Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-05-01

Hemswell

WEATHER: Mainly fair with thundery showers. Wind N.W. 15 – 25 m.p.h.
Ten sorties were made for practice in circuits and landings.

1943-05-02

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fine. Local haze. Wind N. 10 m.p.h., falling to light and becoming S. nil – 5 m.p.h. in afternoon.
One aircraft was flown to SYWELL for disposal, accompanied by another aircraft. One aircraft made cross-country flight to MARHAM and FENMERE.

1943-05-03

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair, becoming cloudy, local fog at first. Wind light variable, becoming N. p.m. One aircraft was flown to SYWELL for disposal, accompanied by another aircraft. Three crews practiced circuits and landings by day and four by night.

1943-05-04

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy at first, becoming fine. Wind N. becoming N.N.W. 10 – 15 m.p.h. One cross-country flight was made to MIDDLETON St. GEORGE and new aircraft escorted to base.

1943-05-05

Hemswell

WEATHER: Widespread fog, slowly clearing during morning and becoming fine in afternoon. Wind light variable.
Three cross-country flights were carried out and two new aircraft escorted to base from DALTON.

1943-05-06

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy, occasional rain. Wind N. 5 – 10 m.p.h.
One cross-country flight made to DALTON and two new aircraft escorted to base. One crew practised circuits and landings by day and four by night.

1943-05-07

Hemswell

WEATHER: Occasional showers, bright intervals. Wind W.N.W. 10 – 20 m.p.h.
Two crews practised circuits and landings by day and one by night.

1943-05-08

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy, occasional rain. Wind S.E. 25 – 35 m.p.h.
One aircraft carried out cross-country flight and “Gee Box” practice. Another aircraft made test flight and one crew practiced circuits and landings.

1943-05-09

Hemswell

WEATHER: Intermittent thundery rain. Wind N.W. 15 – 25 m.p.h. increasing to 30 – 40 m.p.h., gusts to 60 m.p.h., moderating slowly towards evening.
Two aircraft carried out cross-country flights and “Gee Box” practice. One cross-country flight to FINNINGLEY was made and one test flight carried out.

1943-05-10

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy with continuous rain. Wind S. – S.W. backing S. – S.E. and increasing to 25 – 30 m.p.h.
No flying.

1943-05-11

Hemswell

WEATHER: Local mist early, otherwise fine. Wind W. 5 – 10 m.p.h. increasing to 10 – 20 m.p.h.
Four crews took part in fighter affiliation and two in circuits and landings. Two cross-country flights and one test flight were carried out. One sortie was made for “Gee Box” practice. Two crews practised circuits and landings by night.

1943-05-12

Hemswell

WEATHER: Mainly cloudy, continuous rain spreading from S.W. Wind S.W. to S. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Five cross-country flights were carried out, three of these to ABINGDON and NEWTON. One crew practised circuits and landings by day and three by night. SERGEANTS ARTYMIUK and SZADKOWSKI were presented with the D.F.M. by the A.O.C. No. 1 Group in a ceremony held at this Station. F/Lt. JONIKAS, F/O. DE COSTRES and F/O. KWOLEK (late of this Squadron) were presented with the D.F.C. and SGT. (now P/O.) ZAJAC (also late of this Squadron) was presented with the D.F.M.

1943-05-13

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy, occasional rain. Wind S. – S.W. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Five aircraft proceeded on cross-country flights, three of these carrying out air firing practice and one a height test. One test flight was carried out. Two crews practised circuits and landings by night.

1943-05-14

Hemswell

WEATHER: Mainly fair. Wind S.W. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Five aircraft carried out cross-country flights and bombing practice; one of these firing practice also. Three crews practised circuits and landings. Four test flights were made. Four crews practised circuits and landings by night.

1943-05-15

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair to fine. Wind N. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Four sorties were carried out for single-engine flying and Lorenz practice. Three aircraft took part in air firing practice. Single aircraft carried out circuits and landings and a test flight. Five crews practised circuits and landings by night and three aircraft took part in a “Bullseye” Exercise.

1943-05-16

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair to fine. Wind light variable.
Three aircraft carried out height tests and one a cross-country flight to FINNINGLEY. One crew practised circuits and landings by day and two by night. Three cross-country flights were carried out by night via MISSON, ABINGDON, ABERDOVEY, STOKE and CAMBRIDGE.

1943-05-17

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair to fine. Wind N.W. light, becoming N.E. – E. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Four aircraft carried out single-engine flying and Lorenz practice. Single aircraft carried out a test flight and circuits and landings respectively. Five aircraft took part in a “Bullseye” Exercise tonight.

1943-05-18

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fog and mist patches at first, becoming fine. Wind light variable.
Single aircraft carried out a cross-country flight to HOUNSDON, a test flight with Lorenz practice, and circuits & landings by day and night respectively. Three aircraft took part in a “Bullseye” exercise.

