Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-08-01

NORTHOLT

Weather 5/120 cloud vis. 10 – 12 miles. sunshine in the evening.
No flying. Church parade and service on visit of the Padre in Chief of the Polish Armed Forces – Bishop Gawlina.

1943-08-02

9/10 – vis. 4 miles. Evening 4/10 vis. 10/12 miles.
07.30
RAMROD 184. 11 Spitfires led by F/L. Retinger with the Wing led by W/C. Gabszewicz took off as target forward support to 36 Marauders bombing Merville airfield. They crossed in at Gravelines 07.55 at 22,000 ft. and swept Courtrai – Merville where one orbit was made during bombing. Much smoke was seen apparently in the target area. Followed Beehive to coast and when south of Desvres warned by Appledore of bandits behind. Made two wide right hand orbits climbing to 27,000 ft. but no e/a seen. Crossed out at Le Touquet 08.35 hrs. Weather over France 1/10 low cloud visibility good.
07.30
Two Spitfires IX on Rescue patrol in region of Folkestone – Dungeness 9-10,000 ft. Uneventful.
16.00
11 Spitfires IX took off and landed at Bradwell Bay in readiness for an operation which was however cancelled due to weather.
16.35
The Squadron returned to Northolt landing 1-.35.
20.45
13 Spitfires again took off for a forward airfield, this time Tangmere, landing 21.35.
Training flying: Air firing practices carried out during the day.

1943-08-03

10/10 cloud vis. 3 – 4 miles some mist. A little improvement during evening.
The Squadron returned to base from Tangmere the weather again preventing the operation being carried out.
No other flying.

1943-08-04

NORTHOLT

10/10 low cloud and mist – vis. 3 – 4 miles in the morning. Less cloud and some sunshine in the evening.
Air firing practices during the day.
18.40
RAMROD 187. 12 Spitfires with 316 Sqdn took off as first fighter sweep to 36 Marauders – target Le Trait ship yards. Wing crossed in at Etretat 19.17 at 26,000 ft. They made slight dive to south and then over the Seine Estuary operations warned of e/a over Bernay but nothing was seen. They turned left flying N.E. and again were warned of e/a south of Rouen. About 20 miles from Rouen some 15/20 unidentified a/c at 22,000 ft over Rouen were seen to orbit and dive away. Wing crossed out at Fecamp at 15,000 ft. made a single left band orbit crossing in again North of Le Havre and out over St. Valery – en – Caux at 19.50 and then in over Beachy Head. No flak. Weather west of a line Selsey – Cabourg 10/10. To east and over target 6/10 at 14,000 ft.
18.55
Two Spit., S/L. Falkowski and F/Sgt. Rokitnicki on Rescue patrol nr Beachy Head at height of 6 – 8,000 ft. Noth to report. Weather good.

1943-08-05

Bright very early but later low cloud and showery during most of the day.
No operational flying. Squadron battle formation and cine gun training.
P-793391 Sgt. Chmielewski M. Flight Eng., employed on Fitter IIE. duties with the Sqdn posted to 138 Sqdn for flying duties.

1943-08-06

6 – 8/10 cloud quite low, some mist, but improving slightly during the day.
The Squadron was briefed for an operation at 08.45 only to have it twice postpone and later cancelled.
One Army co-operation flight during the day and some tests of aircraft.

1943-08-07

Again a continuance of the same weather – low cloud and shower in the evening.
Training flying – Cine gun G.C.I. and squadron formation and battle practice.
F/O P. Salked, R.A.F. Intelligence Officer admitted to S.S.Q.

1943-08-08

Bright morning but cool wind and clouding up later in the day.
09.00
RAMROD 190. 12 Spitfires IX of the Sqdn including W/C. Gabszewicz leading took off with the Wing as forward target support to 36 Marauders bombing Poix airfield. The Wing crossed in South of Berck at 09.42 at 24,000 ft. and swept approximately in a wide right hand turn North, East and South of Amiens, then one right hand orbit West of Amiens and out at Le Treport at 10.05 at 24,000 ft. Nothing to report. Weather 8/10 cloud 10,000 ft. Haze at 30,000 ft. All aircraft down at base 10.50
09.15
Rescue patrol in connection with above operation – Uneventful.

