Villacoublay and Le Bourget. The Wing was recalled 20 miles north of Cabourg. Several Fortresses met returning individually. Otherwise uneventful. Weather clear and visibility excellent. No e/a seen.
Army co-operation flying and navigation training,

1943-07-11

10/10 cloud vis. 2 – 3 miles – light rain.
Training flying only – Formation and navigation. Cine gun training.
S/Ldr. J. Falkowski attached to R.A.F. Wittering for 6 days Beam approach training course.

1943-07-12

Little change in the weather until afternoon when visibility increased to 6 miles.
Varied training flying: G.C.I., Squadron formation, Cine gun training, air to air firing and cross country.
P/O J. Dzialowski, supy. Engineer Officer attached to Rolls Royce Ltd. Derby on 4 days engine handling course.
P/O K. Wunsche, V.M., K.W., D.F.M. attached to R.A.F. Kenley for one week at Dution Homestall pilots Rest centre.

1943-07-13

5/10 vis. 5 miles.
08.30
RODEO 244. 1 Spitfires IX led by F/L. Majewski took off for second fighter sweep. Cayoux – Abbeville – St. Pol – Abbeville. Crossed in Le Treport 09.11 and swept at 25000 ft to south of Abbeville. Here another Spitfire Wing was seen south of Doullens heading south west. Thence to Pavilly and out east off Fecamp 09.45 landing base 10.15. Nothing seen. Weather 8/10 France and Channel 12,000 ft. Visibility good.
08.50
3 aircraft on air/sea patrol landing at base 10.35. Nothing to report.
Considerable air firing training at Southend.
21.15
12 aircraft left for forward aerodrome at Tangmere in readiness for early morning operation.

1943-07-14

NORTHOLT

Weather 0/10 cloud vis. 6 – 8 miles early in morning but cloudy later. Afternoon 10/10.
07.10
Three Spit. VB took off on rescue patrol – Nothing to report – landing 09.20
07.20
RAMROD 133. 11 Spitfire IX led by F/L. Nartowicz took off with the Polish Wing as escort to 2nd box of Fortresses – target Le Bourget aerodrome. Bombers first seen 15 miles N.W. of r/v and after one orbit the Squadron formed up either side of the bombers at 22.000 ft with 316 Sqdn in front and North Weald above and behind. Went in at Fecamp and bombers escorted without event to Evreux where some heavy flak was seen. Wing then left bombers and returned via Fecamp and Shoreham. Weather clear with excellent visibility. Paris visible from Evreux.
The Squadron Adjutant, F/O J. Ostrowski and F/Sgt Szymkowiak T. attended in London at the ceremony of the presentation of the Order of the White Eagle at the lay in State of General Sikorski.
Dusk Flying training.

1943-07-15

10/10 vis. 6 – 7 miles Afternoon 10/10 rain vis. 1 mile.
Funeral of General Sikorski – F/O J. Ostrowski and F/S. pil. Szymkowiak attended the funeral service in Ldon as representing the Unit.
Dusk flying training.
15.45
RODEO 245. 12 Spitfires IX led by F/Lt. Retinger /Wing Leader S/L. Trzebinski / left Northolt and crossed out at Beachy Head to Pointe d’Ailly at 22,000 ft then to Rouen under Appledore Control – Gourney 25,000 ft – Grandvilliers – East of Abbeville and a right hand orbit at 30,000 ft to West of Abbeville. Out at Haute Banc at 25,000 ft. Slight heavy and accurate flak at Rouen and Berck. Weather clear over France 9 Good visibility – Cloud 10/10 over England rising from 2000 ft. to 23000 ft over France to about 20 miles inland. No e/a.
16.15
Three Spitfires VB on air/sea rescue patrol. Uneventful.
Following signal received from H.Q. No. 11 Group.
0/252 15/7 Following signal from General Anderson commanding 8th U.S. Bomber Command is to be communicated to all concerned Begins. American Bomber crews are enthusiastically grateful for the splendid fighter cover provided to-day by the Spitfire pilots of your Command. Following are typical comments of our crews “As we were leaving the target area a heavy formation of enemy fighters flew in to attack but almost immediately they were chased off by particularly strong formation of Spitfires. On the way home about mid-channel one of our ships with half its tail blown off dropped out of formation. A couple of Spits. went to the aid of the crippled bomber immediately, circled the ship and brought her safely home”. “The Spit. Cover was perfect” Exclaimed Capt. Carrol D’Briscoa ”L’d like to thank them personally” May I add my grateful appreciation to that of our crew members for the splendid co-operation of your command. Ends.