1943-05-19

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy with local mist and fog, becoming fine. Wind E. to S.E. 10 – 20 m.p.h.
Two cross-country flights were made to DOCKING and one to CRANFIELD (the latter including “Gee Box” practice). One aircraft carried out a height test and another single-engine flying and Lorenz practice. One aircraft took part in a “Bullseye” Exercise.

1943-05-20

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy with thundery rain, fair later. Wind light variable, becoming S.W. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Four aircraft took part in fighter affiliation. Three made cross-country flights including “Gee Box” practice. Another aircraft flew to Kirton and NEWTON. Three crews practised circuits and landings by night.

1943-05-21

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair to cloudy, outbreaks of thundery rain. Wind variable, less than 10 m.p.h. Hazy.
OPERATION NO. 198. Six aircraft of this Squadron, captained by W/Cdr. CZOLOWSKI, F/O. BASTER, P/O. DZIEDZIC, F/O. STENCEL, F/O. HRYNCEWICZ and F/O. ADUCZKIEWICZ, were detailed to lay mines in enemy waters. All successfully carried out this task and report a good trip.
During the day nine aircraft carried out test flights and three single-engine flying with Lorenz practice. One crew took part in circuits and landings, and one in a “Bullseye” exercise.

1943-05-22

Hemswell

WEATHER: Local mist and fog at first, becoming fine. Hazy. Wind light variable, less than 15 m.p.h.
Three aircraft carried out cross-country flights, one carrying one Lorenz practice.

1943-05-23

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair to cloudy; thundery showers in afternoon. Wind S.W. – W.S.W. 5 – 10 m.p.h. increasing to 15 – 25 m.p.h., gusty.
OPERATION No. 199. Eight aircraft of this Squadron took part in a heavy raid on the German town of DORTMUND. The captains were F/O. KLISZ, F/O. BOBINSKI, F/Lt. MATYLIS, F/O. HRYNCEWICZ, F/O. STENCEL, F/O. BASTER, F/O. DZIEDZIC and P/O. CZEMPINSKI. All these aircraft, except that of F/O. Baster, reached and identified the target with the help of pathfinders whose technique is reported to have been very good. Each made his attack, with various types and calibres of bombs, but none was able to observe the results of his own bombs owing to concentrated fires, which covered a large area, and dense smoke. One aircraft was holed by light flak and another sustained superficial damage in an attack by an enemy fighter, but all returned safely to base.
During the day seven test flights were made, one cross-country flight to OXFORD was carried out and one aircraft carried out single-engine flying and Lorenz practice.

1943-05-24

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fine at first, becoming cloudy with occasional rain towards mid-day, continuous later. Wind S. backing and increasing to 15 – 20 m.p.h.
Two aircraft carried out range bombing practice.

1943-05-25

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair, scattered showers during morning. Wind N.W. – W. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
OPERATION No. 200. Six aircraft took part in a heavy attack against DUSSELDORF, with assorted bomb loads. The captains were F/O. KLISZ, F/O. BOBINSKI, F/O. HRYNCEWICZ, F/O. STENCEL, F/O. DZIEDZIC and F/O. SZCZEPANSKI. All successfully reached the target, where they found the pathfinders in operation, but weather conditions were disappointing, unexpected cloud obscuring the area scheduled for attack. However, the attack was delivered by each aircraft, individual results not being observed with the exception of that of F/O. DZIEDZIC whose crew saw their 4,000 lb. H.E. burst in the target. All report a successful trip but that fires were too scattered.
Daylight flying, which consisted mainly of test flights, was marred by the disaster which overtook FLYING OFFICER BASTER’s aircraft over SCUNTHORPE where it crashed with the loss of the lives of all six members of its crew. One a/c was flown to TEMPSFORD for disposal.

1943-05-26

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fine with patches of mist and fog, becoming fair, cloudy. Wind light variable, becoming S. – S.E. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
Six test flights were made, with Lorenz practice. Two cross-country flights to FINNINGLEY were carried out and two crews practised circuits and landings.

1943-05-27

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy, becoming fine. Wind W. – S.W., 10 m.p.h.
OPERATION No. 201. Six aircraft of this Squadron, captained by F/O. KLISZ, F/O. BOBINSKI, F/O. HRYNCEWICZ, F/O. STENCEL, F/O. DZIEDZIC and F/O. CZEMPINSKI, proceeded on an attack against ESSEN, with mixed loads of incendiary and high explosive bombs. The target indicating markers were visible from a considerable distance and all found the target without difficulty and delivered their attack. The weather was again somewhat unfavourable, clouds covering much of the target, and individual results were not observed. Many explosions and scattered fires were observed, however, and a successful trip reported by all.
One aircraft made cross-country flight to TEMPSFORD and another to ABINGDON and NEWTON. One crew practised circuits and landings by night.

1943-05-28

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fair. Wind N.W. 5 – 10 m.p.h.
Two crews practised circuits and landings by day and one by night.

