Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

THE DETAILS CONTAINED IN THIS FORM ARE GIVEN BY F/O. J.A. NICHOLLS, Intelligence Officer No. 303 /Polish/ Squadron.

1945-03-01

D+267.
COLTISHALL.

14.45 ARMED RECCO WITH BOMBS TO HAGUE HAAGSCHE BOSCH D & E. 7 Spitfires IXF. and 1 Spitfire XVI led. by B.H. DROBINSKI, D.F.C., airborne from base on Armed Recco at 14.45 each carrying 1 x 500 lbs MC airburst bombs. Crossed in N of HAGUE at 15.30 at 19.000 ft and flew direct to target. Bombed S.W. to N.E. in dives 10.000 ft to 4000 ft. Five bombs fel in target area along road between D & C. Three bombs feel and seen to fall 2/300 yards S.E. of target towards lake. Crossed out N of Hague at 15.50 at 7000 ft to land URSEL /B.67/ safely at 16.30. On outward leg. at 15.20 hrs. when 15/20 miles from Dutch Coast Big Ben contrail suspected from Hotel Promenade area. Seen rising verticaly with trail 10/30.000 ft leaving small cloud od dust rising from ground. Time: 14.45 -15.30 to 15.50 – 16.30 Ursel. Flak: Medium light inaccurate expectialy from biuld up area N of target. Weather: Near target – cloud 5/10 at 4000 ft towards the South. Visibility exellent. On route: 5 miles off Holland 10/10 – 4/7.000 ft.

1945-03-02

D+268.
COLTISHALL.

09.00. ARMED RECCO – HAAGSCHE BOSCH D & B. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. RZYSKI, airborne from base 09.00 crossed in S of HAGUE at 10.000 ft at 09.35. above cloud patch so turned N inland of HAGUE and patrolled roads and railways between HAGUE/LEIDEN/HARLEN and W of AMSTERDAM and LJUMUIDEN all at 10.000 ft. Nothing seen. Back to target and a/c attacked along edge of cloud in dives SE/NW and from 10/400 ft. Roads seen to be empty .No activity. Crossed out N of HAGUE at L0.000 ft and after orbits of coast to reform set course for base at L0.00 hrs. When half way out to target at 09.25 Big Ben contrail seen rising from HAGUE area 5/15.000 ft. . Times: 09.00hrs. – 09.35 to to. 10.00 – 10.45
Flak: Non from target. Light moderate accurate from buildings to W of target. Weather: Over target: Cloud patches over whole area. 6/10 to 9/10 and 10/400 ft. Strong wind. Vis. good. Over sea: Over British coast patches of cloud 6/10 to 8/10 at 2/7.000 ft clearing in mid. sea and becoming as over target about 50 miles off Dutch coast.
09.30 ARMED RECCO – HAAGSCHE BOSCH C & E. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SZELESTOWSKI airborne from base 09.30. Crossed in above cloud at 10.000 ft at 10.05 hrs to find whole target area obscured by cloud. Patrolled South at 8.000 ft to target at OCKENBURG also obscured. Crossed out between HAGUE and HAGUE still obscured. Set course back drom KATWIJK at 10.20. Time: 09.30 – 10.05 to 10.20. – 11.15. Weather: Over target – All area obscured by 10/10 cloud at 8500/2500 ft from KAWIJK to HOOK. On route – 6/10 from 8000/3500 ft. with come nimbe cumulus from 8000 ft to sea level with snow storms and icing.
12.40 OPERATION No. 3 – ARMED RECCO – HAAGSCHE BOSCH C & E. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by W/O. RUTECKI airborne from base 12.40. Crossed in between HAGUE and KATWIJK at 10.000 ft at 13.16 and flew straight to target attacking with connon and m/g fire from NE/SW in steep dives 5/1000 ft. Turned inland climbing to 6000 ft along HAGUE/GOUDA road in post. D.8485 a stationary electic train of 3 coaches attacked by 2 a/c. Strikes seen and about dozen soldiers seen taking cover. Mid. coach blazing. On same line post. D.8087 a biulding and probable pawer generator attacked by 3 a/c and strikes seen. In KATWIJK cardl Y.7406, 6/7 large stationaries barges seen facing out to sea. Not attacked. Crossed out at KATWIJK at 6.000 feet at 13.50 hrs. Flak- Intense light fairly accurate from biuldings up area. Moderate light flak from KATWIJK and few burst heavy at coast from KATWIJK. Weather: Over target clear over HAGUE 5/10 from 5/8.000 ft over most of the area. On route 10/10 at 4/8.000 to 20 miles off Dutch Coast. Times: 12.40 – 13.16 to 13.50 – 14.30.
13.55 ARMED RECCO – HAAGSCHE BOSCH C & E. 4 Spitfires IXF. one of which returned early /Red 2 F/O. ZDANOWSKI/ with technical trouble, airborne from base 13.55 and led. by F/Lt. MALAROWSKI. Crossed in S of HOOK at 14.40 at 8.000 ft above cloud, the 3 a/c turned N straight to target and attacked SE to NW in dives from 6/2.000 ft. No movement seen. Flew N at 8.000 ft but 10/10 cloud from 300 ft in places up to 8000 ft N of LEIDEN. Nothing seen. Crossed out of ZANVOORT at 8000 ft at 15.00 hrs. Weather: Near target clear over HAGUE mist. Holland 10/10 from 300 ft in places N of LEIDEN. On route 5/10 cloud 6/8.000 ft with occasioned showers.
16.00 ARMED RECCO – HAGUE/HAAGSCHE BOSCH D & E. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. J. FRANCKIEWICZ airborne form base 16.00 approached to Dutch coast of HAGUE at 16.30 and turned N along coast to cross in S of KATWIJK at 16.40 at 11.000 ft . Flew straight to the target and 3 a/c attacked in dives from 8 to 3.000 ft from NE to SW with cannon and m/g fire. Two a/c attacked cross roads at “D” and one a/c /Yellow 2/ attacked studios at “A”. Yellow 4 made no attack and was not able to jettison tank. No activity was seen but the target appeared very muach damaged. Climbed to 7000 ft and crossed out in cloud just S of HAGUE at 16.50 landing at 17.30. Flak –neagre light N of woods. Weather: Over target clear patch over target . 5/10 from 10 to 5000 ft in patches over Holland. On route 8/10 to 9/10 5/10.000 ft in layers.

1945-03-03

D+269.
COLTISHALL.