1943-08-09

NORTHOLT

3 – 4/10 cloud – visibility good.
One aircraft damaged Cat. A/C due to drifting off runway on to uneven ground on landing from test.
P-1565 F/O B. Mach and P-2116 P/O W. Herbst and P-2232 P/O A. Czewinski posted from No. 308 Polish Sqdn for flying duties.
P-2213 F/O J. Sliwinski posted from 302 Sqdn for flying duties.
Training: Formation and cine gun practice, low flying, Army co-operation and air to air firing.
17.30
RAMROD 191. The Sqdn took off with the Wing as forward target support to 36 Marauders bombing St. Omer / Fort Rouge airfield. Wing crossed out at Cap Blanc Nez at 24,000 ft at 18.06 hrs and orbited target area seeing bombers and escort above cloud. No bombing seen. Followed Beehive to Gravelines then told of bandits going south west from Lille so Wing flew south west to Montreuil area. Turned North again of bearing of bandits behind. During the turn 2 a/c of 316 Sqdn were seen to collide. One parachute seen. F/Sgt. Lewicki’s aircraft had engine trouble and he glided home with the Squadron escorting and made a force landing at 124 Airfield H.Q. Intense heavy flak but inaccurate over Boulogne. Aircraft landed 19.25. Weather over France 9/10 low cloud tops at 10,000 ft.

1943-08-10

5/10 cloud – visibility good – ground mist and drizzle later.
06.10
The Squadron left for Coltishall in readiness for early morning operation.
10.20
The Squadron returned to base the weather preventing operations – Landing base 11.10.
No further flying during the day.

1943-08-11

10/10 cloud – visibility good.
F//L. W. Retinger – Flight Commander “B” Flight – posted to No. 309 /Polish/ Sqdn for flight commander duties.
F/L. B. Arct posted from 306/Polish/ Sqdn to command “B” Flight.
Sgt. Wasinski, F/Armr. Posted to No. 315(P) Sqdn.
Cine gun training and some cross country flying.

1943-08-12

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud and bright sunshine, ground visibility reduced to 1-2 miles due to ground mist.
06.35
11 Spit. IX took off for forward base at Bradwell Bay landing 07.15.
07.30
2 Spits. took off for Manston as forward base for air/sea rescue patrol.
08.45
RAMROD 194. 11 Spit. IX including W/C. Gabszewicz leading the Wing took off with 316 Sqdn as escort to 1st echelon of Fortresses returning from the Rhur. Wing flew to r/v point but owing to strong tail wind arrived early so proceeded east at 24,000 ft. and picked up returning bombers in one hugh mass at 09.31 hrs about 20 miles north of Aachen. Wing definitely crossed German border and recognized River Mass and twon of Reinsberg. Much flak seen from the West. Reported bombers via Hasselt and Antwerp where intense heavy flak aimed at bombers. Bombers turned North to Roesandaal then out over Scheuwen where Wing left bombers 10.05. No e/a seen. One pilot returning at 14,000 ft owing to oxygen failure reported convoy of 7 coastal vessels escorted by 4 E/R boats North of Bomburg mowing N.E. 10.05 hrs. Small patches of cloud at 15,000 ft. All aircraft landed Bradwell Bay 10.45
09.05
2 a/c on air/sea rescue patrol landing at Bradwell Bay – Uneventful.
11.40
Squadron returned to base after refueling.
17.35
RAMROD 197. 9 Spit. IX took off with the Wing as High cover to 12 Mitchells attacking Z. 364. R/v made according to plan, but the bombers turned back over French coast at 18.20 hrs and the Wing then at 18,000 ft escorted them back to Beachy Head. Weather over France – thick haze over coastal belt and low cloud inland. All aircraft down at base 19.20.
Sgt. Kalka, ACH/GD. posted to Polish Aircraft apprentices Sqdn Halton.

1943-08-13

10/10 cloud vis. 4 miles – 6/10 later and some sunshine.
Air firing practices – formation flying and cine gun practices.

1943-08-14

7/10 cloud vis. 8 miles sunshine.
Practices formation and cine gun.
15.40
The Sqdn took off and landed at forward base at Bradwell Bay at 16.25 in readiness for operation
17.55
The Sqdn returned to base weather being unsuitable for operations.
F/L. L.G. Marsh, the Sqdn Education Officer since Jan. 1942, posted to Polish S. of T.T. Halton to proceeded 23.8.43 on expiration of leave.

1943-08-15

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud vis. 10 – 12 miles – sunshine. Slight cloud in afternoon.
07.40
11 Spits. left for Manston as forward base for operations.
09.10
2 Spits. to Bradwell Bay for air/sea rescue.
10.05
RAMROD 201. 11 Spits. IX including S/L. Zurakowski leading the Wing took off from Manston as High cover to 36 Marauders attacking Z.1011. R/v made with bombers and escort at 10.20 over Clacton and flew to Dutch coast which was crossed over Noorderhoofr at 10.45 at 20,000 ft. Wing swept Dutch coast between Flushing and Haamstede at 19,000 – 25,000 and crossed out at 17.17. No e/a seen. Clear over Channel and Dutch coast. All aircraft down Northolt 12.15
10.35
Two aircraft on air/sea rescue patrol – Nothing to report.
13.50
One section on patrol in the region of Selsey Bill – Down 15.35.
15.00
One further section maintaining the same patrol – also uneventful – down 16.05.
18.35
RAMROD 202. 9 Spit. IX – S/L. Falkowski leading, with the Polish Wing /Wing leader W/C. Gabszewicz/ took off as escort to 60 Fortresses bombing Vitry en Artois. The Wing arrived at Berck on 19.15 but had to wait 4 mins. for the Forts. Flew in front of the bombers to target which was successfully bombed at 19.33 hrs. First salvo on S.W. dispersals – second salvo on North dispersals and third salvo on S.E. dispersals and S.H.Q. Escorted bombers N.W. after bombing and when over Merville 19.40 Wing leader was instructed to see whether other bombers attacking Lille were escorted and if not to escort them. As these bombers were 10 – 15 miles to West the Leader had to make a wide sweep to starboard to investigate. One fighter seen near bombers, which were then over Lille, and judged in friendly as it was being fired on by flak, so presumed fighter escort in vicinity. Then saw 5 Me. 109s attacking original Fortresses and returned to escort them, seeing the Mes. Dive away after being attacked by other fighters. The escorted bombers turned West when 10 miles south of Dunkirk then North to come out over Calais where one Fortress was shot down by flak. Wing crossed out at Calais at 20.00 hrs. Wing operated at 24 – 26,000 ft. throughout. Thin layer of cloud at 27,000 ft. Clear below – vis. excellent.
Sgt. J. Krakiewicz, Fitt.IIE. and Sgt. R. Frycze Fit. I ceased to be attached to Halton S. of T.T. on completion of refresher course.

