Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-10-01

Northolt

Weather fair. Formation flying and local flying was carried out. At 15.00 hrs. 12 aircraft flew to Ipswich for Air Firing training.
F/O. Harla, the Squadron Interpreter, was reposted for Adjutant duties in place F/O. Prodan.
A lecture on Aircraft recognition was given to the pilots.
A lecture was also given by F/O. Sendorek and the Station Polish Engineer Officer to Polish Ground Staff N.C.O.s from each of the Polish Squadrons. The subject of the lecture was the Spitfire IX aircraft and Merlin 61 engine with which this Squadron was equipped.

1942-10-02

Northolt

Weather good. At 13.15 hrs.,/12.15 hrs. the aircraft which were at Ipswich flew to Biggin Hill, the Air Firing practices having been cancelled. The following Operation took place from Biggin Hill. 8 Spitfires IX of 306 (Polish) Squadron and W/Cdr. Janus , led by S/Ldr. Rutkowski took off from Biggin Hill 14.30 hrs., and with three other Spitfire IX Squadrons made rendezvous with US Fortresses over Beachy Head, 306 being Top Squadron. Two aircraft of 306 had to return from Beachy Head oving to faulty connection from Reserve Tanks. The French Coast was crossed South of Le Touquet at 30,000 feet, the Squadron still climbing. Vapour trials occurred at 31/31,500 feet above the bombers. Nothing of interest was seen on the way out, half way back from the target, however, it was noticed that two of the bombers were without any escort, so the Squadron reduced height to 24/26,000 feet and escorted them. At the same time two Me. 109Fs dive past the bombers at some distance away.
Four F.W. 190s were then seen approaching the Fortresses from behind so the Squadron gained height and four pilots attacked the E/A from 3,000 feet above. Only one pilot makes a claim: the aircraft of P/O. Jeka was hit by a bullet which entered the lower surface of the Port elevator and passed through the leading edge of the elevator and the leading edge of the tail plane. F/O. Walendowski who claimed one E/A as destroyed, reported as follows:-
“On return to base when I had been over Aus-le-Chateau, I saw down below four F.W. 190s. When one of them separated and chased a Spitfire, I dived on to it. I made a vertical attack from above and fired from 400 yards, a short burst between the Spitfire and the F.W. as my intention was to interrupt in this way the Enemy’s attack. Then I gave two long bursts attacking the E/A from 45º astern and below from a distance of 300 and 200 yards. During the last burst, the E/A made a full slow roll. I then attacked a fourth time from 50 yards, firing a long burst, during which I saw an explosion – bright fire on the Port Wing level with the pilot’s cockpit. The F.W made a slow turn on to its back and I saw the cockpit cover falling away followed by the pilot. The E/A reverted to a normal flying position in a straight and slov dive. At the very same moment Sergeant Rogowski attacked the E/A and it slowly down. I saw behind me something white and I suppose that the Hun had opened his parachute. About 15 miles from the Coast, over the Channel I found the Flying Fortresses, as at that time I was about 18,000 feet high and I saw behind me at about 400 yards distant five F.W.190s. which pursued me to Dungeness.”
When the Squadron arrived over the Channel on the return journey the Escort of the Bombers was taken over by the other Northolt Squadrons. Five pilots landed at Biggin Hill 16.10 hrs. and one pilot landed Northolt 16.33 hrs.
Further lectures were given to Polish N.C.Os. on the Spitfire IX aircraft.
P/O. Z. Nentwich returned from R.A.F. Station, Melksham on cessation of Officer’s Parachute Packing Course.

1942-10-03

Northolt

Weather non-operational. One aircraft carried out local flying. Lectures of the Spitfire IX aircraft were continued.
F/Sgt. Jasinski posted to R.A.F. Polish Depot, Blackpool supernumerary whilst attending twelve weeks Course to attain Cadet status at the Polish Army Camp at Auchtermuchty.

1942-10-04

Northolt

Weather fair. G.C.I. and aircraft tests were carried out.
F/O. Walendowski was detached to No. 1528 B.A.T. Flight at R.A.F. Station West Malling for training in Beam approach.

1942-10-05

Northolt

Weather bad. Squadron formation flying was carried out at 15.00 hrs., when the weather cleared a little.
The pilots received training in aircraft recognition.
P/O. J. HAMANKIEWICZ came in to land after carrying out formation flying training. Hs landing speed was too high however and he overshot the ‘drome. He was uninjured and the aircraft only slightly damaged.
F/O. PRODAN, Squadron Adjutant, was posted to Polish Technical Training School, Halton for Adjutant duties (F/Lt.post) with effect from 1/10/42.
F.O. WALENDOWSKI was sent back from the B.A.T. Flight at West Malling as he had received insufficient training on the Link Trainer.

1942-10-06

Northolt

Weather non-operational. At 10.00 hrs. three aircraft flew to Southampton for Air Firing and at 14.15 hrs. five more aircraft also flew to Southampton for Air Firing training.
Formation flying, landings, cloud flying and local flying was carried out.

1942-10-07

Northolt

Weather non-operational. No flying whatsoever was carried out on the date. F/Sgt. Smigielski was posted from R.A.F. Station, Northolt for flying duties on ceasing to be non-effective sick.

1942-10-08

Northolt

Weather in the morning was bad, but later it improved and at 09.45 hrs. formation flying, local flying was carried out by the Squadron.

1942-10-09

Northolt

Weather good. Local flying, formation flying and cloud flying was carried out.
At 08.45 hrs. 12 a/c Spitfires IX, 306 Squadron led by S/Ldr. Rutkowski took off from Northolt and made rendezvous with two Spitfire IX Squadrons over Manston at 5,000 feet. They were to be Target support after the Bombing, 306 Squadron being top Squadron. The Wing set course for Lille, climbing as they went. After passing through cloud at 21/20,000 feet the other Squadrons were lost sight of. At 09.45 hrs. approximately 306 Squadron were over the Target at 28/29,000 feet and orbitted here for several minutes. A group of bombers were seen to leave the Target area and later another group of eight Fortresses was seen to leave. 306 Squadron lost height and flew approximately 5,000 feet above and behind this group. Over Cassel-Audruique area at approximately 10.00 hrs., the bombers were attacked by some 10/15 E/A F.W.190s., or Me.109s.,which came up to attack in sections of two aircraft. The Squadron got into position between the E/A and the Sun and dived to attack.
Combats took place and the following pilots of 306 Squadron made claims ….
F/Lt. Gil – “Í was leader of the Port Section and I saw two Me.109Fs or Gs make to attack the Fortresses. I did a left roll dived and attacked the second one, firing a burst from 100 yards beam attack. The E/A turned over and vent into a vertical dive with two streams of white smoke coming from it. I claim this E/A as damaged. This E/A was not a M.E.109E but the silhouette of the wing was unlike the 109F. I climbed back and rejoined my Squadron on seeing Fortresses being attacked by five F.W.190s. I attacked one from 300 yards giving a short burst from astern and above, a second burst from dead astern at 70 yards and again from 150 yards astern and above. I saw a fire break out under the fuselage and the pilot baled out, parachute opening shortly afterwards. I claimed this E/A as destroyed. Landed at Northolt 10.30 hrs.”
F/O. KEDZIERSKI – “I was flying in the Port section in my Squadron when I saw five F.W.190s. climbing to attack the Fortresses. I dived on to the last F.W. of the formation, firing a short burst from 200 yards astern and above. I the got into position dead astern and again opened fire. A small explosion took place and the pilot baled out. I claim this E/A as destroyed. I landed at Northolt at 10.40 hrs.”
F/LT. ZULIKOWSKI – “I was leader of the starboard section of the Squadron and, seeing four F.W.190s. going to attack the Fortresses I made to attack them. At that moment I saw another F.W.190 on my left and I made a Port beam attack giving a long burst of machine gun fire from 150 yards. Getting on the his tail I gave a short burst of cannon and machine gun from 300 yards, again from astern and above at 300 yards. I gave a long burst and I saw dark smoke coming from the E/A. My fourth burst was given from dead astern from 300 yards. The E/A was seen to go down out of control. This engagement took place between 21 and 28,000 feet and it was clear that the F.W. was trying to entice me down to its own best Operational height. I claim this E/A as a probable.”
F/O. PIETRZAK – “I was in the starboard section when I saw five F.W.190s coming in to attack the bombers. I attacked the fourth whilst it was doing a turn. I attacked from astern and above giving a long burst, starting from 200 yards and closing to 30 yards dead astern. The E/A went into a vertical dive and I followed him down to 8,000 feet from which height I saw him crash on to the ground. I claim this E/A as destroyed. I landed at Northolt at 10.45 hrs.”
Before opening his attack P/O. Pietrzak saw a F.W.190 shot down by the Fortresses: the E/A went into a vertical dive with black smoke pouring from it. This pilot also saw the tail unit of a Fortress catch fire, but the fire went out and the Fortress continued its journey. When the pilots were leaving France, Sgt. Kordasiewicz was heard to say over the R/T that he was making a forced landing. His aircraft was not seen by any of the pilots. It was later learned that he had crashed near Sandvich and was killed: his aircraft was found to have been damaged by Enemy action. Five aircraft landed Northolt 10.30/10.45 hrs., one aircraft landed at Biggin Hill, three aircraft landed at Detling, one aircraft landed at Manston, one aircraft at West Malling and one aircraft crashed at Sholden near Deal, Kent – pilot killed. The Fortresses flew back at 20/21,000 feet. At this height the Spitfire IX aircraft are not at their best operational height, and are at a disadvantage with the F.W.190. Flak: - medium but well directed flak was seen to be fired at the Bombers while over the Target. Camouflage of E/A was very dark green, the F.W.190 having yellow rudders.
A lecture was given to the pilots about the use of flaps.

1942-10-10

Northolt

Weather good. Squadron formation flying, high flying (30,000 feet) was carried out.
Twelve aircraft flew into various formation over Wembley Stadium where the International Soccer Match between England and Scotland was in progress.

1942-10-11

Northolt

Weather good. Battle formation, Flight formation at 35,000 feet and low flying was carried out and at 14.40 hrs. the Squadron took off for Rodeo 101 as follows:-
Twelve aircraft of 306 Squadron, together with W/Cdr. Janus and S/Ldr. Nowierski left Northolt together with 302 and 315 Squadrons on a sweep – Berck/Abbeville/Le Treport. The wing carried out the Operation according to plan, flying between 27/28,000 feet – smoke trails at 29,000 feet. Crossing the French Coast at Le Treport on the way back, about 8 E/A were seen to the S/W but no engagements took place. Weather generally 5/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet. Visibility above – very good.
Lt. MICHALSKI was attached from No. 2 Officers Training Batt. Polish Land Army for training of Polish personnel in Station Defence duties with effect from 11th October, 1942.

1942-10-12

Northolt

Weather fair. Three aircraft carried out Air/Sea rescue patrols but had nothing to report.

1942-10-13

Northolt

Weather fair. Squadron formation and local flying was carried out. P/O. Hamankiewicz posted to No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, Kirton-in-Lindsey.
A lecture “Ignition System of Spitfire IX” was given to the mechanics.
An examination on aircraft recognition was held for the pilots.

1942-10-14

Northolt

Weather fair. Between the hours of 14.30 and 16.40 23 aircraft took part in formation practice flying.
Sergeant KORDASIEWICZ was buried with Military Honours in the Polish Cemetary at Northwood.

1942-10-15

Northolt

Weather good. In the morning the Squadron carried out Formation flying, air-to-air firing, and High Flying (34,000 feet). In the afternoon an Operation was carried out as follows: - 12 a/c of 306 Sqdn., together with W/Cdr. Janus and S/Ldr. Nowierski, left Northolt at 13.35/13.30 hrs. with 302 and 315 Squadrons. Bombers arrived at rendezvous a little late, course was not set from there until 14.04.hrs. Bombers were in three – a little behind three more – and a long way behind five more. 306 Squadron acted as top cover. On the way to the Target the bombers closed up and eventually flew in a box of six and a box of five. Bombing was made on a S/E – N/W run, and bomb bursts were seen on the sides of the Bassin-de-Maree and on the North and South sides of the Bassin Bellot. Immediately after bombing, bombers and the two escort Squadrons, 302 and 315, went down to Sea level and returned after making landfall at St. Catherines point. 306 Squadron of Spitfire IX stayed up because of aircraft high above which could not be identified. Heavy flak in the target area, generally about 2,000 feet below and slightly behind. Weather over England clear. Northern half of Channel 6-8/10ths at 2,000 feet. Southern half of Channel and target area clear. The Spitfires IX, after 110 minutes flying, had on landing an average of 30 gallons of fuel left.
Pilot Officers Nentwich and Benoit were detached to No. 3 Officers Initial Course at Cosford.
Pilot Officer Sologub was admitted to R.A.F. Hospital, Cosford.

1942-10-16

Northolt

Weather good. Form 10.00 hrs. to 11.00 hrs. the Squadron carried out practice formation attacks. Three aircraft carried out local flying and there was one aircraft test.
P/O. Jelinski returned from No. 2 Officers Initial Course at Cosford.

1942-10-17

Northolt

Weather good. Periods of rain, however, made flying impossible for some periods throughout the day.
From 15.40 hrs. to 16.10 hrs. 5 aircraft took part in low flying and four aircraft carried out the same practice from 14.50 hrs. to 15.40 hrs.
The last examination on Aircraft recognition was given to the pilots.
Sir Archibald Sinclair who visited the Station, spoke to some of the pilots at Dispersal and signed the Squadron diary.

1942-10-18

Northolt

Weather fair. Flight formation flying was carried out from 11.15 hrs. to 12.05 hrs. Squadron formation flying was carried out from 14.35 hrs. to 16.20 hrs. at 40,000 feet. Low flying and Cloud flying was also carried out. F/O. LANGHAMER arrived from No. 58 O.T.U., Grangemouth on posting for flying duties with effect from 15/10/42.

1942-10-19

Northolt

Weather fair. Flight formation flying was carried out from 14.20 to 15.30 hrs. Three aircraft carried out practice dog fighting at 40,000 feet from 14.55 to 16.00 hrs. Three aircraft took part in formation flying at 40,000 feet from 17.30 to 18.15 hrs.
Some of the pilots were invited to an Anti Aircraft Gun factory.
F/O. IWANOWSKI was posted to R.A.F. Polish Depot, Blackpool supernumerary pending disposal.
P/O. SOLOGUB posted to R.A.F. Station, Northolt supernumerary non-effective sick.

1942-10-20

Northolt

Weather fair. Practice landings were undertaken by five of the pilots.
Lt. MICHALSKI, Polish Land Army Officer, commenced a series of lectures on the “STEN” gun.

1942-10-21

Northolt

Weather cloudy with periods of rain. The Squadron flew to Harrowbeer at 07.05 hrs. and the following Operation was carried out from there…
12 a/c of 306 Squadron and S/Ldr. Nowierski took off from Harrowbeer at 12.42 hrs. Rendezvous was made over Start Point at 12.55 hrs. at 1,000 feet. Course was set for the French Coast, the Squadron climbing as they went. Thick mist was encountered from 13,000 feet upwards. Lannion was orbitted for 10 minutes at 15,000 feet. Accurate or light flak was encountered over Lannion. The wing was ordered to climb and when at 27,000 feet and still in mist decided to come down. Seven aircraft broke cloud 10 miles North of the coast and set course due South. After flying for six minutes 15 Bombers were seen flying South. The Squadron turned to starboard and while so doing two E/A were seen flying very fast to the South West. They were too far away for the Squadron to chase. Six aircraft landed Harrowbeer 14.30 hrs. Weather 8/10ths cloud at 5,000 feet. 10/10ths cloud mist 13/14,000 feet upwards.
F/O. LUTOSLAWSKI arrived on posting from R.A.F. Station, Ouston for Station Defence duties with effect from 19/10.42.
F/O. GERLISZ was posted to No. 315 Squadron, Northolt supernumerary for Admin. duties.
Mr. MORGENTHAY Jr. Secretary of the U.S.A. Treasury, visited the Squadron. He signed the Squadron Diary, spoke to the pilots, and presented the Squadron with a Dollar Bill which he had autographed. At 17.15 hrs. when the Squadron returned at Harrowbeer S/Ldr. Rutkowski had to make a forced landing just outside Northolt Aerodrome in a field owing to shortage of petrol.