1943-07-16

Weather 2/10 cloud visibility 4 – 6 miles.
Training flying only: Formation and cine gun practices and night flying training.
The C.O. S/L. J. Falkowski returning from Beam Approach training course at Wittering.
P/O Z. Marszalek /from 317 Sqdn/ and F/Sgt. Chudek /from 315 Sqdn/ posted to this Unit for flying duties.
19.15
RAMROD 144. 11 Spitfires IX led by F/Lt. Nartowicz / including S/L. Zurakowski leanding the Wing / took off on second fighter sweep in connection with 18 Marauders bombing Abbeville Marshalling Yards. Arrived over Bexhill r/v time 19.42 2000 ft but saw no sign of North Weal Wing over Pavensey Bay. Orbitted Pavensey Bay for 6 mins. and then climbed across Channel towards Dieppe, but when the Wing was half way across they were told to proceeded to Abbeville and escort bombers. Crossed coast at Cayeux 20.06 hrs at 22,000 ft. and flew south east of Abbeville and then North of Some Estuary but saw no bombers. Flew S.W. then turned and made second penetration Cayeux 20.20 – Foret de Crecy – Pointe Haut Banc 20.24 at 28,000 ft. Many wings of Spitfires at all heights but no enemy aircraft. Returned via Beachy Head. Weather: Clear in target area much low cloud in Western Channel and small patches in Straits and inland France. vis. good.
19.25
Two Spitfires VB air/sea rescue patrol – landing at 21.20 after uneventful patrol.

1943-07-17

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud – sunshine. No training flying.
07.10
12 Spitfire IX led by S/L. Falkowski took off for forward airfield at Coltishall – landing 07.50
10.45
RAMROD 145: The Squadron with 316 Sqdn was to act as escort to main force of U.S.A.A.F. Fortresses returning north of Amsterdam. The Wing was recalled from half-way across the North Sea, the operations having been cancelled. Weather clear except for traces of cloud over North Holland. Landed Coltishall.
12.20
The Squadron returned to base landing 13.15. One aircraft damaged a wing tip on landing.
13.00
Squadron released off Station.
F/L. Koc D.F.C. posted to the Squadron from Northolt supy. for flying duties.

1943-07-18

10/10 cloud vis. 3 – 4 miles some sunshine in the afternoon.
Little training flying: Photo and G.C.I.
The Squadron was briefed for an operation to take place at approx. 18.00 hrs but the weather closed in – there being low cloud and rain – and everything was cancelled.

1943-07-19

NORTHOLT

Weather 10/10 vis. 2 miles. Slight break in the clouds during the afternoon.
Formation, navigation and cine gun flying training.
16.00
RODEO 249. 12 Spit. IX led by S/Ldr. Falkowski took off on fifth fighter sweep – Nieuport – Courtrai – Hazebrucke – Gravelines. The Squadron climbed shortly after crossing the English coast at Deal through several layers of 10/10 cloud extending up to 23,000 ft. Made two clockwise orbits at 24,000 ft estimated over French – Belgium border, but never saw ground. Warned of bandits south of Dunkirk but could not engage as own position unknown. Return route not known. Broke cloud near Redhill at 9,000 ft. landing base 17.45.
F/O J. Ostrowski the Squadron Adjutant attended Court Martial of Cpl. Piwowarczyk of this Unit at Northolt as waiting member. Defending officer was Squadron Intelligence Officer F/O P. Salkeld.

1943-07-20

8/10 cloud vis. 3 miles little sunshine. Weather prevented any operational flying.
Training – Cine gun practices – navigation and Squadron formation and battle practice.

1943-07-21

10/10 vis. 1 – 2 miles due to mist and rain. Weather almost totally unfit for flying and Squadron released off Station at 13.00.

