Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-02-01

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy with almost continuous rain and showery conditions mainly in night hours.
The Squadron carried out formation flying, photo attacks, low flying and homing and air to air firing.

1943-02-02

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy during day, showers at night.
At 09.00 hrs. 9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 12 Spitfires VB of 308 Squadron, 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron and S/Ldr. Szczesny to escort 12 Venturas. Rendezvous was made at 09.30 hrs. over Clacton with 12 Venturas below 500 feet. From there, the course was set for the Belgium coast. After 10 minutes at sea level the formation climbed, crossing the Belgium coast between Ostende and Blankenburghe at 10/13,000 feet at 10.00 hrs. The town of Bruges was clearly seen but no bomb bursts were observed and no flak was experienced over the Target Area. After bombing, the formation turned left and recrossed the coast over Knocks, still at 10/12.,000 feet. Here, medium Ack ack was experienced bursts being experienced below and above, accurate for direction. After crossing the coast the formation dived and reached Clacton at 2,000 feet at 10.32 hrs. No E/A were seen at any time in spite of a warning from Operations of E/A approaching from South as our formation was ten miles to sea on the return journey. Weather: Channel and Belgium 6-8/10ths cloud in several layers between 2/15,000 feet. Vapour trials between 6/8,000 ft.
During the rest of the day the Squadron carried out Air to Sea firing, photo attacks, Squadron formation flying and battle formation at 25,000 feet. During the Squadron formation flying at 14.40 hrs P/O. W. Weyers suddenly dropped out of formation and going into a dive crashed to the ground at Elstree.

1943-02-03

Northolt

Weather – Fair with small amounts of low cloud during day clearing at night to fine conditions.
At 14.30 hrs. 9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 12 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron, W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny to act as target support in Circus No. 258. After crossing the English Coast over South Foreland at 15.40 hrs. at 22/23,000 feet course was set for St. Omer and French land-fall was made West of Calais. The Wing reached the St. Omer area at 15.00 hrs., i.e. 10 minutes early and therefore weaved about for some time still at about 23,000 feet until the bombers were seen flying North / West away from the target. Flak opened up at the Venturas. The Northolt wing remained over the target area for about 20 minutes in all and when the bombers were seen flying away from the target, followed them out. Approaching the French Coast South of Dunkirk the Wing/Leader saw the bombers going out near Gravelines. The first warning of E/A was given by Operations when the Wing was in the St. Omer area and was to the effect that e/a (Number not stated) were approaching at 10,000 feet from the N/E. The second warning, when the wing was near the French Coast, was of E/A approaching from several directions. Near Dunkirk W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski saw two pairs F.W. 190’s to the South, several thousand feet below. The Wing turned to port, flying West from Dunkirk. One Section of four aircraft of 315 Squadron dived to attack these e/a. A short engagement followed, after which the Wing made a turn to starboard and set course for England, but over mid – channel the Wing / Leader heard a call for help and ordered the Wing to turn back. As after a tern nothing more was heard, and nothing more could be seen, the e/a set course for home and crossed the English Coast at Manston. The call for help appear to have originated from F/O. Blok who, with his badly damaged aircraft was being molested by F.W. 190’s almost to the English Coast. (F/O. Blok 315 Squadron).
The Squadron (10 Spitfires IX) had taken off from base at 10.40 to carry out Operation “Circus No. 258”. Course was set for rendezvous point, but when over Maidstone the Squadron was recalled by Operations.
In the morning 4 aircraft carried out Air to air firing.
At 10.50 and 14,35 hrs. one aircraft took off from base, and carried out Air/Sea rescue patrols without incident.
PO/ POTOCKI was detached to No. 1 Officers’ School , Cosford for No. 7 Polish Officers’ Initial Course.