1942-10-22

Northolt

The weather was cloudy with occasional slight drizzle. 13 aircraft carried out low flying from 10.10 to 12.40 hrs. in pairs. The thirteenth aircraft flew from 15.00 to 15.40 hrs.
At 14.40 hrs. six aircraft took part in formation flying landing at 15.25 hrs.

1942-10-23

Northolt

The weather was cloudy with occasional rain during the day and heavy thundery rain in the night. No flying took place.

1942-10-24

Northolt

The weather was cloudy becoming fair. Fine during the night but high cloud increasing after midnight. The Squadron carried out attacks at 32,000 feet, C.G.I. practices and Flight formation flying.

1942-10-25

Northolt

The weather changed from fair periods to cloudy with some rain. The Squadron, 11 aircraft, took off at 13.30 hrs. and landed at Martlesham 14.00 hrs. Convoy patrols were carried out from this base without incident. The Squadron stayed at Martlesham overnight.
Lecture on the Organization of the British Army was given to the pilots at Dispersal by the Polish Squadron Intelligence Officer – F/O. Z.L.PIRSZEL.

1942-10-26

Northolt

Weather – rain with fog. The Squadron returned from Martlesham landing at Northolt at 08.55 hrs. No further flying took place on that day.

1942-10-27

Northolt

Weather – Fair with Mist and fog patches becoming showery. The fog formed again after dusk. At 13.50 hrs. 12 a/c took part in Squadron formation flying at 32,000 feet. One aircraft carried out an aircraft test.
Sgt. Pilot Lurzynski was posted to No. 129 Squadron, R.A.F. Station, Grimsetter, Orkneys.
F/O. WALCINSKI gave a lecture to the pilots, the subject being “How I was shot down over France and escaped.”

1942-10-28

Northolt

Weather – Widespread fog at first. Rain reaching station in afternoon, fog forming again after dusk. No flying took place.
Sgts. Sliwinski and Pomietlarz posted from 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.

1942-10-29

Northolt

Weather – foggy all day. No flying took place.
P/O. JEKA proceeded to Hydro Hotel at Melrose on temporary duty and returned on the 31st October, 1942.

1942-10-30

Northolt

Fog in morning, dispersing by mid-day. Some mist during the afternoon, fog returning after dark but being dispersed by increasing wind, before midnight. Occasional slight rain or drizzle during the evening. No flying took place all day.
F/O. S. TOMANEK and KRAKOWSKI posted to No. 164 Squadron, Peterhead for flying duties. Sgt. ROGOWSKI posted to No. 403 Squadron, Catterick for flying duties.
F/Sgt SMIGIELSKI was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer with effect from 1/8/42.

1942-10-31

Northolt

Weather fair. Squadron formation flying was carried out at 35,000 feet from 09.50 hrs. to 10.50 hrs. and again from 14.15 hrs. to 15.15 hrs. Flying attacks were practiced from 09.50 to 10.55, from 11.50 to 12.40 and again at 14.15 to 15.10 hrs. Two aircraft carried out practice landings.
S/Ldr. DAY gave a lecture on “SECURITY” in the Officers Mess.
Authority was received from Air Ministry for presumption of death in respect of S/Ldr. WCZELIK and F/O. JANKOWSKI with effect from 14/4/42.

Squadron Leader, Commanding
No. 306 (Polish) Squadron