Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-12-01

Northolt.

The Weather was cloudy at first with rain commencing after 19.00 hrs.
At 10.05 hrs. 13 a/c of 306 Squadron took off together with 12 a/c of 315 Sqdn, on a sweep from Nieuport to Hardelot. The English coast was crossed at Bradwell Bay at 17,000 feet. The French Coast was crossed at Nieuport and the course taken was Ypres, North of St. Omer, Boulogne. Height over France was 26/27,000 feet. While over France two warnings were received of E/A, but none were seen. Mid-channel on the way back, another warning was received of E/A. over Boulogne, the Wing made an orbit but no E/A. were seen and the English Coast was recrossed between Dungeness and Folkestone. The Pilots reported seeing two ships in the outer harbour at Boulogne, but were unable to estimate size. The Weather over England – 3/10 cloud at 10,000 feet, over area of Operation generally clear with small patches of cloud. 10/10 cloud to the South, visibility very good. Smoke trails at 18,000/22,000/28,000 feet.
Formation flying at 30,000 feet, Cloud flying, homing, low flying and Flight Formation flying was practiced throughout the day.

1942-12-02

Northolt.

The Weather was cloudy, slight haze, mist turning to fog.
Interception and Squadron formation flying and Squadron battle formation flying was carried out.

1942-12-03

Northolt.

Weather – fog with occasional rain and drizzle, becoming cloudy and misty: No flying was carried out.
A lecture was given to the pilots, the subject being “Tactical Instruction No. 14” and the latest orders and information. This lecture was given by the Squadron Intelligence Officer. A further lecture was given on “Theory of Sight and Deflection”.

1942-12-04

Northolt.

Weather - cloudy with some fair intervals becoming cloudy after mid-day.
At 13.30 hrs. thirteen aircraft of 306 Squadron together with 12 a/c of 315 Squadron took off from Northolt for Operation Rodeo No. 115. The Wing made a wide sweep at 26,000 feet round Abbeville, receiving one or two warnings of Enemy aircraft, but none were seen.
Mid-channel on the way back after crossing the French Coast they were put on a Raid “3”, which was then plotted North of Le Touquet. The Wing flew parallel to the French Coast as far as Boulogne, but no E/A were seen. On being told by Operations that there were no E/A in the vicinity, they return to base. About 13 black bursts of flak were experienced round Boulogne, some above and some below the wing.
Weather over Channel and France – clear and visibility excellent, thin haze to 4,000 feet.
A lecture was given to the pilots, the subject being “Sighting of aircraft and deflection and aircraft Recognition”.

1942-12-05

Northolt.

Weather – fair becoming cloudy with slight rain or drizzle.
At 16.10 hrs. 13 aircraft of 306 Squadron together with 11 a/c of 315 Squadron took off from Northolt to sweep Cherbourg peninsular. The English coast was crossed at Ford and the French Coast South of Quettehou. The Wing, flying at 26/29,000 feet, swept over Valognes and just afterwards received a warning of E/A to the South. A left turn was made and 315 Sqdn. pilots reported seeing three unidentified a/c thousands of feet below which immediately dived into cloud. The Wing continued its left turn and recrossed the French Coast a little South of the point of Entry. Before crossing two more aircraft were seen well below the wing but they also dived quickly away to the South. A little later another warning of E/A to the South was received and the Wing made a right turn and flew parallel to the coast for a time, but no aircraft were seen and the wing turned for home, recrossing the English coast near Selsey. The return journey from point de Barfleur to Selsey was acomplished in ten minutes. Weather – 4/10 cloud over England, channel to the North tip of the Cherbourg peninsular
4-5/10, and to the South 10/10 – well below the Wing.

