Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-09-01

Northolt

Good weather. The Squadron carried out formation and navigation flying. Sgts. Kordasiewicz and Gajewski were awarded the permanent War Rank of Sergeant with effect from 5/11/41 – Sgt. Weyers with effect from 8/8/41 and Rogowski with effect from 4/10.41. Sgt. Czahla also received the permanent war rank of Sergeant with effect from 24/8/41.

1942-09-02

Northolt

Weather – fair. Squadron formation flying and practice flying with new code cards was carried out.

1942-09-03

Northolt

Weather good. The Polish Wing consisting of Nos. 317, 306 308 and 302 Sqdns and S/Ldr. Nowierski left Northolt at 09.30 hrs. and were to act as 1st Diversion with Biggin Hill. Beachy Head was reached a little early as the Wing had climbed rapidly to get above cloud which was in several layers 3/27,000 feet. The Wing made two wide orbits near Beachy Head and on the second, two Spitfire Squadrons were been approaching from the West, below our Wing. S/Ldr. Nowierski told them to set course and France was approached on a wide front between Boulogne and South of Le Touquet, our Wing still climbing to 27,000 feet by which height they were above cloud. Ten miles from the French Coast close formation was taken up and the coast was crossed between Le Touquet and Berck – Sur – Mer. Just before crossing the Coast the Biggin Hill Squadron were seen below and to starboard and they turned with the Northolt Wing still below. Northolt had by now reduced height to 20,000 feet. The formation turned over Dunkerque, over the Sea, then back over Calais where moderate heavy A/A was experienced. Course was then set for home, the English Coast being crossed at Folkestone.
Weather – England and Channel = layers of cloud 6-8/10ths from 3/27,000 feet. France – clouds still in layers but smaller amounts. East of St. Omer = much cloud. Visibility – fairly good.
At 20.00 hrs the Squadron paraded at Dispersal and the Adjutant, F/O. Prodan, read out to the Squadron Commander and all the Squadron a list of all pilots who had been killed or missing when serving with 306 Squadron during the past two years.

1942-09-04

Northolt

Weather fair. To – day was the second anniversary of the formation of the Squadron and was celebrated accordingly. At 09.55 hrs. the Polish President, Mr. W. RACZKIEWICZ, arrived by car at the Squadron Dispersal point and immediately a report from the Squadron Commander, S/Ldr. Rutkowski, during which time the Squadron stood to attention and presented arm. At 10.00 hrs. Holy Mass was held in one of the Blister Hangars. During the Mass the R.A.F. Band played “Ave Maria” and Handel’s “Largo”. At 10.45 hrs. a parade was held during which the Polish President decorated some of the pilots and ground crew of 306 Squadron, 302, 317, 316 Sqdns and Station Headquarters, Northolt.
At 11.15 hrs. the Polish President took the salute at the March Past of the whole Squadron led by the R.A.F. Band. After this the Polish President departed at 12.15 hrs. Officers and airmen took their places at tables which had been specially laid out for dinner in one of the Blister type Hangars. The R.A.F. Band played until after everyone had finished dinner, when work was resumed.
At 19.00 hrs. a dance was held in the camp for the airmen of 306 Squadron.
Formation flying was carried out from 13.35 hrs. to 14.10 hrs. and one section did Air/Sea rescue at 09.10 hrs.
F/O.O. Sobiecki reported on posting from 453 Squadron, Drem for flying duties w.e.f. 27/8/42.