1943-02-04

Northolt

Weather – fine at first becoming cloudy. Cloud decreasing at night but increasing again. Mist at first, hazy later. Mist forming at night again.
At 11.30 hrs. 9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 9 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron, W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny to sweep Hardelot / St. Omer. The Wing crossed over Hastings at 12.00 hrs., flying at 18,000 feet and made French land – fall South of Hardelot at 22,000 feet from where they swept to South of St. Omer. Here they orbitted and received a warning from Operations of 12 e/a at 15,000 feet N/E. Continuing to orbit, the eventually saw about 12 e/a at 22,000 feet and when our Wing began to climb, the F.W’s followed suit. The Wing reached 31,000 feet but seeing the e/a turn into sun, our a/c turned right to Gris Nez. Just after crossing the French Coast the Wing turned left to the South and in the distance 7 F.W. 190’s were seen approaching from the South at 26,000 feet. These were too far off to engage and the Northolt Wing made a right hand turn and reached the English Coast near Dungeness at 31,000 feet. Slight flak was experienced from St. Omer, accurate for height but not for direction.
Weather: over Channel – clear, some low cumulus over France. Sgt. Tomczak landed at Lympne owing to engine trouble.
During the afternoon pilots took part in practice photo attacks, flight formation and low flying.
F/O. WOZNIAK proceeded on temporary [….. ] to the Polish Record office at Blackpool.

1943-02-05

Northolt

Weather – cloudy with intermittent rain.
During the morning three aircraft carried out air to air firing and two took part in air to sea firing. Eight aircraft carried out Squadron Formation flying.

1943-02-06

Northolt

Weather – cloudy with some slight rain during the day, clearing to fair conditions late in the day with some slight showers.
During the afternoon two aircraft took part in air to air firing and nine aircraft carried out practice Squadron battle formation flying.

1943-02-07

Northolt

Weather – cloudy. Mist and fog dispersing.
In the morning two aircraft took part in practice photo attacks and three aircraft carried out formation flying. During the afternoon pilots took part in practice photo attacks, air to sea firing, interception practice, air to air firing, Squadron battle formation and 17.00 hrs. two aircraft took off for dusk flying.

1943-02-08

Northolt

Weather – cloudy with persisting fog at first. Fog lifted by noon and became cloudy with continuous rain late in the evening. No flying was carried out and all pilots were released off Station.
F/O. S. MARCISZ was detached to Fighter Command School of Tactics, Charmy Down for No. 2 Course.

1943-02-09

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy, with ground fog all day.
No flying took place and the pilots were released off Station.
F/Sgt. Wojcik and F/Sgt. Urbanczyk reported on posting for flying duties from No. 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth together with P/O. S. Szarzynski on completion of leave, having been posted to this Unit w.e.f. 2/2/43.
A lecture to Cine Cameras was given to the pilots at Dispersal.

1943-02-10

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy, rain and drizzle in some periods during the day, clearing to fair conditions late in the evening and night.
At 10.05 hrs. 9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron and W/Cdr Kolaczkowski to act as bouncing Wing in Operation “Circus No. 261”.The Wing reached Shoreham at 10.26 hrs. below 500 ft., and flew for 22 minutes at sea level and began to climb at a point N/W. of Le Havre. The French Coast was crossed S/W.of Trouville at 10.50 hrs., at 18,000 ft. The Wing then swept East past Tricqueville towards Elbeuf, still climbing. Here a warning was received of six e/a at 12,000 feet approaching from the East, but nothing was seen and after a left turn, the formation flew first due West and then North to Bolbec, and from there S/W across the Seine estuary. Flying along the coast past Trouville, the Wing reached a point N/W of Caen, did not see the main formation, and at 11.12 at approximately 25,000 feet recrossed the French coast and set course for home, reaching the English coast at Shoreham at 11.35. No E/A or flak was seen at any time.
Weather – West of a line Selsey Bill- Caen, thick cloud in layers from 5,000 to 27,000 feet. Clear in the belt Fecamp / Trouville towards the S/E. Slight haze in parts.
During the morning 4 other aircraft took part in practice photo. attacks. There was no flying in the afternoon.

1943-02-11

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy with some short periods of fair breaks during night.
At 14.30 hrs. 7 aircraft took off and patrolled over Leves without incident.
Throughout the day pilots took part in formation and cloud flying, air to sea firing and sector recco. exercises.
F/O. Z. LANGHAMER as reposted to the Squadron as Flight Commander of “B” Flight and granted the Acting Rank of Flight Lieutenant.

1943-02-12

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy with some very slight frizzle during the day, then fair period later in the day. Fair to fine conditions at night.
In the morning two aircraft carried out sector recco. exercises and air to sea firing.
Cloud flying and low flying was undertaken by 4 pilots and 5 pilots carried out Cloud flying and homing practices.
F/O. G. SOLOGUB was posted from R.A.F. Station, Northolt on ceasing to be non-effective sick.

1943-02-13

Northolt

Weather – fine to fair at first, fair to cloudy later.
At 08.55 hrs. 9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Sqdn., W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny for Operation “Circus No. 262”. The Wing reached South Foreland at 500 ft. at 09.30 hrs and climbed to 20,000 feet near Cap Gris Nez (09.36). Flying from there to East of Boulogne 4 and 6 F.W.190’s were seen ahead near Lumbres flying S/E and climbing. The Wing followed the E/A and climbed to 24/26,000 feet whereupon the E/A turned left and dived away. The Northolt a/c then turned, reduced height to 20,000 feet and flew in S turns to Le Touquet (09.55) and after flying parallel to the coast to a point West of Boulogne flew N/W and reached Dungeness 10.07. The bombers were not seen but at 09.50 hrs flak was seen to be going up from Boulogne. Pilots report that one large ship of long and slender hull (believed to be a destroyer) and several small ships were in the Boulogne outer harbour. Weather – clear.
At 13.30 hrs the Operation was repeated as follows: -
9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron, W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny. After reaching South Foreland at 14.00 hrs the Wing climbed to Cap Gris Nez estimated at 14.10 at 20,000 feet and then flew East of Boulogne. Later a warning of E/A at 12,000 feet from the North was received and the Wing orbitted wide near Le Touquet. Seeing nothing they flew North and, when West of Boulogne at 14.26 hrs another warning was received of E/A at 16,000 feet behind. Again nothing was seen. A third warning of E/A cast of Boulogne was also without result, the Wing finally reached the English coast near Folkestone. The bombers were seen near Redhill flying North. No E/A or flak. Weather – Belt of cloud between lines Folkestone to Ostend: Selsey Bill to Le Touquet 8/10-10ths at 3/8,000 feet.
At 17.45/18.05 9 Spitfires IX took off from Northolt on receiving orders to “Scramble” and patrols were carried out without incident.
F/O. (A/F/L) KROL, F/O. (A/F/L) K. PNIAK and F/O. ARCT were all posted to No. 1 P.D.C. at West Kirby pending posting overseas, for flying duties.

1943-02-14

Northolt

Weather – Fair becoming cloudy. Slight drizzle in West late in period.
Throughout the day pilots took part in practice Squadron formation flying, “ZZ” landings, photo attacks, low flying, air to air firing, air to sea firing and aircraft tests.