1942-12-06

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy with occasional slight drizzle. At 11.20 hrs. 13 a/c of 306 Squadron together with 12 a/c of 315 Squadron took off from Northolt as 3rd Fighter Escort to Lille. Rendezvous was made to time, The French Coast was crossed about 5 miles East of Dunkirk at about 11.54 and, when about 10 miles inland, one Fortress (it is not known whether of our box or not) was smoking from the starboard side, turned to the right climbing and was seen to catch fire and explode. At least one of the crew was seen to bale out. Bombers turned right over the target and here, warning of E/A was received from Operations. None were seen hovewer. Results of bombing was not seen. Returning from Lille around Armenteres one F.W. approached from the Starboard side but made no attack – diving away. Approx. at Cassel two F.W.s approached to attack the Fortresses from the starboard quarter ahead. Two Pilots of 315 Squadron fired from long range and the E/A dived away. At about the same place four F.W.s were seen very far below, these made no attempt to attack and at approx. Audrique two F.W.s approached on the starboard beam, one was seen to fire at the Fortresses and return fire was noticed. They both dived away very quickly and at a very high speed. The French Coast was crossed near Calais at 12.37 and the bombers were eventually left near North Foreland. 315 Squadron was disposed on either side of the bombers with 306 Squadron behind and above – fighters generally 25/26,000 feet. On pilot of 306 Squadron reported being fired at by the Coastal defence as he was flying at 1000 feet near Manston preparatory to landing. Moderate flak experienced from Hazebrouck which was quite accurate. Weather – mist over the foreland area of England, small patches of cloud over France.
One of the pilots, Sgt, Swistun, was admitted to Station sickquarters.

1942-12-07

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy with occasional rain and drizzle.
Flight formation and cloud flying was carried out.
P/O. W. Szajda, Sgt. Tomczak and Sgt. Kempczynski arrived on posting from No. 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth with effect from 1st December, 1942, having been granted 7 days leave.

1942-12-08

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy with occasional slight drizzle.
Squadron battle formation, flight formation flying, attacks and local flying was carried out
throughout the day.
P/O. Potocki was detached to Boscombe Down for test pilot duties to replace P/O. Pietrzak
There were two aircraft accidents on this day as follows:-
F/O. J. Kurowski P-1213 – Spitfire IX Cat “B”. During take off from Northolt the aircraft vibrated violently and the engine out when almost at the end of the runway, the aircraft stalled and overturned. The pilot was uninjured.
P/O. O. Sobiecki P-0594 – Spitfire IX Cat “B”, Engine ‘U’. During taxying to the Dispersal pen the number of revolutions increased abnormally so that the aircraft turned round at 90 º, the pilot was uninjured.

1942-12-09

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy during the day, slight precipation, late in the night.
At 14.05 hrs. 13 aircraft of 306 Squadron took off from Northolt together with 11 a/c of 315 Sqdn. and two Special Spitfires IX of ‘SS’ Flight. The Course followed was as follows. Beachy Head 14.28, Berck 14.37 sweeping inland from Bruges and St. Omer to Mardyck. Here warning was received of E/A and the Wing flew along the Coast to Calais. E/A were then said to be over Dunkirk so the Wing returned to Dunkirk, crossing the English Coast at Deal at 15.00 hrs. and making one orbit over the Canterbury area before returning to base. The two Squadrons were at an operational height of 26/27,000 feet and the two Special Spitfires reached an operational height of 40,000 feet in mid channel on the way out, and flew above the Wing until it returned to the base. No E/A were seen and no flak encountered. Weather over England 10/10 cloud base varying one to two thousand feet. English Coast, channel and France – clear visibility good.
P/O. Jeka detached to No. 1 Officers School, Cosford for No. 5 Polish Officers’ Initial Course.
P/O. Pietrzak returned from A. & A.E.E. Boscombe down.
P/O. Jelinski returned from No. 4 Polish Officers’ Initial Course at Cosford.
A visit was paid by the new Officer commanding Wing, and afterwards a parade was held at which.
P/O. Sologub of 306 Squadron was presented with the D.F.C.

1942-12-10

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy with occasional rain and drizzle. Moderate rain during the night.
Two aircraft carried out sector recco. at 13.45 hrs.

1942-12-11

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy with intermittent slight rain at times.
F/O Gorniak arrived on posting from No. 1 Squadron, Acklington for flying duties with effect from 8/12/42.
Sgt. Swistun was discharged from Station Sickquarters.

1942-12-12

Northolt.

Weather – fair to fine becoming cloudy with continuous rain.
Formation flying and attacks, high flying, flight formation flying and local flying was carried out during the day.
At 11.15 hrs. 12 a/c of 306 Squadron took off from Northolt to take part in Circus 242, together with 10 a/c of 315 Squadron. They were to act as fighter cover to the main operation. The operation was carried out according to plan. 315 Squadron escorted to third box of bombers and 306 Squadron the fourth. On recrossing the French Coast one pilot of 315 Squadron saw six E/A well below and far away to the East.

1942-12-13

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy with rain spreading to Aerodrome during the night.
Flight formation flying and attacks together with low flying was carried out during the day.

1942-12-14

Northolt.

Weather – cloudy, continuous precipitation during the afternoon and the night.
Local flying and formation flying and one aircraft test was carried out. At 14.20 hrs. the Squadron took off together with 12 a/c of 315 Squadron from Northolt to sweep Le Touquet, St. Omer, Dunkirk. 6 a/c of 306 Squadron took off 5 minutes before the rest of the Wing with the intention of crossing the French Coast at le Touquet proceeding to Fruges, and then turning back to join the main formation, the idea being to get the Enemy up in time before the approach of our main formation and so allow for the five minutes lag which seems to be usual just now. After setting course to the South for Beachy Head, the Wing flew through three layers of cloud 10/10ths. The first 2/4,000 feet, second 12/13,000 feet and the third 16/17,500 feet and above that was 10/10ths at 30,000 feet. No land was seen below for the rest of the journey until they arrived over base, consequently they flew on courses at times at a height of 27,000 feet. No E/A were seen. It has been learned from Operations that the Wing actually crossed the coast of France over Dieppe and it is to be assumed from this that the Meteorological information received from Group on Signal X.391. 14/12/42 was inaccurate.
A lecture was given to the pilots, the subject being “Reflectors”, “How to use Oxygen” and “Night Vision”.
P/O. Sologub on returning from Operations and taking his aircraft to the Dispersal pen the engine was running too fast making the aircraft uncontrollable. In order to prevent aircraft colliding with the Dispersal and possible injury to personnel working there, the Pilot retracted his undercarriage. Aircraft was Cat. “AC” - Pilot Officer Sologub un-injured.
F/O. Z.L. PIRSZEL the Squadron Polish Intelligence Officer detached to R.A.F. Intelligence School Highgate for Intelligence Course No. 34A.

1942-12-15

Northolt

Weather: Cloudy with slight rain during day, rain becoming more continuous during the night.
One aircraft carried out local flying during the day.
A lecture was given to the pilots at the Squadron Dispersal, the subject being “S.D.158” and “Aircraft Recognition”.

1942-12-16

Northolt

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent slight rain or drizzle. At 14.10 hours two aircraft were ordered to “Scramble” over the base, but they carried out the order and returned without incident.
All the pilots had an examination on aircraft recognition “A” and on “S.D.158” also.

1942-12-17

Northolt

Weather: Cloudy with slight rain or drizzle, some fair periods, becoming cloudy with continuous rain after dusk and some clearance after midnight.
Ground attacks with AA. cooperating, various A/C test, and one A/C test at 30,000 feet was carried out during the day. A lecture on Aircraft recognition was given to the Pilots at the Dispersal.

1942-12-18

Northolt

Weather: Cloudy with continuous rain or drizzle becoming intermittant. No flying was carried out at all during this day. A lecture was given to the Pilots, the subject this time being the latest orders and technical notes also Flying Discipline from the Pilots’ order Book. Pilots from Flight “B” had aircraft recognition practice.

1942-12-19

Northolt

Weather: Cloudy with mist and continuous rain at first, becoming fair to fine about midnight.
No flying being carried out, the Pilots had a lecture on “Dinghy Distress Signals” and carried out. Clay pigeon shooting – results were very good.
Sgt. Rogowski was attached to this Squadron from No. 403 Squadron at Catterick. P/O. J. POLAK
Proceeded on posting to No.41 Squadron at LLANBEDR for flying duties wef; 18\12\42.

1942-12-20

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy with fog at first, dispersing at midday. Rain and drizzle late in night.
At 11.00 hrs. 13 a/c of 306 Squadron took off from Northolt together with 12 a/c 302 Sqdn., 12 a/c of 308 Sqdn., and 11 a/c of 315 Sqdn., on Circus No. 244. 306 Sqdn. and 315 Sqdn, were to act as Escort on this Operation. Rendezvous was made at Beachy Head with more bombers than could be counted, the bombers probably being in six boxex flying in a diamond arrangement. The Hornchurch Squadrons covered the front of the general formation, with 306 and 315 Squadrons covering the rear and the flanks. The French Coast was crossed near Dieppe at 11.40 hrs. The fighters left the bombers when a little to the S.E. of Rouen. Weather: Over England 8/10ths cloud at 10,000 feet, Channel clear, some haze. Dieppe / Rouen area 6/10ths about 20,000 feet. South and East clear.
During the day there was one a/c incident: F/Lt. Gil, during bad visibility landed near the edge of the runway. Owing to a tyre bursting, the machine ran off the runway on to the muddy grass and overturned.

1942-12-21

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy with rain and drizzle. Practice flying was carried out during the day as follows:- Flight formation and attacks at 32,000 feet, low flying, cloud flying, formation flying at 28,000 and 30,000 feet, local flying and practice homing.
A lecture on “Army Co-operation” was given to the pilots at Dispersal.

1942-12-22

Northolt

Weather – overcast with rain and drizzle, cloudy during day becoming fine. No flying took place.
F/Lt. Krol was posted from 315 (Polish) Squadron, supernumerary for Operations Room Duties.

1942-12-23

Northolt

Weather – thick fog at first, becoming fine to fair. Patches of stratocumulus at 2,000 feet. drifting over after midnight.
12 pilots took part in Air to Sea firing between the hours of 15.20 and 16.50.
The lecture on “Army Co-operation” was continued.
P/O. Rozanski was posted from No. 58 O.T.U. for flying duties with effect from the 22nd December, 1942.
F/O. Sobiecki was posted to No. 25 (P) E.F.T.S.

1942-12-24

Northolt

Weather – fair to fine with fog after dusk.
Four pilots carried out local formation flying from 13.45 hrs. to 14.50 hrs.
At 17.45 hrs the whole Squadron proceeded to “Alexander Palace” in the camp where a Polish Christmas Eve Supper was being held for all Polish personnel on the Station. The Polish President and Polish and English guests attended.

1942-12-25

Northolt

Weather – mainly cloudy, fog. No flying took place.
The Polish personnel attended Holy Mass at 10.00 hrs. From 11.15 to 12.30 a special Christmas dinner was held for the Squadron in the cook – house. A concert was held at 15.00 hrs. and in the Evening an unrehearsed rag took place on the Y.M.C.A. Hut.

1942-12-26

Northolt

Weather – cloudy all day with foggy conditions. No flying was carried out.
P/O. Sologub posted to R.A.F. Station, Northolt supernumerary non-effective sick.

1942-12-27

Northolt

Weather – All day cloudy with foggy conditions. No flying was carried out.
A lecture was given to the pilots; the subject being “ The Operation of a Night Squadron”
Two further lectures were given the subjects being ;Searchlights” and “Army Co-operation”.

1942-12-28

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy at first, later drizzle with fog until midnight then small amounts of cloud. Sgt. Rogowski ceased attachment to this Unit from No. 403 Squadron, Catterick

1942-12-29

Northolt

Weather fine becoming fair with occasional fine periods. During the days six a/c carried out Squadron formation flying and interception practices at 14.00 hrs. and at 13.50 hrs.

1942-12-30

Northolt

Weather – fair becoming cloudy with snow and rain. Fair to fine during the morning.
At 10.25 hrs. 11 a/c of 306 Squadron together with 12 a/c of 315 Squadron, took off from Northolt to act as target support. No bombers operated. The Wing flew from St. Catherines point to just West of Cherbourg, seeing well away to the West three boxes of Fortresses in tight formation travelling South. The height of the Wing over Cherbourg was 26,000 feet. The Wing swept over Cherbourg, going as far South as Picauville returning to Selsey Bill. While over Cherbourg, 5 F.W.s were seen 10,000 feet below diving into cloud. No flak. Weather: England and Channel: Haze at 4,000 feet, 2/10ths cloud at 16,000 feet. Over Cherbourg – 6/10ths cloud at 16,000 feet.

1942-12-31

Northolt

Weather – cloudy during the day, drizzle then rain during night, spreading from the West.
At 13,35 hrs. 13 a/c of 306 Squadron took off together with 12 a/c of 315 Squadron to provide cover for the Tangmere – Kenley Squadrons. The Wing crossed the English Coast at Newhaven at 13.36 hrs. and proceeded at 0 feet for the next nine minutes then climbing rapidly. The Wing crossed the French Coast at Dieppe – the wind obviously being stronger than according to the Met. Report. Operations gave the Wing a vector of 090 and when about 10 miles South of Abbeville told them that they were 10 miles South of the Target. Here the Wing turned left and when practically over Abbeville, Operations gave warning that “Friends” were in combat. Immediately afterwards Operations warned the Wing of 20 E/A in the Berck area at 20,000 feet. Approaching Berck with 306 Squadron at 26,000 feet and 315 Sqdn. at 27,000 feet six F.W.190’s were seen at 23,000 feet turning through North towards East. 306 Squadron were detailed to attack and 315 Squadron to stay above. On going in to attack turning with the E/A, time approx. 14.35 6 more F.W.s. were seen ahead and a single one behind climbing quickly. A complete wide orbit over Berck was carried out by 315 during the attack by 306 and at the end of the orbit 4 F.W.190’s came in from behind – 306 turned to attack them. 4 a/c of 315 Sqdn. were detailed off to attack and the F.W.s. broke away and dived into cloud. One Spitfire was seen to go down off Berck streaming smoke and then going into a spin. Another Spitfire was seen to stream white smoke whilst a F.W.190 and then fly South when it was lost from height.
The Individual Combat Reports of 306 Squadron are as follows: -
P/O. H. PIETRZAK P-1915: The Squadron split up and dived on some 12 E/A flying 4,000 feet below us at 22,000 feet. I attacked one of the last pairs and getting on his tail I opened fire from 100 yards closing to 30 yards. I saw black smoke and flames and the E/A did a half roll and went into a dive. I followed it down to 18,000 feet and the plane was still burning so I pulled out and rejoined my Squadron which was forming up off the Coast at Berck. Here I saw six F.W.s. make a climbing attack on a Spitfire flying by itself some 400 yards to the left of the Squadron. We turned towards it but it went into a gentle dive with white smoke coming from it. The F.W.190s. dived away into cloud.
I landed Northolt 15.25 hrs. I claim 1 F.W.190 as destroyed. I fired 2x 60 Cannon, 2 x 120 m/g. No Cine camera was carried.
F/O. Z LANGHAMER P-0694: I was leader of my Section and we dived onto some F.W.190s. 4,000 feet below us flying at 22,000 feet. I did a diving turn, and singling out a F.W. turning away from me I gave a burst from 300 yards. The E/A straightened out, made two quick rolls and slid away nearly upside down. I make no claim for this E/A. I saw another E/A turning away to the right and, giving plenty of deflection at 200 yards, I fired three bursts my last bursts from 100 yards, and I saw my bullets hitting his wing. It turned on to its back and broke away. At that moment another F.W. crossed my sight so I was unable to follow this first one, which I claim as damaged. This second one was also turning to the right, and giving plenty of deflection I opened fire with a long bursts from 200 yards closing to 100. I had to break away as there was another one on my tail. This F.W.190 was seen by my No. 2, F/O. Gorniak, to burst into flames and I claim it as destroyed. As I broke away I saw the F.W.190, that my No. 2 had fired at, going down with a stream of black and white smoke. My section come back by itself and landed at Northolt at 15.25. I fired 2 x 150 Cannon, and 2 x 330 m/g. No cine camera carried.
F/O. K. GORNIAK P.76472: I was No. 2 in my Section and we dived onto some F.W.190s. flying 4,000 feet below us at 22,000. My No. 1 F/O. Langhamer, fired at three aircraft, the third of which I saw burst into flames. I attacked an F.W.190 which was following the one attacked by my No. 1. Getting onto his tail I opened fire 3/400 yards, giving several short bursts. The E/A turned over out of control and dived straight down with black and white smoke coming from it. I had to pull away immediately and could see nothing further. My No. 1, F/O. Langhamer, saw this aircraft going down with a long stream of black and white smoke. I claim this a/c as a probable. I fired 2 x 15 Cannon, 2 x 50 m/g. No cine camera carried.
F/O. W. SZAJDA P-1740: I attacked the last F.W.190 of a pair that crossed in front of me, going from right to left. As I got onto his tail he did a quarter roll and went into a gentle dive, weaving all the time. I gave him a burst from 150 yards. He stopped weaving and I gave him another burst. I saw a cloud of black smoke come from him, but at this moment my engine hesitated and I lost a little dictance. The E/A went into a steep dive and I fired again from 200 yards. My speed was so great that it was all I could do to hold the controls. As at 5,000 feet, he was still in this dive I started to pull out. I came back by myself being unable to locate the Squadron and landed at Northolt 15.25 hrs. I claim this F.W.190 as a probable. I fired 2 x 15 Cannon, 2 x 50 m/g. No Cine Camera carried.
W/O. J. SMIGIELSKI P.784738: My section, F/Lt. Gil and myself, turned right on seeing the E/A and dived into the middle of them to split them up. I saw F/Lt. Gil get on to the tail of a F.W. at 50 yards range: he was being followed by another F.W.190. I saw one of the aircraft burst into flames, whether Enemy or friendly I could not say. At that moment I got on to the tail of a F.W.190 and fired a short burst from 150 yards. White smoke came from the E/A but I had to pull out as another E/A was on my tail. I rejoined the Squadron and landed at Northolt 15.25 hrs. I claim this F.W.190 as damaged. I fired 2 x 25 m/g. No Cine camera carried.
The Wing returned crossing the English Coast at Hastings. F/.Lt. Gil and P/O. Kosmowski failed to return from the Operation. Weather: Haze generally over Southern England and Channel. Patch of cloud at 7,000 feet over mid – channel, Southern half of Channel 5/10ths cloud at 12,000 feet. Over Dieppe area and inland 9/10ths cloud at 18,000 feet. Large area of cloud over Boulogne.
This combat brings the total of German aircraft destroyed by Polish aircrew to 501
During the earlier part of the day the Squadron carried out Flight Formation flying, Battle formation flying, and low flying practice.

K. Rutkowski
Squadron Leader, Commanding
No. 306 (Polish) Squadron
Royal Air Force