09.00 ARMED RECCO F.C. 503 STAALDUINE BOSCH - . 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. MAKSYMOWICZ airborne from base 09.00. Crossed in between HAGUE and KATWIJK at 10.000 ft at 09.35. Turned south flying inland of HAGUE and straight to target. Black smoke seen rising from buildings SE of HAAGSCHE BOSCH to 8.000 ft and stretching to ROTTERDAM. Fires seen amoung buildings pinpoint 666923, 665925, 656926, 658934. Flew S to target and attacked with cannon and m/g fire by all a/c from SE to NW in dives 6/2.000 ft. Strikes seen on buildings in SE corner of woods and grey smoke rising to 50 feet post. 556806. One a/c obtained strikes along whole lengh of wood. Crossed out at GRAVEUZARES at 4.000 ft and after reforming out ot sea set corse for base at 09.50. Flak: moderate inaccurate light along Rotterdam caral S of target area expec. pinpoints 548819 and 534805. Weather: N of Hague 9/10 – 7/8.000 ft. Over target clear with some mist near British coast becoming 9/10 at 7/8.000 ft to 20 miles off Dutch coast.

1945-03-04

D+270.
COLTISHALL.

No operational flying carried out. 4 Spitfires VB. on practice bombing with 16 x 10 lbs bombs carried out. The score obtained in target during the practice was good. Lecture of a/c recognition and tactice for Big Ben patrol by F/O. J.A. NICHOLLS, The Intelligence Officer of this Squadron.

1945-03-05

D+271.
COLTISHALL.

09.05. ARMED RECCO FC 518 DUINIDTGT. 4 Spitfires IXF. airborne on Armed Recco. Returned to base owing to Red 1 /F/lt. RZYSKI and Red 3 s R/t becoming u/s.
10.00 ARMED RECCO F.C. 518 DUINDIGT. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. RZYSKI airborne from base 10.00 hrs, climbing to 8000 ft to approach 50/60 miles out when all aircraft returned to base owing to Red 1 glicol leak and Red 3 s R/T u/s. Weather: 2/10 patch about 5000 ft becoming 10/10 expec. Towards S.
11.05 ARMED RECCO F.C. 518 DUINDIGT. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. MAKSYMOWICZ, airborne from base 11.05. Red 4 returned early owing to mechanical trouble and Red 3 as escort landing at 12.00 hrs. Red 1 and 2 carried on to cross in at 11,40 N of HAGUE at 9.000 ft and flew straight to target which was covered by layer of thin cloud 8/10 at 35000ft to 4000 ft. They attacked from SW/NE through the cloud in dives from 7000 to 1500 ft with cannon and m/g fire. Strikes seen around point 6798500. But no activity seen. Red 2 hit by flak. Crossed out 12.05 at 4000 ft N of HAGUE. Both landed safely at base at 12.40. Flak: Medium light accurate from around 67950. Weather: - over target 8/10 thin layers 3/8000 ft. Sea 10/10 at 5000 ft becoming 4/10 – 5/10 at same.
Spitfire IXF. MA. 422. on which flew F/O. J. Krok /P.2419/ was hit by enemy flak causing damage to his aircraft in cat “AC”. Form 765C not actioned.
12.20. ARMED RECCO FC. 505 WASSENAAR RUST EN VREVO – 3 Spitfires IXF. and 1 Spitfire XVI led. by F/Lt. BARTYS airborne from base 12.20. Landfall unseen owing to 10/10 cloud at 6000 ft. Flew on at 10.000 ft for 10 mins after A.T.A. but no land seen at any time. Turned 180 degs. at 13.00 hrs and set course for base. All a/c landed at 13.45. Flak was niL. Weather: At target 10/10, 5000 ft tops. Base unknown, Dowb vis. Nil. Exellent above cloud. On route : as above.
14.05. ARMED RECCO FC. 505. 3 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. S. SOCHA when juts crossing British Coast at 3000 dt recalled to base by Controller owing to weather. Weather: 10/10 cloud, bas e unknown. Haze.
13.10. ARMED RECCO FC. 505. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. MALAROWSKI airborne from base 13.10, crossed in KATWIJK at 13.50 at 10.500 ft above 10/10 cloud 7000 ft top. Flew E before turning to tartet. Whole area obscured by cloud. Turned N to HARLEM at 7000 ft. Nothing seen. Set course from HARLEM at 14.10 crossing out 7/8000ft and land safely at base 14.55. Flak – nil. Weather over target: 10/10 cloud 7/7500 ft tops. 1/2000 ft base. Vis. nil. On route: From British Coast to 20 miles off Dutch coast clear with haze becoming as over target.
Training flying: 2 a/c on practice bombing with 10 lb. bombs. No other training were carried out owing to extend operational flying.

1945-03-06

D+272.
COLTISHALL.

06,50. ANTI MIDGET SUBMARINE PATROLS. Blue Section / 2 a/c/ led. by P/O. MARTENS. airborne 06.50. Landed 08.10. Red Section / 3 a/ c./ led. by P/O. KRZEPTOWSKI airborne 06.50. Landed 09.17. White Section / 3 A/c / led. by F/Lt. SZELESTOWSKI airborne 06.50. Landed 09.20. Red. Section / 2 a/c / led. by F/Sgt. SKRZYDŁO airborne 07.20. Landed 09.10. Blue Section patrolled area 1 as planned. Nothing seem. Returned early owing to engine trouble. Red Section returned owing to R/t trouble. Another two a/c T.O 07.20 and patrolled area 2 as planned. Nothing to report. White Setion. Patrolled area 3 as planned. Nothing seen except convoys. V2 contrail reported by White Section leader at 08.30. Seen at 10/30. thousends feet curing towards British Coast, Weather: 5/10 base 5000 ft. Vis. ½ miles up to 1000 ft. Clear above . Misty
7 Aircraft carried out practice bombing with 20 x 10 lb. bombs. Results of now yet unknown, but pilots reported a good results of their practice.

1945-03-07

D+273.
COLTISHALL.

No operational flying carried out to day. 4 a/c on practice bombing and one on local flying in the totla of flying hours 1.35. 16 x 10 lb practice bombs were issued for the above exercise. Weather and visibility were very good.

1945-03-08

D+274.
COLTISHALL.

No operational flying were carried to day. 14 Spitfires IXF. practiced formation flying , 8 Spitfires VB. practiced bombing esuing 29 x 10 lb bombs.
Weather: 8/10 with visibility 5 to 6 miles.

1945-03-09

D+ 275.
COLTISHALL.