1943-02-15

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy, drizzle and rain during the morning.
In the morning 5 a/c took part in Squadron formation flying, air to air firing, homing and aerobatics.
At 13.05 hrs. 10 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Sqdn., 12 Spitfires VB of 303 Squadron, 13 Spitfires VB of 308 Squadron, W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szccesny. 303 and 308 Squadrons were to act target support and 306 and 315 Squadrons first fighter echelon. 306 and 315 Squadrons crossed the English Coast below 500 feet over South Foreland at 13.39 hrs., and climbing, set course to Gravelines. The French Coast was crossed between Gravelines and Mardyck at 13.50 hrs at 18/19,000 feet. The Wing flew to St. Omer, turned right and flew towards Hardelot. When South of Desvres the pilots saw 12/14 F.W.190’s at 10/12,000 feet, in two formation line abreast, one formation behind the other, flying North between Le Touquet and Boulogne. Our Wing turned North and followed the e/a which set course over Boulogne for Calais. This brought the Spitfire IXs above and up sun of the F.W.190’s. Ten miles North of Calais the Enemy were at 19/20,000 feet and our Wing at 22/24,000 feet. At this point the leading enemy section turned to port and the other to starboard. 306 Squadron caught up with the enemy formation as they turned to starboard and two pilots opened fire shooting down two F.W.190’s.
Their reports are as follows: -
S/LDR. RUTKOWSKI: “I saw about 12/20 F.W.190’s in two formation line abreast, one behind the other. These a/c were flying North and climbing. We followed rather behind and to the East of them flying at 22,000 feet. North of Calais we turned slightly left to get them between us and the sun: they split up, one group turning West and the other East. I followed those turning East and got on to the tail of one as he was making the turn at approximately 19/20,000 feet. I gave a burst of two seconds, allowing one ring deflection, from 100 yards. Owing to both our a/c turning, he disappeared under my wing and I could not see results, but W/O Smigielski says he saw this e/a blow up in the air. F/O. Szajda also says that he saw an a/c several thousand feet below, spinning down to the sea. I therefore claim this e/a as destroyed. I landed Northolt 15.20.”
W/O. SMIGIELSKI: “I was behind and to one side of S/Ldr. Murkowski, and saw him get on the tail of. An F.W.190. I fired well ahead of this F.W. so as to put him of. As I fired I saw him explode in the air. I turned right and fired a short bursts at a F.W. that dived across in front of me from right to left. I fired from 200 yards with plenty of deflection but saw no results. Getting on to his tail I gave another short burst from 100/150 yards and saw white smoke come from the engine, followed by black smoke and flames. I claim this e/a as destroyed. I landed Northolt 15.05. hrs”.
The Squadrons having become split up returned in groups to base. One pilot, Sgt. Swistun, landed at Rochester and later returned to base.
F/O. Walendowski departed on posting to A.F.D.U., Duxford supernumerary for flying duties w.e.f. 11/2/43.
F/Lt. J.A. Pentz detached to Polish Inspectorate General, London for a 27 day course.
F/O. Z.L. Pirszel proceeded on temporary duty to the Deputy Polish Inspectorate General, Blackpool.
F/Sgt. Krupa proceeded on posting to No. 58 O.T.U., Grangemouth supernumerary for instructor duties w.e.f.14/2/43.

1943-02-16

Northolt

Weather – Fair. At 09.25 hrs one a/c took off on an aircraft test and was later followed by 4 aircraft which were taking part in air to sea firing.
At 16.10 hrs. the Squadron took off for Operation Rodeo NO. 170 as follows”-
9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 10 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron and W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski to sweep Hardelot, St. Omer and Calais. The Wing set course for Dungeness, climbing all the time. They were blown off their course by a very strong wind and approached the English coast near Hastings. Turning left, they orbitted for height and crossed the English coast at Dungeness 25,000 feet at 16.48 hrs. The French Coast was crossed at Hardelot at 27,000 feet. One third of the way across the channel, they were told by operations that the Germans had ordered their aircraft to orbit Dunkirk. Nearer the French Coast they received warning that e/a were over St. Omer at 26,000 feet. After crossing the French Coast they received a warning that e/a were over Boulogne and they were ordered to turn North. Over Marquise, our Wing at 27,000 feet, one group of six plus e/a were seen flying from the East, and beyond these another group of 12 a/c at 32/33,000 feet. Our Wing continued travelling North and climbed very rapidly recrossing the French Coast at Sangatte, between 33/36,000 feet. This height gave them superiority in height over the enemy who had rapidly been draving closer. A left orbit was made over the straights of Dover to get up sun. While this manoeuvre was taking place, 20 plus e/a turned nearer the French Coast and dived away South. The Enemy having dived away, our Wing turned for home and recrossed the English coast East of Hastings. When South of Calais our Squadrons saw a large number of Spitfires leaving the French Coast towards Dunkirk. This was S/Ldr. Rutkowski’s one hundredth operation over France.
During the afternoon two aircraft carried out air to air firing.
F/O. Drybanski reported on posting from No. 315 Squadron for flying duties and to command Flight “A” w.e.f. 14/2/43. He was granted the acting rank of Flight Lieutenant w.e.f. the same date.