1943-08-16

0/10 5 miles sunshine.
06.55
The Sqdn flew to Tangmere as forward base – landing 07.15.
09.30
RAMROD 203. 8 Spits. IX left with the Wing as escort to second box of Fortresses returning from Paris. R/v was made according to plan and escorted the Forts back with event. Several large ships reported south of Caen. No e/a and no flak. Wing flew at 24,000 ft. No cloud and perfect visibility.
16.20
RAMROD 205. 10 Spits. with the Wing took off as forward withdrawal cover to 36 Marauders bombing Beaumont le Roger aerodrome. Wing flew to 19 miles north of Etretat after climbing from Newhaven to 23-25,000 ft, at which height they operated the whole time. Wing followed the coast crossing in at Trouville reaching r/v about 10 miles North of Lieseux at 17.04 Wing proceeded to Bernay: then Beaumont and then Rouen and thence over Triqueville airfield: made a right hand turn and swept to 5 miles S.E. of Fecamp then back to 5 miles North of Rouen made a left turn and out at Pointe d’Ailly. Returned to base via Beachy Head. No bombers seen until about 30 miles inland on way home when the Squadron saw 16. No e/a and no flak. Perfect visibility and no cloud. Down 18.10
20.10
The Sqdn left for Bradwell Bay in readiness for the next days operations.
F/O J. Ostrowski, the Sqdn Adjutant posted to H.Q. Flying Training Command.
F/O J. Bialoskorski reposted to the Sqdn for Adjutant duties.
Following message of congratulation received via H.Q. No. 11 Group.
“ Headquarters VIII Bomber Command, Office of the Commanding General 17.8.1943.
Subject: Excellence of Fighter Cover.
To: Air Marshall Trafford L. Leigh-Mallory, K.C.G., D.S.O., C. in C. R.A.F. Fighter Command.
Please accept the appreciation of the VIII Bomber Command for the Fighter cover on our missions of 15th and 16th Aug. You permit us to make our bombing runs with the minimum of interference, increasing tremendously the accuracy and effectiveness of our attack. Many of the crews owe their further participation in the Air Battle to the existence of this cover.
/SGD/ F.L. Anderson, Brigadier General U.S. Army, Commanding. “

1943-08-17

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud but rather poor visibility on ground due to mist – improving later.
13.05
RAMROD 206 /Part I/. 10 Spits. IX with the Wing took off from Bradwell Bay as escort to 2nd Wing of Fortresses. The operation was according to plan. When near Antwerp 4 FWs. 190 were engaged by the Squadron with the following results. F/LT. B. ARCT. Was leading the right section of 3 at 25,000 ft when the W/Cdr. Announced e/a to the right and 3000 ft below. He led this section to attack the aircraft which were flying line astern and were recognized as FW.190s. He attacked the leader firing burst from 300 yds at 30 degs. above astern seeing slight explosion in left Wing. He then closed to 250 yds and gave another burst seeing the right wing of fire. Closing to 50 yards he gave another long burst and saw a big explosion and pieces fall off. The aircraft then spun down in flame. Cine gun exposed 1 FW.190 claimed destroyed.
F/Sgt. CHUDEK. Ws flying No 3 to F/L. Arct and dived to attack and went for the third and last of the formation. Opened fire from 200 – 300 yards at 30 degs. above astern. His right cannon jammed and defection had to be corrected. He then saw explosions in left wing and cockpit. No opposition and it was thought the pilot was hit. He then gave two more bursts and the e/a caught fire and spun down in flames from 14,000 ft. He then turned left to regain the formation and saw another FW 190 alone. He attacked out of sun opening fire from 150 yds at 20 degs. above astern and slight to starboard. He saw one strike on the engine and the aircraft dived. He followed up and gave another bursts from 200 yds dead astern The aircraft blew up and went down in flames. F/L. Majewski saw a FW.190 dive down in flames and strike the ground: believed to be F/Sgt. Chudeks first victim/ 140 rds of cannon from the left and 400 rds both M.g. Cine gun exposed. Claim 2 FW.190s destroyed.
F/Sgt. RUTECKI. Flying No. 2 to F/L. Arct and seeing the second e/a climb to attack his leader he pulled up after him and fired from 250 – 300 yds from quarter astern, seeing no result. The e/a then saw him and continued turning at the same level through 280 degs, but F/Sgt. Rutecki turning inside him finally got in line and fired a long burst from 120 – 200 yds. The e/a slow rolled but did not complete it and then dropped one wing and feel into a vertical dive apparently out of control. F/S. Rutecki followed and saw smoke coming from him in puffs increasing to a continuous stream of smoke from the engine. The combat started at 23,000 ft and F/Sgt. Rutecki finally had to leave him at 14,000 ft. He last saw the aircraft in a vertical dive with smoke pouring from it. He tired to take a photo but the angle of dive made it impossible. Cine gun exposed. 1 FW. 190 climbed prob. destroyed.
Some slight heavy flak was experienced from Woemsdrecht and Antwerp. Good visibility with low cloud around 5/6000 ft. All aircraft landed back at Bradwell Bay 15.00.
13.25
One section on air/sea rescue patrol – Landing at Bradwell – Uneventful.
16.00
RAMROD 206 /Part II/. The Wing was up again from Bradwell Bay as withdrawal cover to Fortresses. This time only 9 of this Sqdn and 3 of 316 Sqdn due to refueling difficulties. They met the first box of Forts. south of Antwerp at 18.45 at 21,000 ft. but as it was heavily escorted joined the second box a few miles further east and escort them. Slight heavy flak from Antwerp. No e/a seen. One Thunderbolt escorting the first box fired a short burst at our aircraft without result. One pilot reported seeing a submarine in the North sea. Weather clear over Holland. Patch of 10/10 18 – 21,000 ft. over eastern North sea.
16.30
3 Spit. IX on air/sea rescue patrol – uneventful.

