Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-09-01

NORTHOLT

10/10 low cloud – vis. 1 mile due to mist and rain.
Chapel service and visit to Northwood Cemetery to graves of lost pilots – being Squadron anniversary Day.
17.35
One section of two aircraft “scrambled” - 170° for 10’ and then recalled and down after 15 mins.
W/O Pilot R. Gorecki posted to complete secondary educations at Glasgow.

1943-09-02

10/10 cloud – vis. 4 miles. 8/10 and increase in visibility – sunshine.
Squadron briefed for an operation in the morning – pilots were in their machine before it was cancelled.
17.50
RAMROD S.24. 11 Spits IX led by F/L. Nartowicz up as part top cover to Ramrod S.24. Operation according to plan and were over target – Mazingarbe Power Station – 18.45. 8 FW.190s seen 10 miles N.E. of St. Pol at 16,000 ft. engaged by another Wing. Weather clear over target. Moderate light flak from Calais. Down 19.45. Three cargo vessels of 1000 tons and one of 2000 tons seen at 18.30 in Boulogne outer Harbour.

1943-09-03

6/10 cloud vis. 2 miles. Mist. Sunshine late in the morning. 10/10 cloud later.
09.05
RAMROD S.26 PART III. 12 Spit. IX up with the Wing as High cover to Ramrod S.26 Part III. Approaching target – Beaumont le Roger a/f, Fortresses seen flying N.W. and this Unit detached to protect a lone Fortress smoking and losing height and which ditched 20 – 25 miles N.W. of Le Havre. Fix given and two dinghies seen. 4 FW.190 seen 10,000 ft. below Wing south of Trouville. 2E/R boats off Le Havre. 3/10 cloud over target.
Squadron briefed for another operation and were on the runway and it was then cancelled due to weather closing in.

1943-09-04

NORTHOLT

8/10 cloud vis. not good due to mist. Clearing and with some sunshine later.
08.30
RAMROD S.29 PART III. 11 Spit. IXs., leader F/L. Nartowicz took off with the Wing – 316 Sqdn and 5 Spit. VII of 124 Sqdn / Wing leader W/C. Gabszewicz / as target forward support to bombing of Rouen Marshalling Yards. Operation proceeded without event – over target area 09.15. Bombing seen to be poor. Vis. good. All a/c down 10.30
16.55
RAMROD S.31. 12 Spit. with the Polish Wing / Wing Leader S/L. Zurakowski / as top cover to bombing of Lille Marshalling Yards. Over target area 17.52. Bombing seen to be good – large fires in target area. 8 FW.190s seen in target area 10,000 ft. below. These were attacked and one destroyed without loss. Successful pilot – F/S. Szymkowiak reports – Was White 2 at 20,000 ft. when saw a lone FW.190 5000 ft. below. His mike being u/s he dived alone and commenced a dog fight. After attacking from head on he turned blacking out momentarily. He then saw the e/a 200 ft. below to port going down in spirals. He went after him and at 5000 ft. got in a long burst from below. He saw bursts on engine and cockit. He then saw the pilot jettison his hood and bale out. The FW. wrashed in flame. He took photos of the ‘chute descending. Claim 1FW. 190 destroyed. The Sqdn down at base 19.00. F/S. Szymkowiak returning from Newchurch later.
17.15
Air/sea rescue patrol by one section in connection with Ramrod S.31 uneventful.

1943-09-05

9/10 cloud good vis. Rain and heavy low cloud later.
07.40
RAMROD S.33 Part II. 12 Spits. with the Wing / Wing leader S/L. Zurakowski / as top cover to bombing of Courtrai Marshalling Yards. Bombers crossed in West of Gravelines turning left instead of right from the target. Wing at 22,000 ft. saw 3 FW.190s at 10000 ft. in target area engaged by Spit. VBs. Attack was made but e/a evaded. Bombing was not seen. Visibility good – thin high cloud. Down 09.35.
Squadron briefed for operation at 11.45 but this was indefinitely postponed owing to closing down of weather.