1943-07-22

10/10 vis. 2 miles. Afternoon 8 – 5/10 cloud vis. 4 miles. Still bad flying weather.
W/O M. Popek formerly with the Squadron and recently back from flying with the Polish Flight in the Middle East posted to the Unit for Flying duties.

1943-07-23

10/10 vis. 1 – 2 miles. No flying.
P/O W. Pulczynski, the Squadron Engineer Officer, posted to No. 58 OUT Grangemouth for Engineer duties.
P-1161 F/O Z. Wozniak posted from Hutton Cranswick for Engineer duties with the Squadron.

1943-07-24

Weather in the morning 10/10 cloud vis. less than 400 yds due to ground mist. Weather most or less totally unfit for flying until a sudden clearing in the late of [ternobn.]
Squadron formation battle practice and cine gun practices.
Unit notified of sentence of Cpl. Piwowarczyk J. – Court Martialed on 19.07.43. Sentenced to be reduced to the ranks and to undergo 42 days detention. Confirmed by A.O.C. 22.7.43.
F/LT. Jasionowski attended at R.A.F. Wittering for 6 days Beam Approach training course.

1943-07-25

NORTHOLT
0/10 cloud but low haze reducing ground visibility to about 800 yards. Visibility improving later – Sunshine.
F/L. Krol posted from R.A.F. Northolt supy for flying duties.
10.05
15 Spit. IX took off for forward base at Coltishall for extended operations – landing 11.00.
14.05
RAMROD 154. 12 Spit. IX led by F/L. Retinger took off from Coltishall as high cover to12 Mitchells bombing an aircraft factory at Amsterdam. R/v was made over Lowestoft at 14.18 and the Wing then flew to the Dutch coast which was crossed over Zandvoort at 14.55 at about 23,000 ft over-target at 24,000 at 15.00 hrs. Bombs seen to burst in target and target area. Wing crossed the Dutch coast out at 15.05. No enemy aircraft seen, but very intense flak encountered over the target area. All a/c down at Coltishall 16.10. Weather 10/10 at 25,000 ft over Zuider Zee – Otherwise no cloud.
14.35
3 Spit IX up from Coltishall on uneventful rescue patrol.
19.05
RAMROD 158. 11 Spit IX led by F/L. Retinger took off from Coltishall to act as high cover to Bostons bombing Shiphol aerodrome. Everything according to plan. Wing crossed Dutch coast at Ijmuiden at 19.50. Made rendezvous over target with main force at 21/22000 ft. and got warning of bandits, but none were seen. Some heavy flak at Ijmuiden and little heavy flak over target – No cloud visibility 20 miles. Some haze. All a/c down Coltishall 21.00
19.30
Two aircraft on air/sea rescue patrol – Nothing to report.
21.30
All aircraft returned to Northolt landing 22.20 hrs. One aircraft hit dispersal pen on landing – Cat. A/C., due to failure of air pressure system causing flaps and brakes to become inoperative.
Two aircraft ferried to Hamble for modifications.

1943-07-26

0/10 cloud in morning vis, not good due to haze. Cloudy during afternoon.
10.30
RAMROD 159. 10 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski took off with the Polish Wing to act as withdrawal cover to 12 Bostons – Target Courtrai aerodrome. The Wing crossed out North of Deal and in 5 miles east of Dunkirk at 11.10 hrs at 26/27,000 ft. Wing proceeded to target and when about 15 miles North West of target pilots saw 10 plus e/a flying N.W. over Lille area at 22,000. This Squadron remained above as cover while 316 dived to attack. Owing to unexpected slowness of the e/a 316 Sqdn mistimed and found they were rapidly overshooting. A few pilots fired but no results seen. These e/a were not recognized as any usual German fighter. From pilots description their shape is similar to the Koolhoven FK58 /AP.1480D/ That these e/a were very manoeuverable was illustrated by the manner in which they were able to flick over and dive away giving the Spit. no chance to follow. Camouflage was similar to that of Italian a/c operating under German control /AP1480C / with the difference that there were German black crosses on the side of the fuselage with the nose and tail painted yellow. Owing to yellow paint on these nose it was difficult to be certain whether they were radial or in line engines.
After this attack the main formation was seen flying N.W. Wing followed behind and left the French coast east of Dunkirk at 11.40 crossing north of Deal – No cloud but very hazy.