1942-09-05

Northolt

Weather fair to good. Local flying and formation flying was carried out. At 08.45 hrs. the Squadron took off for Circus 214. In this Operation Northolt Polish Wing were to act as rear support. 12 Spitfires 306 Sqdn. and W/Cdr. Janus left Northolt 08.45 hrs. and 12 Spitfires 302 Sqdn. together with 12 Spitfire 308 Squadron left Heston 08.45/44. They flew at ground level to Shoreham and then for 17 minutes over the Sea, where height was increased rapidly. Several miles North of Etretat the Squadrons turned and flew parallel to the Coast and, when West of Le Havre (Wing flying between 15/17,000 feet) the pilots observed bomb bursts in the Target area. Bombs were actually seen to bursts by the side of the Bassin Bellot and fire was seen on the South side. The bombers were then seen for the first time and the Wing sweeping S. of Le Havre crossed the French Coast losing height. All 12 bombers were seen on the return journey. The English Coast was crossed at Selsey Bill and all aircraft returned to their bases at 10.20/26. Slight A/A was experienced from Le Havre which was above and behind. As the Wing left the French Coast, warning was received of many E/A behind but none was seen at any time. Weather – England = 3/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet. Channel and France = clear with slight mist. Visibility = good.

1942-09-06

Northolt

Weather good. Formation flying and test flying of Spitfire IX aircraft was carried out. W/Cdr. Janus carried out an Air/Sea rescue patrol without incident.
At 16.15 hrs. the Squadron took off for Operation Circus 215. The Northolt Polish Wing were to act as bouncing Wing. 12 Spitfires 306 Sqdn and S/Ldr. Nowierski left Northolt 16.11 and 12 Spitfires 308 together with 12 Spitfires 302 left Heston 16.09/11. The Wing flew at ground level to Shoreham where rendezvous was made with the bombers and a Spitfire Wing – on time. Course was set for France, the whole formation flying at Sea level. On the way out S/Ldr. Nowierski noticed that the bombers were flying on a wrong bearing but followed them. Ten miles North of the French Coast the bombers and their escort began to climb, the latter being to starboard of the main formation. S/Ldr. Nowierski saw that they were crossing the Coast West of Dieppe, the whole formation went S. of Dieppe and re – crossed the French Coast W. of Le Treport where A/A was seen directed to the bombers. By this time our Wing was flying 14/15,000 feet. The bombers were then losing height and were last seen 15 miles from the French Coast. Our Wing retained height as they received warnings of E/A, none however were seen. The English Coast was recrossed at Rye and all aircraft except two from 308 Squadron landed at their bases 17.45/18.00. S.Ldr. Nowierski reports seeing a large twin engined aircraft in the South East corner of an aerodrome South East of Dieppe (probably Dieppe / Bois Robert dummy aerodrome). Weather - England 3/10ths cloud, Channel – clear, France – 2/10ths at 8,000 feet. Visibility very good.

1942-09-07

Northolt

Weather good. Local flying, formation flying and high flying was carried out, also one aircraft test. At 09.05 hrs. the Squadron took off for Operation Circus 217. The Northolt Polish Wing were to act as diversion with Debden and North Weald Wings. Eleven Spitfires 306 Squadron and W/Cdr. Janus took off Northolt 08.50 and 12 of 302 and 12 of 308 took off Heston 09.00 hrs. Course was set for Clacton where the Wing arrived a little early. Rendezvous was made at 15,000 feet and the whole formation proceeded towards the Belgium Coast on a wide front. The Belgium Coast was crossed between Nieuport and Ostende, our Wing flying between 25/27,000 feet. A left turn was made and the whole formation (Northolt middle wing) made a wide orbit round Dixmunde and returned towards Bruges and, turning left, came S. of Ostende proceeding along the Coast towards Dunkirk. S. of Ostende 4 F.W.s were seen to attack the lover Wing and then dive out of sight.
306 Pilots saw 4 F.W. climbing to the South as the wing proceeded towards Dunkirk. These 4 F.W.s. were seen the whole time flying parallel to the Wing as the English Coast was approached. Several warnings were received of E/A behind and our Wing made a wide orbit about 10 miles E. of Manston during which they were attacked by a number of F.W.s which flew in from the Sun and above. The Maximum number seen by any one Squadron was 12. All Squadrons were split up, W/Cdr. Janus reports seeing one F.W.spinning down with white smoke pouring from it, then the E/A pulled out and was seen flying back towards France. A number of pilots saw a Spitfire go down and the pilot bale out. Mayday was given and a number of pilots circled over the parachute as it descended. The pilot was eventually picked up out of the water and landed at Ramsgate. Two a/c of 306 Squadron landed at Manston and the others all returned safely to their bases. 8 red bursts of Flak were seen at 24,000 feet from Ostende. Some pilots report that when the F.W.s attacked they noticed white puffs near their machines which seems as if the Enemy were using explosive shells.
Weather – all areas clear with slight, high haze, visibility very good.
F/O. A. Krakowski posted from R.A.F. Northolt for flying duties on ceasing to be non – effective sick.