1943-09-06

0/10 cloud in morning but slight increase later.
06.40
RAMROD S.35 /Part 5/. 12 Spits. IX up with the Northolt Wing /Wing leader W/C Gadszewicz/ as first fighter sweep – 72 Marauders bombing Rouen Marshalling Yards. The Wing swept Sangatte – Albert – St. Pol – Berck under Áppledore” control. Completely uneventful and down 08.25.
07.00
Two a/c on rescue patrol – uneventful.
11.10
12 Spits. of this Unit with 4 of 124 Sqdn and 12 of 316 Sqdn “scrambled” as withdrawal cover to [40 Fortresses returning from targets in ………] All aircraft airborne in five minutes. When North of Rouen Thunderbolts dived on the Wing causing 316 Sqdn and 124 to become separated from 303. This Unit then swept south of Bernay where they picked up a large formation of Fortresses and escorted then to 10 miles North of Cabourg and they then had to fly ahead owing to fuel shortage and landed at Tangmere. There refueling and returning to base. Some Fortresses seen to ditch in the Channel. Large fires seen in Rouen. No e/a.
11.40
2 A/c up from Tangmere on air/sea rescue in connection with above operation – maintaining patrol until 14.55 – 3.15 hrs.
12.55
Two sections /4 a/c S/L. Falkowski leading up on air/sea rescue. 3 Bomber crews in Dinghies found in area 10 – 20 miles South of Hastings. Rescue boats led to call and crews taken aboard. 2 FW. 190 approached but turned south on seeing Spitfires. Difficulty experienced in making the rescue boats understand signals given by the aircraft. Down at Northolt 15.15.
17.00
RAMROD S.36 Part 2. 12 Spits. IX led by S/L. Falkowski up with the Polish Wing / Wing Leader S/L. Zurakowski / as top cover to 72 Marauders bombing Amiens Marshalling Yards. According to plan until approaching target when warned of three groups of e/a over and west of target. The Wing drew ahead of beehive and after circling target at 27,000 ft. saw 12 Me.109s diving from the West towards high cover Wing below. Immediately after this another formation of FW.190s appeared from the South East and dogfights ensued with both formations of e/a. This Unit claimed 5 E/a destroyed as follows:
S/L. Falkowski J. 1 FW.190 destroyed. He dived to attack from about 28/29,000 ft. When approaching the 1st pair of FW.s he gave a long burst at 500 yds closing to 100. After second burst the FW. started to smoke with black smoke. Seeing tracers pass him he pulled up and another FW. passed below. He turned to the left and 5000 ft below saw his fw.190 in flames. Combat S. of Amiens at 20,000 to 16,000 ft. Cine gun exposed.
F/L. Wandzilak. 1 FW.190 destroyed. Was leading starboard section and dived to attacked formation of Me. 109s and FW.190s. Closing range behind 1 FW. he opened fire from 500 yds closing to 200. Gave one long burst and pulled up to avoid collision with the e/a. When he dived again he saw black smoke and flamed coming from FW.190. Cine gun exposed.
P/O Sliwinski. 1 FW. 190 destroyed. Was number two in F/L. Wandzilak’s section and attacked the same group of E/a. Attacked one Me. giving a short burst but had to break off as he himself was attacked. He went in to attack again and opened fire at one of 5 FW. 190s flying from the S.W. Gave a long burst from 400 yds astern. Noticed flashes on wings and fuselage. The E/a rolled up, pulled up on its back and went down in flames. Cine gun exposed.
F/S. Chudek A. When about 15 miles W.N.W. of Amiens at 16,000 ft. noticed one FW. 190 flying to the North. Keeping good position to attack and when 200 yds behind he gave the e/a one long burst closing to 50 yds. The FW. 190 immediately caught fire and went down vertically. 1 FW.190 destroyed. Camera exposed.
Sgt. Czezowski J. 1 Me.109 destroyed. Dived with the section led by F/L. Wandzilak and selected one pair of Me.109G. and approached from behind. When about 400 yds away gave one three second burst to the leader of the section seeing flashes in the cockpit. The e/a pulled up and went down with grey smoke and later in flames. Cine gun exposed.

These aircraft destroyed brought the Squadron total since 30.8.1849 to over 200 definitely destroyed. The 200th being credited to P.O Sliwinski his first e/a destroyed.
Signal from Air Office Commanding No. 11 Group “My heartiest congratulations on your magnificent show yesterday, also my congratulations on the Squadrons destruction of their 200th enemy aircraft. Saunders”.