1943-08-18

8/10 cloud vis. 6 miles – sunshine – some ground haze.
09.30
RAMROD 208. 10 Spits. IX with the Polish Wing to act as High cover to 6 Mitchells bombing target Z.H.8. The bombers however turned back when in sight of the Dutch coast. This unit landed back at base 11.20. Weather unsuitable.
Training flying – Squadron formation and cine gun practices.
Notification of promotion of F/Sgt. R. Gorecki to the rank of Warrant Officer wef. 2.5.43.

1943-08-19

NORTHOLT

6/10 cloud – visibility 15 – 20 miles – sunshine.
10.30
RAMROD 209. 11 Spits. IX of this Unit / including G/C Můmler, Polish Station Commander / took off with the Wing / Wing Leader W/C. Gadszewicz / as target forward support to 36 Marauders bombing Amiens – Glisly airfield. When approaching the target the Wing was warned of e/a north of Amiens. These were engaged by 316 Sqdn whilst this Unit remained above the bombers. 316 claimed 4 FW.190 des. 1 prob. destroyed and 5 damaged for the loss of F/O Prochnicki. During combats pilots reported seeing 15 unusual a/c identified by W/C as Koolhoven with French roundels on the Wings /flying at 18,000 ft. This Unit landed at base 12.25 not heaving been engaged. Weather in target area clear.
15.00
The Squadron took off for forward base at Manston.
17.20
RAMROD 210. 10 Spits. IX with the Polish Wing took off from Manston as first escort to 60 Fortresses bombing target ZB863. The Wing climbed to 24,000 ft and r/v was made with Forts. at 17.40 hrs when approx. 10 miles west of Ostend. Crossed Belgian coast over Ostend area. When approx. 10 miles West of Ghent made a very wide left turn following bombers and flew over Neuzen where double red stars were being fired from bombers. Heavy inaccurate flak encountered over Flusing. Wing crossed out at 17.59 hrs 10 miles North of Knocke and landed Northolt 18.50. Channel coast clear but 10/10 cloud inland over France Belgium and Holland.
17.25
One section on air/sea rescue in connection with above operation – Uneventful.

1943-08-20

10/10 cloud vis. 4 – 5 miles. G.C.I. training only during the day.
14.30
RAMROD 211. 11 Spit. IX of the Sqdn /S/L. Zurakowski leading the Wing / took off as forward target support to 12 Mitchells bombing aircraft components works – Maat – De -Schelde. Wing crossed English coast at Northforeland, the bombers starting to climb at 15.05 the Wing following. The Dutch coast was crossed at Noorderhoofd at 22,000 ft. Wing then made a right hand orbit leaving the Dutch coast at Noorderhoofd. When approx. 20 miles out they turned left crossing the coast again at Blenkenburgh sweeping round Ostend and out 10 miles North of Dunkirk., in over South Foreland and down at base 16.20. No flak or e/a seen. No cloud but inclined to be misty.