1942-09-08

Northolt

Weather good. High flying and dusk and night flying carried out. Operation Ramrod 37 was carried out at 12.35 hrs. In this Operation Northolt Polish Wing were to act as Escort and cover to 6 Bostons. 11 Spitfires 306 Sqdn., 12 315 and S/Ldr. Nowierski took off from Northolt 12.35 hrs and 12 Spitfires 308 and 12 of 310 Sqdns. took off from Heston 12.35/36. The flew at below 500 feet to Selsey Bill where rendezvous was made with 6 Bostons. Course was then set towards France, the formation flying at Sea level. 50 miles from the English Coast, the bombers started to climb and our Wing with them, and this in our opinion was much too early. 15 miles W. of Le Havre the formation turned left and as they approached Le Havre, received warning of E/A. A little later S/Ldr. Nowierski saw 6-8 E/A climbing to the S/E. 306 Sqdn. were ordered to gain height and orbit over Le Havre. to deal with these E/A. 306 Squadron climbed to 17,000 feet but no E/A were seen at any time. As a turn North was made towards Le Havre, 315 Squadron, who were one of the escort Squadrons, was attacked by 8 – 10 F.W.s., the Squadron being split up. The E/A were seen at various times behind as the formation flew back towards England, but no more attacks took place although the Wing was repeatedly warned. English Coast was crossed at Littlehampton, 11 a/c 306 landed Northolt 14.15.
Weather: England to Mid Channel = 7/10ths at 2,000 feet, the rest of the way = weather improving – clear over France. Visibility = good.
Sgt. ROZWORSKI was posted from Northolt for flying duties on ceasing to be non – effective sick

1942-09-09

Northolt

Weather good. Local flying and cloud formation flying was carried out.

1942-09-10

Northolt

It was foggy in the morning but this cleared in the afternoon. Nine aircraft took part in Squadron Formation flying training.

1942-09-11

Northolt

Weather fair. 12 aircraft took part in Formation flying, 1 did local flying, and there was one aircraft test.
F/O. A. KOWNACKI arrived from No. 2 S of TT, Cosford on posting supernumerary for Engineer Officer duties w.e.f. 2/9/42.

1942-09-12

Northolt

Weather - fair. 2 a/c carried out local flying and one a/c did high flying at 30,000 feet.

1942-09-13

Northolt

Weather – fair. Local and practice flying was undertaken by 15 pilots.

1942-09-14

Northolt

Weather bad. At 14.35 hrs 7 a/c took part in formation flying and there was one aircraft test.
F/Sgt. Machowiak proceeded to No. 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth on posting w.e.f. 5/9/42 for Instruktor duties, on completion of leave.

1942-09-15

Northolt

Weather – good. At 09.45 hrs. 2 aircraft took part in air to air firing. At 10.05 hrs. three a/c carried out formation flying. At 10.10 hrs. there was one a/c test. At 10.55 formation and cloud flying was undertaken by two aircraft. At 11.00 hrs. 5 a/c took part in practice photo attacks with the use of the cine camera guns. During the afternoon 10 aircraft carried out Squadron formation flying.