[1943-07-27]

NORTHOLT

15.45
RODEO 250. 11 Spit. IX led by F/L. Nartowicz took off on fifth fighter sweep and mad r/v with the Hornchurch Wing at North Foreland at 16.23 and started to climb crossing the French coast at 23,000 ft at 16.40. Moderate light flak encountered at Dunkirk. When over Cassel Wing patrolled for about 30 mins. in the area Cassel – St. Omer – Hazebrouck – Ypres – Bergues. Several warnings received but no e/a seen. Wing crossed out West of Hardyck and in at North Foreland 17.20. Large cumulus up to 30,000 ft. in St. Pol – Desvres area. Vis. good.

1943-07-27

7/10 cloud – vis. 5 – 6 miles. Less cloud later in the day.
10.20
RAMROD 162. 11 Spit. IX led by S/Ldr. Falkowski took off on second fighter sweep to 12 Venturas – target Zeebrugge. The Wing reached Knocke at 20,000 ft. at 11.30 then climbing to 24/25000 ft swept Goes – Rosendaal then lost height to 20,000 ft. sweeping Antwerp – Ghent – Bruges. Left Belgian coast over Blankenburg at 11.45 and in over Deal at 12.00 hrs. No e/a No flak. One unidentified e/a was seen spinning down in flames S.W. of Knocke. No cloud but some haze over Channel and Belgium.
10.30
One Spit. IX from this Squadron with a/c of 316 on Rescue patrol – Nothing to Report.
14.45
Four a/c “Scrambled” to identify aircraft over base. On course to North West of base for 10 mins. and than south east again for 7 mins, first at 12,000 ft and then down to 6000 ft. Only Kittyhawk and Wellington seen. Down 15.20.
15.45
One section of two a/c ‘scrambled” to intercept e/a. Patrol carried out between Shoreham and Isle of Wight at heights 22/24,000 ft. 10/10 cloud at 12,000 ft over sea. No interception and down 16.15.
19.35
One flight – 6 aircraft led by F/L. Majewski – on patrol over Winchester – Southampton area at 25,000 ft. Uneventful and down 20.35. Weather and visibility good.

1943-07-28

NORTHOLT

7/10 cloud early – vis. 1 mile but soon increasing and a cloudless sky.
10.40
11 Spit. IX took off for forward aerodrome at Manston. Landing 11.10.
11.30
RAMROD 165. 12 Spit. IX led by W/C. Gabszewicz took off from Manston and climbed with the Kenley Wing and when half way across the North Sea were directed to Rotterdam where Fortresses were sighted at heights up to 25,000 ft. Moderate heavy flak from Rotterdam directed at bombers. No e/a seen. Bombers were then escorted without incident to Orfordness. Weather cloudless but hazy. Later visibility good. All a/c down at base 13.25.
18.15
RAMROD 168. 11 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski and including both the British and Polish Station Commanders took off on third fighter sweep to 18 Marauders bombing Triqueville aerodrome. Went in at St. Valery at 18.55 at 24,000 ft. Orbitted Pavilly then swept Cap d/Antiffer – Le Havre – Neufchatel – Oisemont and out East of Dieppe at 20,000 ft at 19.35. Heights of patrol between 20,000 and 32,000 ft. Several warnings of e/a but non seen. No flak. Excellent weather.
18.25
One Spit. IX with a/c of 316 on air/sea rescue patrol – uneventful.
21.25
The Squadron again left for forward base at Coltishall in readiness for early morning operations.
P/O J. Stasik reposted from R.A.F. Northolt for flying duties on ceasing to be non-effective sick.