08.35. ANTI MIDGET SUBMARINE PATROL. Blue Section 2 a/c led. by F/Lt. S. SOCHA airborne 06.45 . Blue 1 landed 08.35. Blue 2, 09.20. Green Section /2 a/c/ led. by F/Sgt. MICHALAK, airborne 06.45. Green 2 landed 09.00. Green 1 09.20. Yellow Secton / 2 a /c / led. by F/Lt. SZSELESTOWSKI airborne 06.45. Landed 09.00. Blue Section patrolled area No. 1 under Hopton control. Unevenful. Blue 2 orbitted base owing to a/c trouble. Landed safely. Yellow Section patrolled area No. 3 under Greyfriars control. Unevenful excpet for the sighting of Allied shipping. Green Section patrolled area No. 2 under Greyfriars control. Unevenful. Green 1 orbitted base with Blue 2 to help back his a/c. Blue 1 reported V2 contrail at 07.33. Appeared to be fired from the HAGUE area. Rising vertically 10/30.000.ft. Weather: clear. Mist up to 3000 ft.
10.25. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/518 DUINDIGT. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SOCHA airborne 10.25. Over target 11.10 – 11.20. Pinpointed and strafed by 3 a/c from 4500/2.500 ft, strikes observ ed in wooded areas. No activity seen. Blue 1 unable jettison tank. Blue leader reported V2 contrail 10/30.000 ft at 11.02 when 20 miles off coast of Holland. A/c at 10.000 ft. Appeared fired from HAGUE. Weather: 6/10 cumulus, base 2500 ft. Visibility very good.
11.10. JIM CROW AND ARMED RECOO. /Target FC/518 DUINDIGT./ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. ZDANOWSKI airborne from base 11.10. Over target 12.00-12.10 . Landed Ursel 13.05. Landed base 15.05. Landfull made at Den Holder 9000 ft. Harbour orbitted at 5000 ft. No shipping see. Proceeded overland to the HAGUE where target was pinponited and strafed from 6 to 4.000 ft. Strikes seen and observed in wooded areas. Crossed out N of Hague 15 – 20 miles out to sea. Glycol was seen to be coming from W/C. FALKOWSKI, D.F.C., aircraft and who reported his glycol. Temperature 140. All four a/c returned to Holland. W/Cmdr. buled out from 2500 ft 3 miles south of the HAGUE. Parashute seen to open but final landing obscured by clouds. A/c caught fire and crashed at D. 6289. 3 a/c set course from Ursel and landed 13.05. T. O. 15.05 for base. Light intense accurate flak from target area. Weather: Cloud 8/10, base 1000 ft, tops 2000 ft. Visibility under cloud 5 to 10 miles.
THE STATEMENT BY F/O. S. ZDANOWSKI and W/O. RUTECKI plus SGT SZTUKA in regard of W/Cmdr. J. FALKOWSKI, D.F.C. – missing on the operational flight carried out from 11.10 until 13.05.
During the Operational flight “JIM CROW AND ARMED RECCO” on 9.3.45 we had approached the Dutch coast at DEN HELDER at Altitude 8000 ft – 6000 ft. After searching for shipping at peninsular, we flew south to attack V.2 sites on the North of the HAGUE, meeting over the left side of whcih I notified the Section. After attacking we climbed to 6.000 ft, after while the Wing Commander joined us. We approached the Sea jeined to the Section. Wing Commander was flying as leader and I noticed that from his straboard radiator glycol was pouring leaving a long vapour trail. I said “You’ve got glycol leak and what temperature of glycol have you” the Wing Commander replied “140” and immediately we returned to land. Wea approached the coast South of the HAGUE at 3000 ft, No. 4 was all the time giving the fix and No. 2 was fixing BELGIUM. We turned to the South and when 4 miles from the HAGUE, one mile inland it was notified that the Wing Commander aircraft cought fire leaving white and black smoke behind. At 2500 ft the Wing Commander “baled out” and it was seen after two seconds, his parachute had opened, also after three seconds aircraft exploded amongst Greenhouses, near the Road. We could not stay longer, and returned to B. 67 for refueling. Wing Commander flew on Spitfire IXF. BS.281.
14.30. ARMED RECCO. 3 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. GORECKI airborne from base 14.30. Over target 15.05 – 15.25. Landed 16.00. Crossed in south of HAGUE 10.000 ft and., ETA. Target covered with 10/10 cloud, tops 6000 ft. Orbitted area and turned north but ground obscured. Crossed out at HAGUE. Weather: 10/10 cloud, top 6000 ft. Visibility above cloud very good.
15.10. SCRAMBLE FOR X RAID. Two Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. T. RZYSKI airborne from base 15.10. Landed 16.00. Vectored to approx. LOWESTOFT 10 to 14.000 ft. Viven various vectors . One Wellington see. Ordered to land at base by controlled. Weather: Cloud 10/10, base 5000 ft, tops 7000 ft. Visbility good.
15.15. INTERCEPTION OF HASTILE A/C. Two Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. S. SOCHA, airborne from base 15.15. Patrolled at 20.000 ft over base. Given vector to Gt. Garmouth orbitted and reduced height to 10000 ft. Given vector 020 degs for 5 minutes and then ordered by Controller to return to base. A great number of Liberators seen. Weather: Cloud 10/10, base 5-7.000 ft. Visibility good.
16.55. A.S.R. SEARCH 2 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. T. RZYSKI airborne from base 16.55. Landed 18.45. Vectored to 10 miles out to sea north of Wells. One Catalina a/c and empty dinghby on sea. One A.S.R. launch and two Thunderbolts patrolling area noted. Vectored to the Wash where a search was made for a buoy and crashed 4 enginer bomber. Nothing seen. Visibility worsoned owing to mist. Weather: 10/10 cloud, base 3000 ft. Mist.