1943-05-29

Hemswell

WEATHER: Fine, local mist early. Wind N.W. or variable, 5 m.p.h., becoming S. later.
OPERATION No. 202. A new target was chosen for the night, and five of our aircraft took part in a heavy attack on WUPPERTAL, Germany, a highly industrialised area in the Ruhr. The captains were F/O. KLISZ, F/O. HRYNCEWICZ, F/O. STENCEL, F/O. DZIEDZIC and F/O. CZEMPINSKI. All found the pathfinders again very helpful and reached the target in good visibility. Most were unable to identify the results of their bombs, but the 4,000 H.E. dropped by F/O. DZIEDZIC’s aircraft was seen to explode in the centre of the target. All report terrific fires covering the whole of the target. Little opposition was encountered over the target and all this Squadron’s aircraft returned safely after an excellent trip.
Seven aircraft carried out test flights and Lorenz practice. Two aircraft took part in range bombing. One cross-country flight was made to ABINGDON and NEWTON.

1943-05-30

Hemswell

WEATHER: Cloudy, fair periods, thundery showers. Wind S.E. 10 – 15 m.p.h., gusting to 25 m.p.h.
OPERATION No. 203. Two aircraft, captained by F/O. ADUCZKIEWICZ and F/O. BOBINSKI, took part in a mining operation in enemy waters. Both successfully laid their mines and report a good trip.
During the day two aircraft carried out test flights and “Gee Box” practice.

1943-05-31

Hemswell

WEATHER: Mainly fair. Wind S.W. 10 – 15 m.p.h.
One aircraft was flown to LUTON for disposal, accompanied by two others. One aircraft made a cross-country flight to ABINGDON and another took part in fighter affiliation. Two test flights were carried out, including Lorenz practice.

SUMMARY OF MOVEMENTS OF PERSONNEL

Officers

F/O. A. KIELKIEWICZ (Nav.) posted to this unit from No. 301 Squadron, w.e.f. 23.4.43.
3rd
F/O. J. PENDIAS (Defence Officer) posted to Polish Initial Training Squadron, Brighton.
9th
F/O. A. STENCEL (Nav.) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.
6th
F/O. J. PARADYSZ (Nav.) posted to this unit from R.A.F. Station, Hemswell.
10th
F/O. B. BASTER (Pilot) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.
F/O. J. DZIEDZIC (Pilot) “”
P/O. W. KOCZAPSKI (Nav.) “”
P/O. A. BLAZEWSKI (Nav.) “”
16th
P/O. L. CZEMPINSKI (Nav.) “”
10th
P/O. F. KULA (A/B.) posted to this unit from P.D.I.G.
15th
P/O. Z. CZEPPE (Nav.BW) posted from this unit to No. 300 Squadron.
19th
F/L. T. WIANECKI (Obs.) posted from this unit to No. 16 P.S.F.T.S.
24th
F/L. N. MATYLIS (Pilot) posted from this unit to No. 138 Squadron.
25th
F/O. W. WISNIEWSKI (A/B.) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.
P/O. K. KUJAWA (WOAG.) “”
F/O. B. BASTER (Pilot) killed in flying accident at Scunthorpe.
P/O. W. KOCZAPSKI “”
31st
P/O. J. GASECKI (Nav.) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.

Airmen

9th
SGT. STANIEWSKI, J. (A/B.) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.
SGT. MAMAK, S. (A/G.) “”
SGT. GOLASZEWSKI (Pil.) “”
SGT. CANDER, W. (WOAG.) “”
SGT. MIKSZA, E. (A/B.) “”
SGT. DUK, A. (A/G.) “”
SGT. KULACH, S. (A/B.) “”
SGT. FOJER, H. (A/G.) “”
SGT. KOPER, B. (WOAG.) “”
SGT. NIZNIK, A. (WOAG.) “”
15th
SGT. BEEGER, P. (WOAG.) posted to this unit from No. 300 Squadron.
16th
SGT. ANGLIK, H. (Pil.) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.
SGT. ANDRUSZKOW, M. (WOAG.) “”
SGT. DOBROWOLSKI, T. (A/B.) “”
SGT. RUMAN, T. (A/G.) “”
25th
W/O. KOCZWARSKI, W. (Pil.) “”
SGT. BIRNHOLC, S. (Nav.) “”
SGT. CZEKANSKI, M. (A/G.) “”
SGT. MIKSZA, E. (A/B.) killed in flying accident at Scunthorpe.
SGT. NIZNIK, A. (WOAG.) “”
SGT. BIALOBRZESKI, K. (A/G.) “”
CPL. BERDECHA, J. (Fitt.I.) “”
26th
SGT. STEPIEN, Z. (Pil.) posted to this unit from No. 18 O.T.U.
SGT. ROSINSKI, J. (Nav.) “”
SGT. SZWANDT, M. (A/B.) “”
SGT. WITEK, J. (WOAG.) “”
SGT. BRULINSKI, W. (A/G.) “”
31st
SGT. FRIED, A. (A/B.) “”
SGT. MAKARSKI, L.B. (A/G.) “”
SGT. RACZKOWSKI, R. (WOAG) “”
SGT. SZPALINSKI, S. (Pil.) “”