19420-09-16

Northolt

Weather good. Test flying and Sector recco. was carried out by two aircraft.
P/O. M. BENOIT arrived on posting from No. 58 O.T.U. for flying duties w.e.f. 15/9/42.
P/O. Z. JELINSKI detached to R.A.F. Officers School, Cosford for No. 2 Polish Officers Initial Course.

1942-09-17

Northolt

Weather good. 16 aircraft carried out co – operation exercises with the Army. Aircraft tests and G.C.I. practices were also carried out.

1942-09-18

Northolt

Weeather - fair. Squadron formation flying, battle formation flying and local flying was carried out.

1942-09-19

Northolt

Weather – fair. Sub – stratosphere flying, Squadron formation flying and low flying practices were carried out. Sgt. Weyers posted to Croydon for flying duties with No. 1 Delivery Flight.

1942-09-20

Northolt

Weather – fair. Low flying, formation and cloud flying was carried out.

1942-09-21

Northolt

Weather - good. Formation flying and Air to Sea firing was undertaken.

1942-09-22

Northolt

Weather – fair. Squadron formation flying and Flight Formation flying was carried out and one a/c dic cannon tests.

1942-09-23

Northolt

Good weather. Squadron formation flying, landings, local flying and night flying was carried out. The night flying began at 19.55 hrs. and finished at 02.55 hrs, 22 a/c taking part.
P/O. MALCZEWSKI posted to No. 2 F.T.S. Montrose for No. 16 Flying Instructors Course.

1942-09-24

Northolt

Weather - good. Battle formation, High flying and formation flying was carried out.
At 11.45 hrs. three aircraft took off from Northolt for Air to Sea firing but when over Dungeness at 25,000 feet our pilots were warned of E/A. Two F/W 190s. were seen flying North at approx. 23,000 feet to the West of our Section. Our pilots turned to starboard and dived towards the E/A which turned under them and made off towards France. Our pilots fired all their ammunition, ranges between 3/800 yards. Two aircraft left off the engagement at approx. 20,000 feet, one continued on to 6,000 feet and just North of Le Touquet. The E/A took no evasive action but were faster than our aircraft. Our pilots were – F/Lt. Zulikowski, P/O. Jeka and F/O. Szpakowicz.

1942-09-25

Northolt

Weather – fair. Local flying, flight and Squadron formation flying was carried out. W/Cmdr Mumler ceased to be attached to 306 Squadron and returned to No. 58 O.T.U.

1942-09-26

Northolt

Weather – fair. Local flying, formation flying and dog fighting practices were carried out.
Information received that F/O. Landsman, reported missing on 19/9/42, is now a’prisoner of War in Germany.

1942-09-27

Northolt

Weather – fair. Flight formation, high flying and local flying was carried out. Three aircraft, which had flown to Middle Wallop the previous day landed at Croydon. One of these aircraft, piloted by P/O. POLAK, overshot the ‘drome on landing due to poor visibility.
F/SGT. JASINSKI detached to No. 1528 B.A.T. Flight, West Malling for Beam Approach Training Course.

1942-09-28

Northolt

Weather – bad. 2 aircraft flew back from Croydon. The Squadron was due to move to R.A.F. Station Ipswich for one week’s armament training. At 09.30 hrs. a party consisting of 4 Officer, 5 N.C.Os. and 44 airmen proceeded by lorry to Ruislip Station and then by train to Liverpool Street Station.
Special accommodation had been provided on the 11.20 train to Ipswich where transport was waiting to transport them to Ipswich R.A.F. Station. The aircraft were due to go to Ipswich in the afternoon but the weather was too bad for them to proceed.

1942-09-29

Northolt

Weather – bad. Local flying was carried out by two aircraft at 17.45 hrs.

1942-09-30

Northolt

Weather – bad and foggy. Two aircraft carried out local flying. The Squadron was still unable to proceed to Ipswich.

Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 306 (Polish) Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE