Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-04-01

Churchstanton

Weather good in the morning. The Squadron was at 30 mins. Setion at Bolt Head had a “Scramble” but ne E/A were seen. In the afternoon one Section had a Scramble over Bristol, again no E/A was seen. The two Sections, which were detached to Bolt Head, returned.
Authority received from H.Q. 10 Group for the grant of Permanent War Rank of Flying Officer to P/O. Szpakowicz with effect from 1/9/41. Aithority received from Air Ministry for presumption of death of the following pilots: S/Ldr J. SLONSKI w.e.f. 29/8/41, S/Ldr. J. ZAREMBA w.e.f. 14/8/41, P/O W. CHOMS w.e.f. 14/8/41, Sgt. Pilot J. Zieba w.e.f. 23/8/41 and Sgt. Pilot Wieprzkowicz w.e.f. 16/9/41.These pilots were reported missing on these dates.
F/O. WIKTORCZYK was reposted supernumerary N.E. sick with effect from 14/3/42.
F/O. Z. LANGHAMER was posted to No. 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth.
F/SGT. JANKOWIAK, the Squadron discip. returned from a discip. course at No. 58 R.C. Arbroath.

1942-04-02

Churchstanton

In the morning the Squadron was at readiness. In the afternoon at 30 mins. The weather was good. From 19.40 to 00.10 two sections were at readiness. At 00.10 one section was put at 30 mins.
Three Sections had a Convoy patrol in the afternoon, taking off at 17.25 and landing at 20.40.

1942-04-03

Churchstanton

Morning – at 30 mins, afternoon at readiness. At 20.20 one Section at readiness. From 22.30 this Section at 30 mins. Weather good. Training flying was undertaken.
P/O. J. POLAK arrived on posting from No. 308 (Polish) Squadron, Exeter from 29/3/42.

1942-04-04

Churchstanton

On this date the periods of readiness were changed to: Dawn to 09.00, 09.00 to 13.00 and 13.00 to 17.00 and 17.00 to last light. The weather was good in the morning but deteriorated in the afternoon. The Squadron was at readiness up to 09.00 hrs. and again from 13.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. having three scrambles in the afternoon. Nothing of nay importance was seen during any of these patrols. In the morning training flying took place.
SGT. Pilot Marchewicz arrived on posting from No. 308 (Polish) Squadron, Exeter with effect from 29/3/42.

1942-04-05

Churchstanton

Readiness from 20.54 to 21.45. After 21.45 two sections at 30 mins. One Section did G.C.I. practice. The Weather was good. Sgt. KOSMOWSKI posted to 58 O.T.U. with effect from 1/4/42.

1942-04-06

Churchstanton

07.15 to 09.00 and 17.00 to 20.00 the Squadron was at readiness.Weather was bad and no flying took place. The pilots were told of the reason for our air offensive against the German Air Force. The pilots were shown a cine film about training and also about the Blenheim I.
F/O. R. MALCZEWSKI was discharged from R.A.F. Officers Hospital, Torquay with effect from 6/4/42.

1942-04-07

Churchstanton

From 06.30 to 09.20 and 13.00 to 17.00 the Squadron was at readiness. Weather was bad and no flying took place. Sgt. KOSMOWSKI, [F/L] RUTKOWSKI, S/LDR. WCZELIK, P/O. SOLOGUB, F/SGT. SMIGIELSKI, F/O. SZPAKOWICZ and F/O. MALCZEWSKI received Polish decorations (Valour Cross).

1942-04-08

Churchstanton

10.15 to 21.29 one Section at readiness. The weather was good. Blue and Yellow Sections had a Convoy patrol. Training flying was carried out, also dusk at night flying.
Sgt. Pilot CZEZOWSKI was detached to No. 2 School of Air Navigation at Cranage to attend No. 5 Fighter Command Refresher Navigation Course.

1942-04-09

Churchstanton

The Squadron readiness varied between 15 and 30 mins. Weather was non-operational.
F/LT. WIKTORCZYK discharged from R.A.F. Officers Hospital, Torquay and granted 10 days sick leave.