1945-03-10

D + 276.
COLTISHALL

06.50. ANTI MIDGET SUBMARINE PATROL. Red Section / 2 a/c / led. by F/Lt. BARTYS airborne from base 06.50. Landed 08.35. Yellow Section / 2 a/c / led. by F/Lt. MALAROWSKI airborne from base 06.50. Landed 08.20. Blue Section / 2 a/c / led. by P/O. GORECKI airborne 06.50. Landed 09.00. Yellow Section patrolled No. 1 area. Unevenful except for the sighting Allied shipping. Section returned early owing owing to leaders R/T u/s. Red Section patrolled area No. 2. Unevenful. Blue Section patrolled area No. 3. Unevenful. Weather: cloud 10/10, base 2/3.000 ft. Visibility fair. Misty.
11.45. ARMED RECCO - /FC. 518 DUIDIGT/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. RZYSKI airborne from base 11.45. Over target 12.15-12.25. Landing times: Blue 2:, 12.15. Blue 1, 12.30:, Blue 3 and 4 , 13.00. Crossed in KATWIJK covered with 10/10 cloud, tops 6500 ft, base approx. 4500 ft. Visibility 20 miles above cloud. Abortive.
11.10. ARMED RECCO - /Target FC/518 DUINDIGT/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by E/Lt. MALAROWSKI airborne from base 11.10. Over target 11.50 to 12.05. Landing times: Red 3 and 4, 12.15 Red 1 and 2 12.55. Crossed in KATWIJK at 10.000 ft on ETA. Orbitted HAGUE area, but ground completely covered with 10/10 cliud extending North and South. of Holland. Abortive. Weather: 10/10 cloud , tops 7000 ft, base unknown. Visibility 20 miles above cloud.
14.00 ARMED RECCO - /Target FC. 518 WASSENAAR/RAVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SZELESTOWSKI airborne from base 14.00. Over target 14.40- 15.10. Landed base 16.00. Crossed in North of KATWIJK at cloud bas e 5000 ft. Target obscured by mist. Patrolled from AMSTRDAM to ROTTERDAM 3/4.000 ft. No transport or activity seen. Crossed out at 10.000 ft above cloud North of KATWIJK. Abortive. Weather: Cloud 10/10, base 4/5.000 ft with mist from base of cloud to ground. Visibility under cloud 3 miles.
15.00. ARMED RECCO - /Target FC.519 WASSENAAR/REVELIJN. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. RZYSKI airborne from base 15.00. Over target 15.37 – 15.55. Landed 16.35. Crossed in at KATWIJK 10.000 ft on ETA. Target crossed with 10/10 cloud, tops 7.000 ft. Base unknown. Patrolled north and south of HAGUE and returned to base. Abortive.

1945-03-11

D+277.
COLTISHALL.

08.45 ARMED RECCO /Target FC/518 DUINDIGT/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SOCHA airborne from base 08.45 . Over target 09.15 to 09.25. Proceeded under cloud to Dutch coast climbed and crossed in KATWIJK above cloud 6000 ft. Target area and north and south of Holland covered with 10/10 ; tops 5.500 ft, base 3.500/4000 ft. Visibility blow cloud 5 miles. Orbitted south of the HAGUE for 10 minutes then set course for base. AbortiveM Blue 3 and 4 landed 09.40-, and Blue 1 and 2 landed 10.15.
14.10. ARMED RECCO 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. ZDANOWSKI airborne from base 14.o. Landed 16.10. Landfull made at KATWIJK 3000 ft, tunrned north and followed coast to south of DEN HELDER, turned south and followed coast back to the HAGUE. Set course for base. Lines of oil on sea 2/3 miles off coast at KATWIJK and IJMUIDEN noticed. Area were orbited but nothing seen. Weather: 10/10 cloud, base 3-4.000 ft, tops 6.000 ft. Visibility 3 miles.
15.40. ARMED RECCO. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. S. SOCHA airborne from base 15.40. Landed 17.45. Crossed in KATWIJK 7.000 ft at 16.15., turned north to AMSTRDAM where strip of cloud of 9/10 noted. Orbitted area but no targets seen to attack. Crossed out at IJMUIDEN 16.35 and vectored to 20 miles SW of HAGUE to search for a sumarine. Sea recco but nothing seen. Recalled to base by Controller. Weather: 10/10 cloud, base 3-4000 ft, tops 6.000 ft. Misty below cloud.

1945-03-12

D+278.
COLTISHALL.

08.30. ARMED RECCO / target FC/519 WASSENAAR/REVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. S. SZELESTOWSKI, airborne from base 08.30. Landed 09.50. Crossed in at KATWIJK on ETA 10.000 ft at 09.10. Orbitted HAGUE areas but ground not visible owing to 10/10 cloud, tops 4500 ft, bas e unknown. Visibility above cloud unlimitted. Set course for base 09.15. V.2 contrail reported at 08.58, A/c at 10.000 ft 10 mins. flying from KATWIJK on course 117 degs. Contrail seen 10/30.000 ft then lost. Appeared fired from the HAGUE. Weather: Route 10/10 cloud, base 3000 ft, tops 4500 ft. Mist. Visibility 2 miles under cloud.
16.35. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/519 WASSENAAR / REVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. GORECKI airborne from base 16.35. Over target 17.10 to 17.30. Landed 18.25. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft target pinpointed and attacked by 2 a/c in dives from 8000 to 2000 ft with m/g fire. Strikes seen in the wooded area. Blue 4 unable jettison tank. Crossed out at KATWIJ. Light intanse accurate flak from FC/518. Weather: Clear with ground haze.
Training flying : 2 Spitfires VB practiced bombing with 8 x 10 lb bombs. The result of bombing seen good.

1945-03-13

D+279.
COLTISHALL.

09.00. ARMED RECCO / Target FC/519 WASSENAAR /RAVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. MALAROWSKI airborne from base 09.00. Over target 09.40 - 09.35. Landed 10.45. Crossed in at KATWIJK 10.500 ft, orbited the HAGUE area and pinpointed target. All a/c strafed by 3 a/c with m/g and cannon fire in dives from 9000 ft to 3000 ft. Strikes were seen in wooded areas. One a/c unable jettison tank. Orbitted DELFT area and searched for transport targets. Nothing seen. Out at HAGUE. Light intense accurate flak from target area. Weather: Clear with ground haze. Visibility 2 miles.
14.35. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/519 WASSENAAR/REVELIJN/. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O MAKSYMOWICZ airborne 14.35. Over target 15.10-15.20. Landed 16.30. Crossed in south of Hague 10.000 feet, target strafed with cannon and m/g fire in dives from 8000 to 2000 feet. No result seen. Out at Katwijk. Weather: 4/10, 12.000 feet. Ground haze. Vis.5 miles.
11.45. ARMED RECCO / FC. 519 WASSENAAR/RAVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. GORECKI airborne from base 11.45. Over target 12.25 – 12.40. Landed 13.25. Crossed in south of HAGUE 10.000 feet. Flew direct to target which was strafed by 3/aircraft with m/g and cannon fire in dives from 9000 ft to 3000 ft. Strikes were seen in wooded areas. One a/c unable jettison tank. Orbitted DELFT area and searched for transport targets. Out ot HAGUE. Light intense accurate flak from targte area. Weather: Clear with ground haze. Vis. 2 miles.
17.10. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/519 WASSENAAR/RAVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by S. SOCHA , airborne from base 17.10. Over target 17-50. to 18.00. Landed base 18.45. Crossed in KATWIJK 10.000 feet. Flew direct to target and strafed by 4 a/c with cannon and mashingon fire in dives from 9/3.000 ft. Strikes observed in wooded areas. Out at Katwijk. Light very intense acc. flak from target area. Weather.: Clear with ground mist. Vis. 5 miles.