1943-08-21

Dull with 10/10 cloud – vis. 4 – 5 miles.
Flying training only. Squadron formation and cine gun practice in evening.
Notification received of promotion of F/O Horowicz, Squadron Intelligence Officer and F/O W. Galuszka Squadron Medical Officer to the permanent war rank of Flight Lieutenant.

1943-08-22

7/10 vis. 7 – 8 miles – Sunshine.
Air firing practices during the day commencing from 06.45. Some sector recco. and Local flying.
14.40
RODEO - 251. 5 Spits. IX including G/C. Můmler Polish Station Commander with the Wing took off to Sweep Sangatte and then under Appledore control. Over Sangatte 15.20 then South to St. Omer where bandits reported to South. Aircraft seen and chased over Bruay to Aux – le – Chateau when recognized as friendly. Swept Bethune – Doullens and out Pointe Haut Banc 15.55 hrs. Patrol height maintained at 26,000 to 28,000 ft. Slight heavy flak from St. Omer. 5/10 low cloud over France. Visibility good.
14.45
One aircraft with others of 316 Squadron on air/sea Rescue patrol – uneventful.
18.00
RAMROD 212. [1.] Spit. IX of the Squadron with 316 Sqdn /S.L. Trzebinski leading / took off as target cover to 36 Marauders attacking Beaumont le Roger a/f. Wing crossed in East of Fecamp at 18.45 and when south of River Seine were warned of 15 bandits approaching from S.E. at 25,000 ft. 316 Sqdn went in to attack this Unit reamining above. 316 claimed 2 des. 1 pro. 1 damaged from the ensuing combats for 1 pilot missing and another who gave a mayday and was landing in Channel.
During combat warning received of another 15 e/a approaching from S.E. at 27,000 feet. These were seen to dive towards 316 and this Unit in turn attacked and broke up their formation. Some pilots fired but no actual combat took place. Operations then warned of 30 e/a over Fecamp at 30,000 ft. heading south to Triqueville. The Squadron climbed and were joined by some of 316 Sqdn the other returning singly. No e/a were seen and this Unit swept Yvetot – Candebec – Triqueville, seeing the bombers going out to sea of Fecamp. During this sweep S/L. Falkowski saw some e/a and his report is as follows: When over Sotteville area he noticed 4/5 F.W.190 at 20/21,000 ft. flying south. He attacked one of the last pair from above and astern and opened fire from 400 yds. He gave one short and one long burst after which the e/a started smoking and went vertically down in flames. He also gave one short burst to another F.W. but seeing his No. 2 F/O Socha attacking he broke away. The C.Os claim of 1 F.W. 190 destroyed was confirmed by five other pilots of the Sqdn. Cine gun exposed. F/O Socha who was flying lower than S/L. Falkowski went after the second F.W. who was diving and turning like a corkscrew. He gave a few bursts from cannons and M.g. from 500 to 300 yds and saw bullet strikes on the port wing. The combat was broken off at 10,000 ft. Claim 1 F.W.190 damaged. Some of the Sqdn landed at forward a/f later returning to base. This Unit suffered no casualties.
18.35
F/Sgt. Judek on rescue patrol with others of 316 Sqdn. Efforts made to locate F/O Kuryllowicz of 316 Sqdn and patrol maintained for 2.35 hrs. No success reported that night

1943-08-23

4/120 cloud in morning increasing later – vis. 10 – 12 miles.
07.37
RAMROD 214. 1 Spits. IX of the Unit including S/L. Zurakowski leading the Wing took off as high cover to 26 Marauders – target Gosnay Power Station. R/v made South of Dungeness as large patch of cumulus cloud over Dungeness. Similar patch of cloud over Berck so bombers turned back. The Wing then swept Berck 08.16 – St. Pol – St. Omer – Montreuil – Desvres – Hardelot 08.42 at 23,000 to 25,000 ft. Nothing to report – Weather clear.
During the afternoon General Sosnkowski C in C. of Polish Armed Forces in succession to General Sikorski visited the Northolt Wing.
16.40
RODEO 252. 10 Spits. IX with the 316 Sqdn took off from Northolt on a fighter sweep – everything going according to plan. The Wing swept Abbeville – St. Omer – St. Inglevert – Le Touquet at 24,000 ft. Nothing to report. No cloud and visibility excellent.

1943-08-24

NORTHOLT.

5 – 8/10 cloud and good visibility.
G.C.I. and local training flying.
15.40
The Squadron left for forward base at Tangmere.
18.00
RAMROD 215. The Squadron led by S/L. J. Falkowski who was also leading the Wing took off as second escort to one combat wing of Fortresses bombing Evreux and Conches a/fs. The Wing climbed from Tangmere to 24,000 ft. crossing the French coast over Fecamp area at 18.30 hrs. R/v made with Forts. at 18.45 over Evreus /target 1/. Bombing result of a/f Conhes /target 2/ was not seen. One Fort was damaged by flak over Conches a/f and dropped behind the formation. S/L. Falkowski ordered No. 316 Sqdn to escort the bombers and the damaged aircraft was escorted by the Sqdn. When over Lisieux one FW.190 was seen to attack and S/L. Falkowski ordered it to be intercepted by F/L. Majewski and F/SGT. Szymkowiak, who both attacked and the F.W. was shot down in flames. The damaged Fort. Was escorted to a point about 20 miles S.W. of Beachy Head where it ditched. 303 Sqdn gave a fix and the crew was seen to get in the dinghy. When S.L. Falkowski saw the rescue boat approaching the dinghy he flew to Tangmere where the Sqdn landed at 20.10 later returning to base landing just after dusk. 1 F.W.190 destroyed for no loos. Weather 5/10 cloud quite low. Vis. Good.

1943-08-25

10/10 cloud. Vis. 4 miles. Afternoon 2/10 vis. 10 miles sinshine.
Air firing practices carried out during the day at Southend.
17.30
RAMROD /S.2. Part I/. 12 A/c of the Sqdn S/L. Falkowski leading / W/C. Gabszewicz leading the Wing / took off as target forward support to the bombing of Triqueville. Wing was over target area 18.28 the bombers being 6 mins. late. Bomb bursts seen on West side of airfield. After leaving the bombers at Trouville area the Wing swept Bernay – Beaumont le Roger – St. Valery without incident. 5/10 low cloud. A/c down as base 19.30. One a/c crash landed near Watford due to fuel shortage. flown by an airman pilot of 124 Sqdn who was flying with the Wing.

1943-08-26

10/10 2 miles visibility rain. 4/10 cloud in afternoon 8 miles sunshine.
No flying until operation in the evening.
17.55
RAMROD S.5. 10 Spits. IX of the Sqdn / including S/L. Zurakowski leading the Wing / up on second fighter sweep to Ramrod S.5 – Target Caen airfield. Over target area 18.42 and out at Fecamp 1909. Everything according to plan and completely uneventful. Down as base 19.40
18.00
One section of 2 a/c on air/sea rescue patrol – also uneventful. Down 19.45.
P/O A. Czerwinski posted to No. 308 /Polish/ Squadron.
W/O pilot R. Gorecki reposted within the Squadron for Deputy Operations Controller duties.
F/L. Koc returned from B.A.T. Course at Wittering.