1942-04-10

Churchstanton

06.24 to 09.00 and 13.00 to 17.00 the Squadron was readiness. The weather was good in the morning. Red Section had a Convoy patrol. One Section had a ‘Scramble” but nothing was seen.
Training flying, dusk and Night Flying were undertaken.
F/O. K. PNIAK arrived on posting from A.F.D.U. Duxford with effect from 9/4/42 for Operational Room Duties (F/Lt. post.)

1942-04-11

Churchstanton

11.25 to 13.00 two Sections at readiness. Bad weather sometimes non-operational. Three sections led by S/Ldr WCZELIK flew to Weston - Super – Marefor a practice of the demonstration to be undertaken on the following day. F/O J. ZURAKOWSKI arrived on posting from No. 315 (Polish) Squadron, Northolt with effect from 6/4/42 for Flight Commander post.

1942-04-12

Churchstanton

08.45 to 12.15 and 15.00 to 21.35 three sections at readiness. From 12.15 to 15.00 one Section at readiness. The weather was good. Two sections flew to Bolt Head, Yellow Section had a Comvoy Patrol. Three sections went to Weston – Super – Mare and made a demonstration of beating up some barges and formation flying. S.Ldr. WCZELIK led the Section and for 20 minutes formation flying was carried out at a height of approximately 500 feet. Two dummy runs were made over the target, the first from the sea, the second from the land, each section taking one target. The flight formed up and two line ahead attacks were made at a height of approx. 250 feet. Both runs were made from S/E direction. Hits were seen on the targets and one left in flames. Six aircraft landed at Churchstanton at 14.00 hrs. The pilots stated that it was very difficult to identify the barges owing to the dark back ground.
Blue Section had a “Scramble” but nothing of any interest was seen. The Section at Bolt Head had four “Scrambles” nothing being seen on any occasion.

1942-04.13

Churchstanton

06.15 to 09.00 four sections were at readiness, and from 09.00 to 21.37 two sections were at readiness. The weather was good. Three aircraft returned from Bolt Head, being replaced by three others. One section flew over the Chanell in search of a missing bomber. Two sections had a “Scramble” over Exmouth but nothing was seen. Four sections – Red, blue, yellow and green carried out convoy patrols. Training flying was carried out at 30.000 feet. Two sections returned from Bolt Head aerodrome in readiness for an Operation on the following day. F/Lt. ZURAKOWSKI took over “B” Flight as Flight Commander.

1942-04-14

Churchstanton

Weather good. Readiness from 06.15 to 08.20. 13 aircraft took off to Tangmere. F/Sgt. SMIGIELSKI landed at Tangmere with a retracted undercarriage, but was unhurt. Twelve a/c, led by S/LDR. WCZELIK, took off Tangmerre at 11.50 hrs. to act as High Escort Cover to 12 Bostons going to bomb Caen. On the return journey the Squadron was attacked by 5 Me. 109s and combats ensued. P/O. ZULIKOWSKI claimed one Me. 109 as destroyed and F/O. FLISNIK claimed one Me. 109 as destroyed and one as demaged.
The Squadron landed at 13.30 hrs. S/LDR.WCZELIK and F/O. JANKOWSKI failed to return from this Operation.
Authority received from H.Q. No. 10 Group for posting F/O. K. RUTKOWSKI to R.A.F. Station, Exeter supernumerary N.E. sick. P/O. J. MIJAKOWSKI and P/O. Z. JELINSKI were posted from No. 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth for flying duties. SGT. WEYERS was also posted from No. 58 O.T.U. F/O. M. PRODAN nad Cpl. Penwell proceeded to the Polish Records Office at Blackpool for 2 days to check all the airmens dokuments.

1942-04-15

Churchstanton

Weather good. The Squadron was at readiness from 09.00 to 12.00 and 13,30 to 21.41 hrs. Two Sections flew to Bolt Head, one Section from Churchstanton had a “Scramble” over Exeter. Section Red, Green and Blue did a Convoy patrol. Flight Lieutenant Zurakowski collided with a lorry on the flare path in landing – pilot unhurt. The two Sections at Bolt Head had “Scrambles”
F.O. T. CZERWINSKI reposted to this Unit to command.
P.O. J. ZULIKOWSKI reposted to Flight Commander post.

1942-04-16

Churchstanton

Weather was good. Seven aircraft took off for Tangmere at 06.45 hrs. Two aircraft from Bolt Head also went to Tangmere. Nine aircraft took off Tangmere on Operation “10 Group Ramrod 20”. P/O. Sologub a Me. 109E as destroyed near Cherbourg and later claimed another. P/O. SOLOGUB was himself attacked and saw strikes on his port wing but gave emergency boost. The E/A followed him for about 10 miles but scored no further hits. The Squadron landed at Ford aerodrome at 12.15 hrs. without any loss to themselves. Eight aircraft took off Redhill at 17.40 hrs. on Operation “10 Group Rodeo”. Individual combats took place about 4 miles inside the French Coast.
F/LT. CZERWINSKI claimed one F.W. 190 as destroyed. F/O. MALCZEWSKI fired at one E/A which turned sharply to port and dived but no hits were seen and no claims is made. P/O. ZULIKOWSKI fired three bursts at an E/A and is convincent that it must have been hit and claims the E/A as damaged pending development of the cine film. The Squadron landed at Redhill at 19.00 hrs.
The Section at Bolt Head had three “Scrambles” nothing being seen.

1942-04-17

Churchstanton

One Section was Readiness 12.45 to 21.45. Weather was good. One Section flew to Bolt Had, one Section had a “Scramble” over the Channel at 14.00 hrs. Two section flew to Warmwell and from there took off on Operation “10 Group Circus No. 2” These Sction together with 13 a/c of 302 Sqdn. and 9 a/c of 308 Sqdn acted as High Escort Cover to 12 Bostons on a raid over the Cherbourg docks. On the return flight from the Target Sgt. Horn and Sgt. Machowiak were attacked by three Me. 109s. Sgt. Horn fired at one of Me. 109s on which hits were seen and the E/A dived and went down in a spin and was seen by F/Sgt. Pietrzak to crash into the sea. This E/A is claimed as destroyed. Two aircraft landed at Ibsely and two at Warmwell.
There was some practice flying carrier out in the morning. Red and blue sections did a convoy patrol 20.15 to 21.55. The Section at Bolt Head had four “Scrambles” and three sections had a Convoy patrol.
Authority received from the Polish Record Office for awarding the Permanent War Rank of Sergeant to Sgt. pilot MARCHEWICZ with effect from 19541.

1942-04-18

Churchstanton

06.07 to 09.00., 13.00 to 17.00 the Squadron was at readiness. Weather was good. One Section flew to Bolt Head 07.55 and returned at 09.55. Red section did a convoy patrol in the afternoon, one section had a “Scramble” over Seaton. The Sections at Bolt Head had patrol over Convoy. Four “Scrambles” were also carried out from Bolt Head aerodrome.

1942-04-19

Churchstanton

From 11.25 to13.00 and 17.00 to 21.58 the Squadron was Readiness. In the morning th weather was non-operational and in the afternoon bad weather. In the afternoon one Section had a “Scramble” and two Sections Convoy patrol.

1942-04-20

Churchstanton

11.00 o 11.30 and 20.30 to 21.50 the Squadron was at readiness. In the morning the weather was non-operational and in the afternoon - bad. No flying all day.

1942-04-21

Churchstanton

09.00 to 13.00 the Squadron was at readiness. Weather was bad. Two Sections returnet from Bolt Head aerodrome. One Section flew to Hullarincton (South Wales) but owing to bad weather they had to land at Exeter on their return, coming on from Exeter at 13.30. Red Section flew over Harrowbeer and returned to Exeter owing to bad weather, landing back to Churchstanton at 16.05.

1942-04-22

Churchstanton

05.55 to 07.00 and 13.00 to 17.00 the Squadron was at readiness. 17.00 to 21.53 two sections at readiness. Weather in the morning weather non-operational and in the afternoon bad. No flying all day.
Autority received from Headquarters No. 10 Group for posting F/O (A/F/L) K. RUTKOWSKI to R.A.F. Station Churchstanton supernumerary N.E. sick with effect from 26/3/42. Acting rank of F/Lt relinquished w.e.f. 26/3/42.

1942-04-23

Churchstanton

11.15 to 13.00 and 17.00 to 21.05 readiness. In the morning non-operational weather, in the afternoon bad weather. In the afternoon one Section did a G.C.I. co-operation. Red and Yellow Sections carried out convoy patrols. … at 18.40 until 21.30. Yellow Section landed at Exeter 21.30 hrs. The Squadron had a cine show; the films being Squadron Operational Combats and practice attacks, also recognition film JU. 87 and HE.115.
Sgt. Pilot Czezowski ceased to be detached to No. 2 School of Air Navigation at Cranage.

1942-04-24

Churchstanton

05.55 to 09.00 readiness. In the morning the weather is bad, afternoon good. One Section – Yellow returned from Exeter. At 11.50 the Squadron, 14 a/c took off for Warmwell. Two aircraft were sent from Warmwell on a Shipping recco. over Cherbourg and sighted two ships of about 1000 tons together with two very small ships 5 miles N.N.E. of Cap de la Hague. At Warmwell there were two “Scrambles”. One aircraft returned to Churchstanton from Warmwell at 20.15 hrs.

1942-04-25

Churchstanton

Weather was good. At 08.45 hrs. 11 a/c took off from Warmwell on Operation “10 Group Circus No. 4” These aircraft acted as High Cover Wing to six Bostons to bomb the docks at Cherbourg. Six Me. 109s were sighted S/E of Maupertus. 306 and 308 Sqdns. turned to engage the E/A which immediately dived and escaped. Three pilots opened fire but no hits were seen. A further two Me. 109s were sighted in mid – channel which immediately turned South and headed for France. The Squadron landed at Warmwell at 10.15 hrs. One aircraft treturned from Warmwell to Churchstanton and 12 aircraft flew from Warmwell at 11.35 hrs. landing at Exeter at 12.10 hrs. One aircraft demaged the undercarriage on landing. From Churchstanton two a/c flew to Exeter where 13 a/c took off at 14.10 and landed Bolt Head 14.30. 10 aircraft took off from Bolt Head at 16.20 hrs. on operation 10 Group Circus No. 3 and acted as Escort to 6 Bostons going to Morlaix. At 16.50 hrs. when at 12.000 feet approx 30 miles from the French Coast it was quite obvious that the weather was totally unsuitable for carrying out he operation, inspite of the favourable Met. report and the aircraft returned without sighting any shipping or E/A. Blue and green sections did Convoy patrols 19.40 to 22.00.

1942-04-26

Churchstanton

05.49 to 09.00 and 09.50 again readiness. Weather good. Blue Section carried out Convoy patrols 07.00 hrs. to 08.40. At 10.55 13 a/c took off for Tangmere where they took off 13.40 for Operation “ […………….. ] The object of this Sweep was to draw Enemy fighters from the Hazebrook area on which a raid was tio take place at the same time. French coast crossed between Le Torquet and Hardelot, returning between Cape Gris Nez and Calais. No E/A were seen and nothing of interest was reported. The Squadron landing at Redhill at 14.55 hrs. The Squadron again took off from Redhill at 17.10 for Operation “Rodoe 2” The Squadron together with 302 Squadron made randezvous with the Kenley Wing over Eastchurch. The French Coast was crossed at Mardyck. When 3 to 4 miles inside the Coast the Polish Wing, then flying South, observed a formation of 6 FW. 190s. approaching from the East and above. At the same time another formation was seen coming from the South. The Wing dived sharply to port and individual combats took place. F/Lt. CZERWINSKI got in two bursts on one F.W. 190 and hits were seen on the Starboard wing, the airleron, large parts of the wing broke away and the E/A went down spinning showly. This aircraft is claimed as destroyed.
F/O. MALCZEWSKI also got in a ½ sec. burst on one F.W. 190 but no hits were seen and no claim is made. P/O ZULIKOWSKI was attacked by 3 F.W. 190s. but dived away below them. On approaching to within 2 miles of Gardenia at 14.000 feet he saw na F.W. 190 attacking a Spitfire from astern. The Spitfire went into a spin. P/O ZULIKOWSKI dived on to the F.W. 190 opening fire with canon and machine gun from 300 yards quarter attack where he gave a 2 secs. bursts. A second and third burst was given from the same distance. Though no results were observed P/O. ZULIKOWSKI is convinced that this E/A must have been hit, therefore pending development of the cine film this E/A claimed as demaged. The pilot landed at Redhill at 18.45 hrs. and the rest the Sqdn. landed at Redhill at 18.35 hrs. with the exception of F/O. FLISNIK who failed to return from this operation.

1942-04-27

Churchstanton

From 09.00 to 13.00 and 17.00 to 22.03 the Squadron was at readiness. Two Sections flew to Bolt Head and 7 a/c “Scrambled” to 13.000 feet over base. Nothing was seen. At 12.20 to 13.20 Red and yellow sections did convoy patrols. 18.50 to 22.20 three sections at Bolt Head had “Scrambles”. One section did a convoy patrol.
S/Ldr. WCZELIK and F.O. JANKOWSKI posted to R.A.F. Polish Dpot, Blackpool N.E. with effect from 15/4/42 having been missing since 14/4/42.

1942-04-28

Churchstanton

21.35 to 23.30 one Section was at readiness. Weather was good. One Section returned from Bolt Head at 08.55 hrs. 11 a/c took off for Redhill at 09.00, landing there at 10.10. 14.15 eleven aircraft took off for a sweep over France – Calais, St. Omer and Boulogne. The Channel was crossed at 22,000 feet, landfall made at Calais. They flew Eastwards and when nearing St. Omer turned Starboard and returned, leaving the French Coast at Boulogne. The Sqdn. Commander reported seeing a formation of approximately 30 E/A in the direction of Lille at 20,000 feet. A further formation of 10 E/A were seen in the Calais area, also at 20,000 feet. When over Calais several red puffs appeared within 5 yards of one of 306 Sqdns. aircraft. It had no effect on the a/c and they were probably indicator signals. Al our a/c returned to Redhill without incident.
On landing at Redhill one a/c was demaged. 10 a/c took off from Redhill at 16.00 hrs. landing Churchstanton 16.45. Two sections took off for Bolt Head at 20.00 hrs.

1942-04-29

Churchstanton

09.00 to 13.00 readiness. Weather good. Two aircraft changed at Bolt Head. Two sections “Scrambled” to 30,000 feet. Yellow section, when at 16,000 feet over Maiden Newton saw an a/c to the East at about 30,000 feet. This a/c disappeared into the cloud. Later of Berry Head flying at 26,000 feet yellow section saw an a/c off Start Point. It was flying at 30,000 feet and appeared to bee stil climbing in a Northerly direction. This a/c also disappeared into cloud. Red section when orbitting in mid channel between Star Point and Le Hague at 28,00 feet saw na a/c flying West at 30,000 feet. This a/c disappeared into cloud and nothing further was seen. In each case the a/C sighted was about 10 miles from our pilots. Red and yellow sections landed Churchstanton at 12.50 hrs. Sections at Bolt Head had 6 “Scrambles” but nothing was seen. A Mustang a/c landed at Churchstanton and the pilots were asked to examine it. Afterwards it beat up the aerodrome just as one Section was landing, with the result that this Section beat up the Mustang a/c with very considerable success. F/LT ZURAKOWSKI carried out Night Flying 21.55 hrs. to 23.50 hrs.

1942-04-30

Churchstanton

05.40 to 09,00 at readiness. 21.40 to 02.00 also at readiness. From 02.00 hrs at one hour available. The Weather was good. Eight a/c took off for Bolt Head 14.45 and eleven a/c took off from Bolt Head 17.15 for Operation “10 Group Circus No. 3” Randezvous was made 2000 feet over Bolt Head at 17.27 hrs. with six Bostons and 12 a/c 302 Sqdn. This Squadron provided close escort to the bombers which were flying at approx. 16,000 feet. The Squadron was attacked by two Me. 109Fs. and one of these was engaged by Sgt. Horn and he got in a burst from 500 yards but no results were observed. Two pilots on their way to the French coast between Les Sept Isles and the French Coast saw 6 ships of approx. 1000 tons at anchor. 9 a/c landed at Bolt Head and 2 a/c at Churchstanton.
One Section at Bolt Head received orders to “Scramble” but nothing was sighted. F/O ARCT did some night flying 22.30 to 23.40.