1945-03-14

D+280.
COLTISHALL.

No operational flying. Traning flying were carried out as follows: 7 a/c on practice bombing. 20 x 10 lb. practice bombs wrere issued. Weather and visibility were good. Ground haze.

1945-03-15

D+281.
COLTISHALL.

12.45. ARMED RECCO/Target FC/518 DUIDUGT/ 4 Spitfires IXFK. Led. by F/Lt. J. FRANCKIEWICZ, airborne from base 12.45. Over target k3.20 to 13.40. Landed 14.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK AT 10.000 feet, turned south to target which was covered with 10/10 cloud, tops 4000 ft, baseu unknown. Weather: Clear NE of KATWIJK area north of AMSTRDAM searched for target but nothing seen. Out at KATWIJK. V2 contrail reported at 13.24. A/c on course 119 degs. from base at 9.000 ft. , 30 miles from Dutch coast. Appeared to be fired from the HAGUE area.
13.15 ARMED RECCO /Target FC/518 DUIDIGT/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SZELESTOWSKI airborne from base 13.15. Over target 14.00 to 14.20. Landed 15.10. In at KATWIJK at height 10.000 ft, target covered with 10/10 cloud which extend in line from EGMOND to UTRCHT and then eastwards. Tops 1500 ft. Area north of AMSTERDAM search unevenfully for targets. Crossed at KAARLEM 10.000 ft. Two paraleel colums of smoke rising vertically to 10.000 ft in zig-zagg fashin noted at 14.28 , - 10 to 15 miles NW of EGMOND. Area was orbitted but nothing seen. Cine-gun photographs were taken.

1945-03-16

D+282.
COLTISHALL.

No operational flying. 5 a/c practiced bombing with 20 x 10 lb. practice bombs. Good result of practice were observed.

1945-03-17

D+283.
COLTISHALL.

09.30. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt.S. SOCHA, airborne from base 09.30 . Landed Ursel 11.20. T.O. 13.40. Landed base 15.20. Crossed in at KATWIJK 8.000 ft. Flew diretc to UTRECHT and bombed railway through brack in clouds in dives from 5000 tom 2500 ft north to south at E.2484. One direct hit observed, one on road to right of railway and two near misses. Landed Ursel 11.20. T.O. 13.40. Flew direct at 10.000 ft to GOUDA and bombed railway at D.8684., west east from 9.000 to 4000 ft. No result observed. Out at KATWIJK. Light intense inaccurate from DORTRECHT up to 11.000 ft. Weather: Morning 10/10 – 5000 ft. Patches at 3500 ft. afternoon 6/10 inpatches, base 3000 ft Vis. good.
10.30. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. S. ZDANOWSKI airborne from base . Landed Ursel 12.05. T.O. 13.50. Landed base 15.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK and attacked throught break in clouds Railway at Y. 7709 west to east in dives 9000 to 4000 ft. One direct hit, one near miss and two overshot. Crossed out at KATWIJK and followed coast down to West Kappille and crossed in to Ursel landing at 12.05. T. O. 13.50. Flew to West Kappelle and crossed in north of HAGUE. Bombed bridge over road at 737053. No hits observed. Out of KATWIJK. V2 contrail reported at 10.55. A/c at 9.000 ft on course 120 degrs. from base 5 mins. flying from Ditch coast. Appeared fired from the HAGUE. Weather: Morning 10/10 top 60000 ft. Visibility good. Afternoon. No cloud, mist.
16.25. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/519/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led by P/O. GORECKI airborne from base 16.25. Over target 17.00 – 17.20. Landed 18.00. Crossed in north of HAGUE 10.000 ft, dives through clouds to 5000 ft and orbitted area west of UTRECHT for possible targets. Nothing seen. Climbed to 10.000 ft jettisoned tanks and target attacked with 2 a/c in dives from 9.000 to 25000 ft. Strikes seen around buildings. No results seen. Ble 2 abortive owing to not able jettison tank. Out at KATWIJK. Light moderate inaccurate from target area. Weather: 7/10 at 6000 ft, 10/10 at 11.000 ft. Vis. under cloud very good.

1945-03-18

D+284.
COLTISHALL.

08.30. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/518/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. MALAROWSKI airborne from base 08.30. Over target 09.17 to 09.40. Landed 10.15. In at KATWIJK above cloud 6000 ft turned north to HAARLEM, came beneath cloud at 5000 ft. No targets seen. Turned south to target which was strafed with cannon and m/g fire in dives from 5000 to 2000 ft by section. Strikes observed in wooded areas. No results seen. Out north of HAGUE. Weather: 1/10, base 5000 ft, tops 6000 ft. Vis. 5 miles.
10.10. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. FRANCKIEWICZ airborne from base 16.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK 10.000 ft and attacked railway SE LEIDEN at 832965 from W/E in dives from 8000/1500 ft. One direct hit and 3 near misses noted. Crossed out N ot HAGUE. followed coast to Weathapelle, crossed in to Ursel and landed 11.55. T.O. 14.50. retraced course. Crossed in Noordwijk and attacked some target results unobserved owing to no explosions. Out at Noordwijk. Weather: Morning Clear with mist up to 5000 ft. Vis. very good. Afternoon similar. Landed base 16.30.
11.20. ARMED RECCO / Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. Mieczysław MAKSYMOWICZ, airborne from base 11.20. Landed Ursel 12.50. T. O. 15.00. Landed base 16.30. Crossed in KATWIJK at 9.000 ft and bombed railway SE of LEIDEN at 815971 in dives from 5500 to 1500 ft. E/W. Bombs fell in well concentrated duster just right of target. Out S of HAGUE and followed coast to Westhapelle and crossed in to Ursel landing at 12.50. T. O. 15.00 and retraced course to N of HAGUE. Crossed in and attacked railway at 821968. One direct hit observed. No explosions to other theree bombs. Crossed out KATWIJK. Weather: Clear with mist up to 5000 ft. Vis. very good.
14.00. ARMED RECCO /Railway Iterdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. KRZEPTOWSKI airborne from base 14.00. Landed Ursel 15.30. T.O. 17.25. Landed base 18.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK 9000 ft, railway SE of LEIDEN bombed at 901952 from 9/4000 ft one strck barge in cannal. Out south of HAGUE. Follwed coast and landed Ursel 15.30. T.O. 17.25 flew direct at 10.000 ft to ROTTERDAM and railway at D.8286 attacked from 10/4000 ft. E/W . Two near misses observed and 2 fell right of target. Out at KATWIJK. Weather: Clear. Misty.

1945-03-19

D.+285.
COLTISHALL.

08.15. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/518 DUINDIGT/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/LT. SOCHA airborne from base 08.15. Over target 09.45 to 09.15. Landed 10.10. Crossed in north of KATWIJK at 10.000 ft, turned north to AMSTRDAM and searched for transport targets. Unevenful. Turned sotuh to FC/518 which was strafed with cannon and m/g fire by 3 a/c indives from 8/4000 ft. Strikes seen. No results. Green 2 did not attack, unable jetison tank. Out at KATWIJK. Weather: 7/10 at 10.000 ft. Visibility 15 miles.
09.25. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/519 RAVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O.ZDANOWSKI airborne from base 09.25. Over target 10.10 to 10.30. Landed 11.20. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft. Orbitted area north coast of LEIDEN. Three large stationary green tarpoulin covered larries pinpointing SE at Y.9114 attacked with cannon . A wireless station at Y.8325 attacked is well. No strikes seen. Crossed out south of LEIDENM. Weather: Clear with haze.
10.15. ARMED RECCO /Target FC/518 DUINDIGT/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. GORECKI airborne from base 10.15. Over target 10.50 to 11.20. Landed 12.10. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 feet. Orbitted area east of HAGUE. Unevenful. Blue 3 developed glycol trouble and was escorted back to base by 2 a/c. Blue 2 developed engine trouble off coast of Holland on way in, turned sotuh and landed B. 67 safely. Weather: Clear. Visibility 15 miles.
12.45. ARMED RECCO /TargetFC/519 RAVELIJN/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by S/Ldr. B.H. DROBINSKI D.F.C., airborne from base 12.45. Landed 14.15. Crossed in at KATWIJK on ATE at 10.000 feet. Area covered with 10/10 cloud, top 5000 ft, base 2500 ft. Recalled by Controller.

1945-03-20

D+286.
COLTISHALL.

No operational flying. 12 a/c practiced air to ground firing for which 1640 x 303 ball were issued.

1945-03-21

D+287.
COLTISHALL.

13.30 SCRAMBLE. Two Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. ZDANOWSKI airbornefrom base 13.30. Landed 15.10. Received various vectors at 6.000 feet. Intercepted a Lancaster and escorted as far as base and 3 Mosquitos escorted by 6 Mustangs seen to land safely. Vectors then received to H. 8243 for search of submarine. Sea orbited but not joy. S/c for base. Weather: Clear with mist up to 3000.ft.
09.45. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. M. MAKSYMOWICZ, airborne from base 09.45. Landed Ursel at 12.10 and 14.30. Base 17.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft. Railway at D.8891 attacked N/S 5000/1200 ft. One direct hit, 2 near misses, one unobserved. Landed Ursel 12.10. 3 a/c T.O 13.10. Crossed in N of HAGUE. Attacked railway at D. 789 W/E 6/1500 ft. Two direct hits and one very near miss right of target. Owing to Red 4 constand speed u/s returned Ursel landing at 14.30. 2 a/c T.O. 15.45 Attackd railway W/E at D.7688 . One bomb relaesed at 4000 ft. Both direct hits. Line completely out . Out at KATWIJK. Red 2 and 4 left Ursel. Light intense inaccurate flak from south of LEIDEN. Weather: No cloud, misty.
11.00. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. T.RZYSKI airborne from base 11.00. Landed Ursel at 12.25. Base 16.40. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft. Bombed railway at Y.8317., N/S – 8/4.000 ft. A cluster of 2 bombs near misses fell either side of target. Landed Ursel 12.25. T.O. 14.50 and attacked railway at Y.8518 S/N – 8.4.000 ft. One direct hit observed. No explosion seen from ther three. Out at KATWIJK V2 contrail reported at 11.35. A/c at 10.000 ft – J.3403. Appeared fired from GOUDE area. Weather: Clear with ground haze.
15.30. SEARCH FOR SUBMARINE. Two Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. KRZEPTOWSKI airborne from base 15.30. Landed 17.00. Received various vectors. Patrolled sea at 4000 ft. On one area went as low as 300 ft owing to patch of 8/10 cloud, base 200 to 3000 ft. Searched area but nothing seen. Recalled by Controller. Weather: Clear with mist.
17.05. ANTI MIDGET SUBMARINE PATROL. Two Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. MALAROWSKI, airborne from base 17.05. Landed 19.20. Patrolled area NO. 1 as planned. Unevenfuly. V2 contral reported at 18.41. Appeared to riginate atc the HAGUE. Weather: No cloud. Misty.
18.45. ANTI INTRUDER PATROL. 6 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. ZDANOWSKI airborne from base at 18.45. Landed 20.20. Patrolled at 12.000 ft off coast for cover 90 Liberators crossing in at 10.000 ft. Unevenful. Weather: No cloud. Misty.

1945-03-22

D+288.
COLTISHALL.

09.55. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. GORECKI airborne from base 09.55. Landed Ursel at 11.25. T.O. 15.45. Crossed in N of KATWIJK at 11.000 feet. Bombed railway N/E 10/3.000 ft at 791105. Four direct hits observed. Landed Ursel at 11.25. T.O. 14.25. Crossed in at NOORDWIJK and bombed railway N/E 10/3.000 ft at 816136. One direct hit 3 near misses. Out at KATWIJK. Weather: No cloud, haze.
11.30. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 3 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. ZDANOWSKI, airborne from base 11.30. Landed Ursel 12.50. Base 17.15. Crossed in at NOORDWIJK 9.000 ft. Two railway bombed from 8/2.000 ft. S/N at Y.8418. Time 12.10. Two direct hits , 1 near miss, landed Ursel 12.50. T.O. 15.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK and bombed railway 8/2.000 ft S/N at Y.8112. Time 16.20. Two direct hits, one unobserved. Out at HAARLEM. Weather: No cloud, slight haze.
12.35. ARMED RECCO /Interdiction railway/ 3 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/LT. MALAROWSKI airborne from base 12.35. Landed Ursel at 14.10. , 16.10. Landed base 19.00. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft. Bombed railway 7/2.000 ft at Y.7809. One direct hit and two misses. Landed Ursel 14.10. T.O. 14.40. Bombed railway again same place. 3 near misses. Out at KATWIJK. Time: of attack 13.20, 15.25, 18.10. Weather: No cloud, haze.
P.703922. Sgt. Pilot. KUKUC, J. posted from R.A.F. Station /being as n/E sick/ wef. 22.3.45. Auth: Posting Notice 12G/417/45 dated 22.3.45.

1945-03-23

D+289.
COLTISHALL.

08.50 ARMED RECCO 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. E. BSRTYS airborne from base 08.50. Landed base 11.20. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft. Orbitted area east of LEIDEN and turned north as far as HOORN . Unevenful. Turned south and Red 3 /F/O. KRZEPTOWSKI/ straffed with cannon and m/g fire a lorry /Large one/ with trailer moving north at D.9591. Strikes seen. Left stationary. Red 4 unable jettison tank. Crossed at NOORDWIJK. Weather: No cloud, hazy.
10.10. ARMED RECCO /Rail Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. RZYSKI airborne from base 10.10 Landed Ursel at 11.35. Base 15.40. Blue 1 returned to base after 15 minutes flying /mechanical/ Bomb jettisoned. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft bombed rail/road junction from SW/NE 9/6.000 ft at 804977. Three near misses. Landed Ursel 11.35. Bombed T.O. 14.10. Crossed in north of HAGUE and bombed canal/Rail junction at 808975 SW/NE 8/4.000 ft. One near miss, one undershot, one unobserved. Crossed out at NOORDWIJK. Weather: No cloud, vary hazy.
12.15. ARMED RECCO /Rail Interdiction/ 3 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/LT/ MALAROWSKI airborne from base 12.15. Landed Ursel at 13.50. Base 17.05. Crossed in at NOORDWIJK at 10.000 feet. Bombed railway 5000/1000 ft W/E at 904949. One direct hit, one near miss, one unobserved. Landed Ursel 13.50. Rebombed . T.O. 15.20. Crossed in south of KATWIJK. Bombed road/Rail junction at 914946 W/E 5000/2000 ft. One direct hit and two near misses damaging the railway inbankment. These all fill 60 yards on track to west of junction. Crossed out at KATWIJK. Weather: No clouds, hazy.

1945-03-24

D+290.

09.00 ARMED RECCO 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. T. RZYSKI airborne from base 09.00. Landed base 10.45. Crossed in at IJMUIDEN at 9.000 ft, turned south to LEIDEN, east to UTRECHT, north to AMSTRDAM area searched at 5.000 ft for transport targets. Unevenful. Crossed out at EGMOND. Weather: No clouds, haze.
11.00. ARMED RECCO /Rail Intrudiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. MAKSYMOWICZ, airborne from base 11.00. Landed Ursel 12.40. T. O. 15.15. Landed base 16.40. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 9.000 ft. Bombed railway W/E 8/3.000 ft at D. 8486. One direct hit, 3 near misses. Landed Ursel 12.40. Rebombed same load T.O. 15.15. Bombed railway from 8/2.000 ft at D. 7688 W/E and E/W. 3 Direct hits, one unobserved. Crossed out north of HAGUE. Light moderate flak from road near D. 7688. Weather: No cloud, misty.
12.20 ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt.T. RZYSKI airborne from base 16.45. Red 2 landed early owing to engine trouble. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 feet. Railway at D. 8792 attacked N/S-6/4.000 ft. One direct hit, 2 near misses. Landed Ursel 13.55.RBomded same lead T.O. 15.15. Railway attacked at D.8996 N/S. One undershot, one near miss damaging railway embarkment, one overshot. Crossed out NOORDWIJK. Weather: No clouds, misty.
18.15 ANTI INTRUDER PATROL 9 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. MAKSYMOWICZ airborne from base 18.15. Landed base 19.40. Patrolled at 5/10.000 ft 10 miles off coast Cromer/Lowerstoff under Happisburgh control. Unevenful. Weather: No cloud, misty.
14.00 758200 W/O. pil. STANLEY S.W. who is attached to Flying Control, Coltishall, and who has recently regaimed his flying medical category /A2,HH2/ endeavour since to gain his flying hours and Nivigational trips as possible.
He took off/on TIGER MOTH D.E. 192 belongin to this Unit % from Coltishall at 11.00 hrs for a practice Navigational cross contry, from Coltishall to Hatfield, where refuelled and the to Bourmounth. On the leg Hatfield to Bourmouth he was ready to leave so then he swung the propeller himself, owing to previous experience of U.S.A.A.F personnel not being conversant with this type of aircraft. The aircraft was slightly across wind when the engine was going, and he rushed round to the tail to turn it into wind, but the combination of slipstream and wind turned the aircraft into its nose. He had obtained permission from F/Lt. S. SOCHA 303 Squadron to use the aircraft, and previously from the O.C. of this Unit. The Sector Commander had granted him permission to use Squadron Light for practice flying. The aircraft was categorized of damaged as Cat “AC”, Form 765C auctioned.

1945-03-25

D+291.
COLTISHALL.

08.30 ARMED RECCO 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/LT. SZELESTOWSKI airborne from base 08.30. Landed 10.55. Crossed in at NOORDWIJK at 10.000 ft, turned south to LEIDEN, HAGUE, coast to UTRECHT, north to HILVERSUM, AMSTERDAM, DEN HELDER, south to IJMUIDEN, crossed out south of EGMOND areas searched at 7.000 ft. No transport or shipping seen. Weather: 9/10, at 10.000 ft. Visibility 5 to 10 miles.
10.30. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 3 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. MARTENS airborne from base 10.30. Landed Ursel 12.20. T.O. 13.35. Landed base 14.25. Blue 1 /SLdr. B.H. DROBINSKI, D.F.C. /did not T.O. owing to tyre burst on runway. Crossed in south of HAARLEM at 10.000 feet, turned sotuh and bombed railway junction at E.0994 E/W from 8/4.000 ft. 1 overshot, i undershot 1 hang up, jettisoned insea. Landed Ursel 12.20. T.O. 13.35 and instructed to return direct to base owing to weather detervoating. Weather: No clouds, misty. Visibility 5 miles.
14.30. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by S/Ldr. DROBINSKI , D.F.C. airborne from base 14.30. Landed Ursel 16.30. T.O. 17.15. Landed base 18.45. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft, bombed railway at E. 0593 E/W from 10/3.000 ft. 3 direct hits and 1 near miss damaging embarkment . Landed Ursel. Rebombed same load. Flew direct at at 10.000 ft to UTRECHT and attacked railway at E. 2688 E/W at 8/2.000 ft. 1 direct hits, 3 near misses damaging embarkment . Crossed NOORDWIJK. Weather: Cloud 10/10, , 10.000 ft. Misty.
15.30. ARMED RECCO /Railway Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by P/O. GORECKI, airborne from base 15.30. Landed Ursel 17.000. TO 17.40. Landed base 18.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft. 2 a/c bombed railway at D. 8883 N/S from 10/2500 ft and fill 50 yards to left again. Landed Ursel, refuelled and flew direct to base. Weather: 10/10 cloud at 13.000 ft. Misty.

1945-03-26

D+292.
COLTISHALL.

Squadron 60 minutes for training . Weather: 10/10, base 1500. Heavy rain. Letcure by Squadron Commander on “Bombing”. Tolk by I.O. on Russian A/c Regognition. Link Trainer Instruction. Squadron released at 15.30.

1945-03-27

D+293.
COLTISHALL.

13.45. Squadron had 4 aircraft at readiness all day. ARMED RECCO.4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SZELESTOWSKI airborne from base 13.45. Landed 15.50. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 11.000 feet. The main reoads in areas eneonpassed by Utrecht., Amstrdam, Haarlem and the Hague searched at 7/3000 ft for transport targets. Unevenful. Crossed out at Noordwijk. Weather: No cloud, misty. Vis. 8-10 miles.
15.05. ARMED RECCO. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. FRANCKIEWICZ, airborne from base 15.05. Landed 17.05. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 11.000 feet , Rottedram, Utrecht, Amsterdam areas searched at 7000 ft for motor transport. Unevenful. Railway at approx. D. 8485 which received two direct hits seen to be under repair by 50 men. Crossed out at NOORDWIJK . Large patch of oil 40-50 miles went of HAGUE noted area examined but nothing seen. Weather: No cloud Vis. 15 miles.
17.15. ARMED RECCO. 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. SZELETWOWSKI aibronr from base 17.05. Landed 19.15. Crossed in at NOORDWIJK at 10.000 feet. Area bombed at 7/3.000 ft for possible transport targets. Nothing seen. Crossed out at NOORDWIJK. Smoke marker noted on way in at H. 5319. Weather: No cloud. Very misty. Visibility 2-3 miles.
On the 25th, March, 1945 W/O. SKRSYDŁÓ whilst landing at R.A.F. COLTISHALL after operational sortie carried out a correct landing taxing in the aicraft Spitfire IXF. BR. 140 and turned suddently to the right necesseting use of left broke which did not operate. In order to make room for following aircraft he continued the turn to the fight and on finding that the right tyre was not puncutred taxied to pispersal damging the tail and aicraft was categorized as Cat “AC”. Form 765C auctioned.

1945-03-28

D+294.
COLTISHALL.

No operational on practice flying owing to weather 10/10, base 600. Squadron released at 14.15. Practice clay pigeon shooting. Cocpit check of instrument with aid of OF ground staff. Fighter Command Bi- monthly aicrfat recognition test.

1945-03-29

D+295.
COLTISHALL.

No operational Flying owing to weather in Holland being 10/10 , base 400 ft. Squadron released at 13.00 hrs. Practice Squadron formation flying carried out during the afternoon.

1945-03-30

D+296.
COLTISHALL.

08.55. ARMED RECCO /Rail Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/Lt. ZDANOWSKI aibrorne from base 08.55. Landed Ursel 10.15. T.O. 12.20. Landed base 13.45. Crossed in at NOORDWIJK 9000 ft. Bombed railway at Y.7912. N/S 7/3.000 ft. All near misses. Landed Ursel and rearmed same load. Attacked railway at E. 7397 S/N 8/3.000, [Illegible] near misses. Target /”C” was covered with 10/10, base 3-4.000 ft, top 6000 ft. Crossed out at KATWIJK. Weather: No cloud to 30 miles off British Coast then 6/10, base 3500 ft, top 6000 ft. Showers.
11.00. ARMED RECCO /Rail Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires led. by F/Lt. RZYSKI aibrorne from base 11.00. Landed Ursel 12.30. T.O. 14.30. Landed Ursel 15.40. T.O. 16.30. Landed base 17.30. Crossed in at KATWIJK at 10.000 ft, bombed rail / junction E/W 6/4000 ft at E0489. 3 near misses, 1 hang up jettisoned. Landed Ursel and rearmed with same load . Attacked rail/junction at E. 4586 E/W 6/4000 ft. 2 direct hits, 2 near misses. Landed Ursel refueled and flew direct to base. One stationary marckant ship of approx. 5000 tons noted at D.5760. Facing N/W . One funnel . No steam. A/C at 10.000 ft. Fine: 11.30. Weather: 6/10, base 4000 feet, top 6000 ft. Visibility good.
13.55. ARMED RECCO /Rail Interdiction/ 4 Spitfires IXF. led. by F/O. MAKSYMOWICZ, airborne from base 13.55. Landed Ursel 15.20. T.O. 16.20. Landed base 18.05. Red 4 Sgt. KUKUC lost formation in rain shawer and returned to base. Bomb jettisoned. 3 a/c crossed in at KATWIJK at 9.000 ft. Bombed rail/junction at D. 8996 E/W 6/2.000 ft. 2 direct hits in junction. 1 bomb overshot and made direct hit on line at D. 8796. Landed Ursel rearmed with same load . Attacked railway at D. 8496. 1 near miss damaged railway emberkment , 2 near misses to right of target. Crossed out NOORDWIJK. Weather: 4/10, 7000 ft. Vis. 15 miles.
Squadron finished operational flying at COLTISHALL pending move to ANDREWS FIELD on April 3rd, 1945. All aicraft to be left at COLTISHALL. Squadron to be reequipment at Andrews Field with Mustangs. H.Q.F.C. Signal 0321 dated 29th, March, 1945 has been received by this Unit in regard of movement this Unit together with 6303 Servicing Echelon from R.A.F. COLTISHALL to ANDREWS FIELD. The movement preparation going on according to signal.

1945-03-31

D297.
COLTISHALL.

No operational or practice flying. The Squadron and Servicing Echelon stll carried out movement preparation which will took place on 3rd, April, 1945.
Consolidated flying times for the month ended as 23.39 on 31.3.1945 is as follows.
A. Spitfire XVI Spitfire IXF. Spitfire VB. – Nil.
B. Spitfire XVI.-Nil. Spitfire IXF.-Nil. Spitfire VB. – Nil.
C. Spitfire XVI.- Spitfire IXF. Spitfire VB. –
D. Spitfire XVI. Spitfire IXF. Spitfire VB. –
E. Spitfire XVI.-Nil. Spitfire IXF.-Nil. Spitfire VB. – Nil.

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