1943-07-29

0/10 cloud vis. 1 mile – sunshine but ground haze. 5/10 later but vis. increasing to 4 miles.
P/O B. Bialecki reposted from R.A.F. Northolt for flying duties on ceasing to be non-effective sick.
09.35
RAMROD 22 of 12 Group. 8 Spit. IX led by F/Lt. Retinger up Coltishall with 316 Sqdn as part of Top cover to 18 Marauders – target Schipol aerodrome. R/v made 14 miles North of Southwold according to plan and then proceeded to Dutch coast. The Wing circled 3 times at 28,000 ft. over Ijmuiden – Amsterdam and South of Shipol. Moderate light and heavy flak from these points and over Noordwijerhout. No e/a seen by this Unit but the other Wing flying as part of top cover but at 21 – 22000 ft. had some success. Bombing reported as not being good. Vis. unlimited – slight haze.
12.20
The Squadron left Coltishall to return to base.
17.40
RAMROD 172. 9 Spit. IX led by S/Ldr. Falkowski took off as target cover to 21 Marauders bombing St. Omer – Fort Rouge a/d. Crossed at Cap Gris Nez 8.12 at 24,000 ft. and orbited target from 18,20 till after bombing which was seen to be accurate and concentrated in the landing area. Followed Bechive to Boulogne then changed to Appledore control and swept Abbeville and Amiens area at 28000 ft. to 30,000 ft. and then back to St. Omer. Vectored east of St. Omer and saw 8 or 9 e/a diving S.E. too far away to intercept. Returned over Mardyck 19.03 to Deal 19.10. 10/10 low cloud over Channel – clear over France – Vis. excellent.
Some air to air firing during the day – as much as operational commitments would permit.

1943-07-30

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud. slight ground mist – sunshuine.
S/Ldr. J. Falkowski proceeded to Polish Inspectorate General for 2 days conference.
F/Sgt. Pilot E. Martens posted from 306 Sqdn for flying duties.
F/O J. Bialoskorski posted from D.P.I.G. supy. for administrative duties.
14.10
RAMROD 176. 12 Spit. IX up from Northolt with 316 Sqdn as target withdrawal support to 12 Venturas - target Yainville. French coast crossed at St. Valery at 14.57 at 22,000 ft. this height being maintained throughout. Target area twice orbited. No bombers or results of bombing seen. Received warning of e/a to south and flew to Elbeu but nothing seen. Another warning of e/a in Dieppe area but on investigation nothing seen. Crossed out over Dieppe at 15.15 and in over Beachy Head 15.40. No flak. Haze to 6000 ft. vis. Good. All down at base 16.15
14.30
Two aircraft on air/sea rescue patrol in connection with Ramrod 176. Nothing to report.
Dusk flying training.

1943-07-31

0/10 cloud vis. good – sunshine. Cloudy weather in the evening after a tremendously hot day, comulating in the heaviest storm see for years – Terrific wind and rain – and vis. solely due to rain about 100 yards.
10.30
RAMROD 179. 11 Spit. of this Sqdn including G/Cptn. Robinson, Station Commander, took off as Target forward support to Part II / 21 Marauders bombing Poix a/d. Wing crossed in at Somme Estuary 11.06 22000 ft. and flew via Amiens to target where bombing seen in target area. One Marauder thought to be hit by flak over target and broke formation. Two white puffs, possibly parachutes seen near it. Beehive escorted to coast, 5 miles west of Le Treport then Appledore vectored wing to east of Rouen, then reported bandits over Le Touquet. When Wing south west of Abbeville bandits reported friendly so wing returned crossing out Cayeux 11.50 hrs. Weather cloudless – vis. good. Slight haze.
15.35
RAMROD 182. 11 Spit IX took off with the Polish Wing as target forward support to 21 Marauders bombing Triqueville a/d. In at Fecamp 22,000 ft. 16.16 and when east of Pont Audamer told of bandits S.W. of Rouen. Wing turned S.W. and when near Lisieux about 16.20 10 a/c seen crossing to N.E. below Wing, though by 303 / top / Sqdn to be e/a but identified by 316 as Spit. V. Wing proceeded on starboard orbit arriving over target to see bombs bursts mostly in woods North and east of and some on airfield. Wing flew west to Isigny crossing out at 16.45. Weather 2/10 high cloud over target. 10/10 Cherbourg Peninsular to Selsey from 24,000 ft. downwards.
An exceeding busy month comprising almost entirely operational flying and gunnery training. Well over 900 hrs.

[Illegible]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 303 / Polish / Squadron.