1943-09-07

NORTHOLT

4/10 cloud – vis. good. Low cloud up to 10/10 and rain about 11.00 hrs.
07.55
RAMROD S.38 /Part 5/. 12 Spit. led by F/L. Nartowicz /with the Wing 316 Sqdn and 124 Sqdn / as top cover to 72 Marauders bombing St. Pol. Over target area 08.52 and everything according to plan except that second box of bombers were 5 mins. late for r/v. Bombing seen to be good. No flak and no e/a. Swept Crecy – Hardelot after the bombers had withdrawn. Uneventful and down 10.00.
08.00
One section on air/sea rescue patrol – uneventful Down 10.10.
Apart from aircraft tests no further flying and the Squadron was released at 17.00 hrs.

1943-09-08

5/10 cloud but poor visibility due to ground mist. Some improvement later.
F/O A. Sapiecha, Interpreter Officer, posted to Polish Inspectorate General for Interpreter duties.
P/O J. Baykowski posted from Deputy Polish Inspectorate General for interpreter duties – to report on expiration of leave.
08.15
RAMROD S.41 /Part I/ 12 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski up with 316 Sqdn as first fighter sweep to 68 Marauders bombing Lille – Nord airfield. Swept Sangatte – Merville – Domai – Combrai – Lens – Lille – Nieuport. When south west of Lille at 09.22 at 27,000 ft. saw one Me’109 and 8 unidentified a/c at 18/19,000 ft. Wing dived at attack but broke off when they themselves were attacked by other Spitfires. Several e/a seen in this area but all receiving attention from other Spitfires. Down at 10.20. No casualties.
13.35
CIRCUS S.1. 11 Spits. IX led by F/L. Nartowicz, with 316 Sqdn and 124 Sqdn as Second fighter sweep to 17 Venturas bombing Abbeville Marshalling Yards. Swept St. Valery – Caudebec – Poix – Amiens – Doullens – Fruges – Hardelot. Nothing to report but bombing seen to be good. Down 15.30
17.00
RAMROD S.42 All parts. 12 Spits. IX led by S/L. Zurakowski with the Polish Wing as High cover to Marauders, Mitchells, Whirlibombers and Bombhoons bombing gun position in the Vimereux – Boulogne – Hardelot area. Patrolled at 19,000 to 25,000 ft. Bombing seen to be exceptionally heavy and well directed. Intense flak to bombers but none directed at the fighters. No enemy aircraft seen. All aircraft returned to base without further incident landing 19.00.
Signal received for Air Officer Commanding H.Q. No. 11 Group in connection with air/sea rescue patrols maintained on 6.9.1943.
“AR/360 8/9. Please convey my heartiest congratulations to all concerned in the “excellent work done in the air/sea rescue of 118 airmen on the 6th and 7th September “SAUNDERS”
Flight and maintenance personnel were working far into the night painting new markings on the aircraft in readiness for the morrow – Wing tips were painted in broad black and white striped. Squadron maintained a hundred percent serviceabilits – i.e 21 aircraft.

1943-09-09

NORTHOLT

Very thick ground mist in the morning reducing visibility to about 100 yards. Rapid improvement towards midday.
07.40
12 Sircraft up despite rather difficult conditions for the take off on their first operation in connection with combined operations in the Channel. The Northolt Wing’s role was a beech patrol – Boulogne area. No enemy aircraft encountered although patrol maintained over target area for 50 mins. Barges and transports seen escorted by destroyers. Numerous signs of activity seen on the British coast. Flak fairly intense and one Marauder sustained a direct hit. 2 parachute seen. Aircraft down at Lympne owing to bad conditions at base 09.20
11.15
Squadron returned to base landing 11.45.
13.50
RAMROD S.43. Part I. 11 Spit. IX /Wing leader S/L. Zurakowski / with 316 Sqdn up as fighter sweep. Swept Le Touquet – Lille – Dunkirk area above 10/10 cloud – base at 18,000 ft top 21,000. Another layer at 26,000. After warning of bandits from control saw unidentified aircraft through cloud in the St. Omer area but contact not made. Nothing further of event and down at base 15.55.
Briefed for further operation but low cloud and rain prevent flying.
The Squadron adjutant attached to Blackpool for conference on documents etc. together with the N.C.O. Clark/GD.

1943-09-10

10/10 low cloud and poor visibility.
Released of station.
Message from A.O.C. No. 11 Group: “A.379 9/9 Please convey to all pilots ground and control staffs my appreciation of the whole – hearted way in which they have responded to every demand made upon them during the last few weeks. Splendid results in air fighting have been obtained during the relatively few occasions when whether conditions did not interfere with our planned operations. I share with you the keen disappointment you will feel that so much enthusiasm and effort was not permitted by bad weather alone to reap the harvest of victories which otherwise I know would have resulted. SAUNDERS”.

1943-09-11

10/10 cloud and ground mist reducing visibility to 200 yds. Sunshine breaking through later.
17.40
RAMROD 216 PART III. 12 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski /Wing Leader W/C. Gadszewicz / as top cover to 12 Mitchells bombing Beaumont airfield. Over target area 18.42. Bombing seen concentrated in West dispersals. Flak from Le Havre and from 3 small ships 2 miles to the West. No e/a and no casualties. Down 19.45.
17.55
One section of two Spits. IX on air/sea rescue patrol in connection with above – uneventful.
Air to air firing training.
The following message received from Commanding General 8th Air Support Command /U.S.S.S.F./ Please inform all Squadron concerned. Message begins. I desire to express our appreciation of the support given by our Groups to Units of this command which engaged in operation Starkey the high degree of cooperation and coordination and the excellent escort given to our Units contributed in easurably to the success of this missions. It would be appreciated if you would convey our appreciation to those Squadrons which supported our Units. Candee.

1943-09-12

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud but heavy ground mist reducing visibility to practically NIL. Improvement to visibility of 4 miles later only to deteriorate in the afternoon.
“Copy later from A.O.C. No. 11 Group to Station Commander, G/C. M.W.S. Robinson.
I see from the Flying returns for August that both 303 and 316 Squadrons exceeded the thousand hours flying during the month fbr a total of 3 accidents only. This is a very good record and reflects creditably on all concerned.

1943-09-13

10/10 vis. nil in the morning – improvement in the afternoon to 10 – 12 miles – Sunshine.
16.05
One section on special weather test over Dieppe and Le Havre. Down 17.20.
17.30
RODEO 253. 10 Spit. IX led by F/L. Arct took off with 316 Sqdn as fifth fighter sweep over Le Treport area under Appledore control. Wing crossed English coast over Pavensey Bay and started climbing from 17.55. French coast crossed over Le Treport at 24,000 ft. at 18.10. Vectored over Abbeville – Amiens – Arras – Somme estuary at 17,000 ft. – 19,000 ft. Out over Le Crotoy at 18.40. No e/a seen. Moderate heavy flak from Abbeville and one Spitfire slightly damaged. 7/10 – 8/10 cloud at 20,000 ft. Down 19.10

1943-09-14

3/10 cloud – vis. 4 miles – sunshine.
Some flying training – formation, cine gun training and air to air firing.
16.40
RAMROD 218. 12 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski / Wing Leader W/C. Gabszewicz / up with 316 Squadron as 1st fighter sweep under Appledore control to 72 Marauders bombing Lille – Nord airfield. Crossed French coast at Hardelot at 17.20 at 27,000 ft. Flew then to St. Pol 17.30 then to Merville – making two left hand orbits. Being warned of e/a in Lille flew in that direction but when 8 miles West of the Town changed course for Ypres and then again for Andrincq, flying towards Calais. When over French coast turned back over Gravelines and flew to Poperinghe making a right turn and out over Gravelines. No e/a seen but heavy flak over St. Omer. Weather 8/10 cloud up to 30,000 ft. Down 18.30.
When coming to base the engine of the aircraft flown by F/O. T. Kolecki failed and he crash landed in the vicinity of Northwood and was killed, his aircraft catching fire and becoming a total wreck.

1943-09-15

5/10 cloud – vis. 10 miles and sunshine.
Air to air firing training.
17.40
RAMROD 220. 11 Spits. IX with 316 Sqdn led by W/C. Gabszewicz up as fighter cover to 3rd Air Task Force. R/v made with Fortresses at Dieppe where slight flak over this area was encountered. The Bombers then left with Thunderbolt escort East of Le Andelys at 18.31 and the Wing swept Triqueville – Rouen – Fecamp area uneventfully. Down at base 19.35
18.10
One section on air/sea rescue – Nothing to report.

1943-09-16

NORTHOLT

10/10 low cloud – visibility 5 – 6 miles.
17.30
RAMROD 223. Part IV. 12 Spits. IX with 316 Squadron and 124 Squadron /W/C. Gabszewicz leading / up as Fighter sweep to 12 Mitchells bombing Grand Quanely. Operation according to plan. Visual contact with bombers maintained from target to coast. Flak from Rouen directed at Typhoons and bombers. No flak aimed at this Wing and no e/a seen. Down 19.20 Weather clear over target.
No other flying apart from aircraft tests.

1943-09-17

10/10 low cloud and vis. 4 miles. Afternoon 6/10 vis. 8 miles sunshine. Clouding up in the evening.
Funeral service for F/O. T. Kolecki before body entrained for Blackpool for burial.

1943-09-18

0/10 cloud – visibility 2 miles. ground mist lifting later – Sunshine.
09.50
RAMROD 228 Part II. 12 Spits. IX up with 316 Squadron as Fighter sweep. Operation according to plan. W hen 10 miles West of Berck, Beach control gave several vectors which took the Wing to about 15 miles S. of Amiens. Turned N.W. and orbited Doullens and again over Abbeville area at 22/27,000 ft. Finally recalled when near Some Estuary. Down at base 11.50. Weather 10/10 over French coast – Inland France 7/10 – 9/10 from 2 – 7000 ft. cumulus cloud.
09.55
One section took off for Hawkinge and from there up at 10.35 on air/sea rescue patrol in the region of Hastings at 8,000 ft. Uneventful.
13.00
14 Spit. IX cross country to Exeter in readiness for an operation, but the weather closing in made this impossible and the Squadron was back at base 16.15.
Authority received for re-posting of W/O J. Palak within the Squadron for Operations room duties wef. 11.9.43.

1943-09-19

0/10 cloud – vis. nil in the morning due to ground mist. Afternoon 4/10 cloud vis. 8 miles and sunshine.
Squadron was briefed for an operation and despite very unfavourable weather took off at 10.35, but had to land almost immediately. Some difficulty experienced in getting down.
16.40
RAMROD 233. PART I. 12 Spits. IX led by S/L. Falkowski up with 316 Squadron as first fighter sweep to Marauders and Mitchells bombing Lens. Swept Le Touquet – Aux – le -Chateau – St. Pol – Bernay where 7 – 9 aircraft were seen at 20,000 ft. Wing being then at 27,000 ft. following them to Le Touquet where they were recognized at FW.190. These ea dived away however before attack could be made. Attack would have been made before had not Appledore control continually warned of e/a above the Wing which were however not seen. Intense heavy and accurate flak from Boulogne. Down 18.30.
17.10
One section on air/sea rescue patrol – Uneventful – Down 18.45.

1943-09-20

NORTHOLT

10/10 visibility 2 miles. Afternoon 1/10 vis. 12 miles – sunshine.
P-1356 F/Lt. A. Horowicz Squadron Intelligence Officer posted to Polish Inspectorate General.
F/O L. Kraszewski proceeded on 4 days attachment to Rolls Royce Derby for engine handling course.
Burial service at Blackpool for F/O T. Kolecki – attended by S/L. J. Falkowski, F/O S. Socha and F/O M. Szelestowski.
F/O T. Radkiewicz posted from No. 9 (O)A.F.U. for Squadron Intelligence duties.
Notification of the following awards:
Third award of Krzyż Walecznych – F/Sgt. Pilot R. Gorecki, W/O Pilot J. Palak.
2nd do. – F/O Pilot B. Mach, F/Sgt. A. Rutecki.
1st do. – F/S. pilot A. Kwasniewski, F/Sgt. Pilot Zygarlicki, Sgt. Pilot J. Czezowski.
Cross country Flying only.

1943-09-21

Weather 10/10 cloud – visibility 2 miles increasing during the day.
08.45
RAMROD 235. The Squadron with 316 Squadron up as fighter sweep to Marauders and Mitchells bombing airfield and coke overs in Northern France. Swept / Beachy Head control / St. Valery – en – Ca[…..] – Neufchatel – Estres – St. Denis – Beaumont – sur – Cise and then a left hand orbit over Paris - 10 miles S.E. of Paris – Versailles – Gisors – Neufchatel – Le Treport. Nothing of event and no enemy aircraft seen. Down 10.55.
316 Sqdn pilot left Northolt, their Echelon and aircraft remaining and being taken over by 302/P/ Sqdn.
Instructione received that as from this date all ground personnel with the exception of the Medical Officer, Squadron Adjt. and Sqdn Intelligence Officer and Fitt. IIE. and 1 Clerk
Should be transferred to No. 3105 Service Echelon on incorporation into Tactical Air Force.

1943-09-22

0/10 vis. 1 mile sunshine – ground mist clearing and visibility increasing to 8 miles.
Air to air firing and cine gun training and some local flying.
14.30
RAMROD 237 PART 1. The Squadron with 302 Squadron took off as first fighter sweep to support the bombing of Beauvais airfield. The Wing swept Berck – Amiens areas – Le Treport. Nothing of interest to report apart from slight heavy flak over Amiens. Weather 5/10 cumulus cloud over France, Down at base 16.30.
F/O P. Salkeld Squadron Intelligence Officer proceeded to School of aircraft recognition at Southpart for one weeks course.

1943-09-23

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud – vis. nil – sunshine vis. increasing later to 10 – 12 miles.
08.10
RAMROD 239 /Part II /. 10 Spits. up with 302 Squadron as first fighter sweep to the bombing of Conches airfield. According to plan. Bombing appeared well concentrated in Western dispersal and adjoining wood. The Wing later swept Les Andeleys – Dieppe uneventfully. Down 10.15.
14.45
RAMROD 240. PART I. 12 Spits. IX up with 302 Squadron and led by W/C. Gabszewicz as first fighter sweep to 72 Marauders bombing Beauvais / Trille airfield. The Wing then swept Dieppe – Poix – Beauvais – Poix – Londinieres. They were then vectored to bandits S.E. of Le Treport. A mixed formation of 8 plus Me.109s and FW.190s were seen below at 23,000 ft. The Wing dived to attack and a succession of the dog fights ensued claims being made as follows: L FW.190 destroyed by F/S. Chudek and 3 F.W.s. probably destroyed by S/L. Falkowski, F/S. Rokitnicki and F/S. Martens. F/S. Kempka was attacked by 4 FW.190s and as a result of damage sustained to his engine had to bale out. He gave Maydays and was located by the Wing air/sea rescue section after a very short time. He was picked up by a Walrus within 40 mins. of balling out. Two aircraft landed at forward airfields later returning to base. Other a/c down 16.50.

1943-09-24

0/10 cloud vis. 2 – 6 miles in morning increasing to 10 – 12 miles in afternoon.
10.00
RAMROD 242. PART I. 12 Spits. IX with the Wing up as 1st Fighter sweep to 12 Mitchells bombing Amiens Marshalling Yards. The C.O. S/LR. Falkowski acting as Wing Leader. Swept Some Estuary – Amiens – St. Quentin – Amiens where bombing was seen on target. Circling in target area 302 attacked 4 FW. with some success. Later the Wing swept Oisemont – Amiens – Abbeville where 1 FW. 190 was seen and attacked by F/L. Koc and probably destroyed. Wing returned via Ault – Beachy Head and down at base 12.00. F/S. T. Szymkowiak did not return and no news has been received of him. Nothing was seen of him by the other pilots and he gave no message of his R/T.
10.20
One section on air/sea rescue – Uneventful and down 12.25.
14.15
RAMROD 243. PART I. 12 Spts. IX up with 302 Sqdn / Wing Leader W/C. Gabszewicz / as top cover to 12 Mitchells bombing St. Omer / Longuenesse a/f. Wing made one wide orbit North of Dunkirk after the bombers left the coast and then returned via Deal – landing at base 16.20 No e/a and no flak.

1943-09-25

0/10 cloud – vis. practically nil due to ground mist. Later 4/10 cloud vis. 8 miles – sunshine.
05.50
One section on special weather test over France – landing 07.10
Formation flying and cine gun training.
16.30
RAMROD 146. 11 Spits. IX led by S/L. Falkowski / Wing Leader W/C. Gabszewicz / up with 302 Sqdn as top cover to 72 Marauders bombing St. Omer / Longuenesse a/f. 10/10 cloud at 18,000 ft. and 5/10 at 8,000 ft. made it difficult to keep close touch with the rest of the formation. Wing flew to St. Omer at 17.15 and there received accurate intense heavy flak for 8 mins. from the area North of St. Omer to Dunkirk. Down 18.20 and othervise uneventful.

1943-09-26

NORTHOLT

0/10 cloud visibility 500 yards due to ground mist – Clearing later during the morning and sunshine.
08.30
RAMROD 247 PART I. 11 SPIT. IX led by S/L. Zurakowski also leading the Wing as top cover to 18 Mitchells bombing the Marshalling yards at Rouen. Operation was abandoned before the bombers reached the French coast, but the Wing swept East of St. Valery – South of Rouen – Oisemont – Ault at 17/26,000 ft. Cumulus from 2000 to 10000 ft. 2/10 mid Channel increasing to 9/10 over French coast. Rouen area quite clear of cloud. Thick haze all area 19/24,000 ft. vapout trails 23,000 ft. Down at base 10.20.
15.45
12 aircraft left for forward base at Tangmere.
17.05
RAMROD 248. 12 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski, Wing Leader W/C. Gabszewicz, up from Tangmere as withdrawal escort to Fourth Air Task Force / Fortresses / bombing an aircraft factory in Paris. Wing swept Dieppe and then south to Beauvais where they were to r/v with Forts. This was impossible owing to bad weather but at 17.50 a large formation of Forts were seen ahead. These were followed and at 17.55 the Wing turned back, being then probably near Paris, as the bombers were still heading S.E. Cloud in layers from 5000 to 28,000 – mist between clouds and ground only visibille occasionally.
Notification of award of Distinguished Flying Medal to P-783025 F/S. A. CHUDEK.

1943-09-27

0/10 vis. practically nil due to ground mist – sunshine. Afternoon 6/10 vis. 4 miles.
09.40
RAMROD 250. 11 Spits. IX up with 3023 Squadron, S/L. Zurakowski leading. First fighter sweep in support of 72 Marauders bombing Beauvais / Tille airfield. Swept from Neufchatel down to seine in the Mantes Gassicourt area and then back to Neufchatel and on the Abbeville. They were then ordered to go to the assistance of the bombers south east of Le Treport and returning there they found the bombers but saw no e/a. Some pilots being then short of petrol S/L. Zurakowski ordered such as were seriously short to return independently. About half the Wing escorted the bombers part of the journey across Channel. One section of 302 destroyed 1 FW. when returning. Belt of 7/10 cloud from coast to 30 miles inland 2/5000 ft. thinning to 2/10 Down 11.50.
16.35
RAMROD 251. 12 Spit. IX led by S/L. Falkowski who also led the Wing as top cover to 72 Marauders bombing Conches a/f. Completely uneventful although close escort reported strong fighter reactions. Bombing concentrated in West and North dispersals and west of a/f. 1 Marauder shot down by flak. Down at base 18.35.
16.55
1 Spit. IX with others of 302 on rescue patrol – uneventful.

1943-09-28

Rain 10/10 low cloud and mist.
No flying and released off station at 11.00 hrs.

1943-09-29

10/10 low cloud – vis. nil – mist. Visibility increasing later to 4 miles.
Squadron party held at Polish Hearth, Belgrave Squadron London to celebrate the 200th e/a shot down by the Squadron. Guests included A.O.C. Polish Air Force, A.O.C. Fighter Command, A.O.C No. 11 Group. General Commanding U.S.A.A.F. 8th Fighter Group and Minister Koc.

1943-09-30

NORTHOLT

10/10 cloud – vis. 800 yards – ground mist.
No flying.
Although not so many hours flown as in the previous month, this time only 933 hrs, over 770 were operational, a higher proportion then previously.
Copy letter from Group Captain F.E. Rosier Officer Commanding R.A.F. Northolt.
“At a conference at 11 Group Headquarters two days ago, for Sector Commanders, the Air Officer Commanding expressed his pleasure with the results achieved by No. 11 Group Wings and Squadrons during the past month and the wished Sector Commanders to convey his message to Squadrons. In my opinion, this reflects credit not only on Wing Commanders and actual pilots, but on the ground crews as well and consequently I should like this message to be passed round to all personnel who have played their part in maintaining the efficiency of the Polish Wings at such a high level.”

J. Falkowski [Autograph]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 303 /Polish/ Squadron