1943-08-27

NORTHOLT

Weather 0/10 cloud vis. 6 miles – sunshine. 9/10 cloud later.
F/L. Krol attached to R.A.F. Wittering for B.A.T. Course.
07.35
12 Spits. IX of the Squadron with the Polish Wing /led by W/C. Gabszewicz / as target cover to Ramrod S.6 – Target Poix airfield. Everything according to plan. Bombing largely seen to be outside perimeter to South West but two sticks on airfield surface. 4 unidentified fighters seen at 20,000 feet over Somme Estuary 08.40. These dived inland when approached. Aircraft down as base 09.25.
08.00
One a/c on air/sea rescue patrol with 316 Sqdn aircraft. Nothing to report.
18.20
11 aircraft of the Sqdn, including G/C. Bajan /Polish Liaison Officer H.Q. F.C. / together with 316 Sqdn as fighter cover to 2nd Air Task Force Ramrod S.8 – Target St. Omer. Just after take off Wing informed that bombers were 15 mins. early. Speed increased to arrive at Berck 18.50. Inland from Berck smoke bursts apparently marking height and course of Wing shaped like inverted mushrooms. Over Hesdin made wide orbit when warned of bandits but none seen. Proceeded to target and orbited whilst 30 Forts. passed over. Made 4 orbits between target and Gravelines while Fortress formation made bombing runs, some of then returning for second and third attacks. One Fortress down in flames at St. Omer and another in sea North of Calais. No e/a. Intense heavy flak between target and Calais – Gravelines area. Two aircraft landed at Manston later returning to base.
18.30
One a/c on rescue with a/c of 316 Sqdn – Uneventful.

1943-08-28

Early morning – 3/10 cloud sunshine. Later 10/10 low cloud vis. 4 – 6 miles.
05.45
The Sqdn took off for Manston for an operation which was however cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
07.40
The Sqdn returned to base. and No further flying.
F/L. W. Jasionowski posted to No. 306 Squadron for Operations Room duties wef. 25.8.43. proceeding 31.8.43.

1943-08-29

10/10 low cloud vis. 3 miles. Weather unsuitable for operational flying.
Squadron formation training only.
Squadron was briefed for an operation to take place in the late afternoon, but owing to deterioration in the weather it was cancelled.

1943-08-30

NORTHOLT

10/10 low cloud – vis. 10 – 12 miles – improvement in late afternoon.
17.55
RAMROD S.14. 12 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski / Wing Leader W/C. Gabszewicz / took off as target cover to Ramrod S.14. Operation according to plan. 4 FW.190 seen about to attack a Spit. Sqdn at 20,000 ft. near St. Omer but these dived away when this Unit went to investigate. Weather clear over coast. 10/10 cloud inland. All aircraft down as base 19.50.
18.00
Two aircraft on air/sea rescue patrol in connection with above operation. Nothing to report.
Training flying – Cross country – cloud flying and cine gun training.

1943-08-31

6/10 cloud – excellent visibility.
07.25
RAMROD S.16 Part III. 1[1] Spit. IX of the Sqdn up as High cover to Ramrod S.16 Part III – Operation according to plan except that this Unit was vestored to sweep south of target Monchy/Breton a/f. Bomb bursts south of a/f and in western edge. No e/a seen on a/f. Down 09.10.
14.15
The Squadron left for forward base at Manston.
16.55
RAMROD S.17 Part II. The Sqdn took off with the Northolt Wing to give High cover to withdrawal of two combat wings of Forts, which after diversion to Dutch Island were detailed to bomb Bruxelles/Evre. Bombers late but Wing accompanied them from Ghent area until 17.40. Slight heavy flak over Dunkirk. 10/10 cloud throughout. a/c landed base 18.55.
The Squadron completed just over 1050 hours for the month.
Squadron Parade, attended by the Widow of the late General Sikorski, held at Dispersal at 21.00 hours in connection with the Squadron anniversary Day. A service to be held in the Station Chapel on the next morning, but no further celebrations arranged. A sum of Ł88.8.3d was sent from the Squadron to Bishop Gawlina in aid of the fund for poor Polish Children from Rusia.

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