1943-02-17

Northolt

Weather – fair.
At 09.55 hrs 10 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 10 Spitfires IX of 315 Sqdn., G/Cptn. Mumler and W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski to act as third Fighter Echelon in Circus No. 269.
The English coast was crossed at North Foreland at 10.27 hours, 26/27,000 feet. Owing to 10/10ths cloud at 10/14,000 feet it was impossible to see the French Coast but it is estimated that it was crossed over Dunkirk at 10.36. The sweep was carried out according to plan. No e/a were seen and no ack ack. The English Coast was recrossed at Dungeness at 10.50 hrs.
F/O. Swietlik arrived on posting from the Deputy Inspectorate General, Blackpool w.e.f 16/2/43 supernumerary for admin. duties.

1943-02-18

Northolt

Weather – cloudy at first becoming fine. Occasional slight drizzle, fog soon after dusk.
Throughout the day pilots took part in practice photo attacks, air to air firing, Squadron formation and cloud flying.

1943-02-19

Northolt

Weather – widespread fog, clearing very slowly.
At 15.45/50 hrs 11 Spitfire IX aircraft were carrying out a training flight when they were ordered by operations to carry out an interception over the channel. They were given two vectors and on reaching the coast saw two F.W.190’s flying near Tangmere in a Westerly direction. The Squadron climbed to get up sun but the F.W.’s turned and dived away across the Channel. The Squad on followed but the e/a were soon out of sight.
During the afternoon and evening pilots took part in photo attacks, local flying, aircraft tests, high flying and dusk flying.

1943-02-20

Northolt

Weather – Fog during ay and night; fine periods at night but ground fog on the aerodrome.
No flying was carried out.

1943-02-21

Northolt

Weather – Fog during morning improving slowly during afternoon, the fog returning after midnight.
No flying was carried out.
A lecture was given to the pilots on “Intruder Tactics” followed by another one on “Dinghy drill”.
Sgt. Kepczynski detached to No. 3 P.R.C. Bournemouth for a 14 day course of Clay Pigeon Schooting.

1943-02-22

Northolt

Weather – cloudy with widespread fog. No flying was carried out.

1943-02-23

Northolt

Weather – cloudy with widespread fog becoming fine after 02.00 hrs. No flying took place. Six pilots and 10 airmen arrived on attachment from No. 316 Squadron to obtain some experience with the Spitfire IX aircraft which that Unit would soon take over from us.
The pilots took part in shooting on the range with revolver and Tommy gun.

1943-02-24

Northolt

Weather – Widespread fog, fine to fair during the day.
During the afternoon pilots took part in photo attacks, air to air firing , practice Squadron Battle formation and interception practice with 315 Squadaron.
Group Captain Mitchell M. P. paid a visit to the Squadron.

1943-02-25

Northolt

Weather – Widespread fog clearing during the morning. Cloudy with drizzle in afternoon becoming fair.
Pilots took part in air to air firing, practice landings on Spitfire IX, camera attacks during the afternoon.

1943-02-26

Northolt

Weather – Fair to fain with fog at night.
At 10.35 hrs. 11 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadrons took off together with 12 Spitfires IX of 315 Sqdn., 12 Spitfires VB of 303 Squadron, 12 Spitfires VB of 308 Squadron, W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny. 303 and 308 Squadrons acted as Escort Cover and 306 and 315 Squadrons as Target support to 12 Venturas to attack shipping at Dunkirk. The Spitfire IX Squadrons crossed the English Coast at Deal at 11.00 hrs at 12,000 feet and reached the French Coast estimated at Mardyck at 18,000 feet. When almost across the Channel they saw “Beehive” coming out and they then swept along the Coast to Cap Gris Nez, at 23,000 feet where they orbitted once and then returned, recrossing the English Coast North of Dungeness at 11.40 hrs. No e/a or Flak.
The Wing/Leader reported two ships in the Boulogne outer harbour each off approximately 1000 tons. The pin points of the port silhouettes being 3580 and 5540, time 11.30. Weather: over England – hazy, clear to mid-channel, then slowly deteriorating to 10/10ths cloud over the French Coast and inland at about 5000 feet. Calais, Cap Gris Nez and Boulogne harbour could be seen.
At 14.50 hrs. 12 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron took off together with 12 Spitfires IX of 315 Sqdn., 12 Spitfires VB of 303 Squadron, 13 Spitfires VB of 308 Squadron, and W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski (This operation was a repeat of that carried out in the morning – “Circus Ni. 274”.306 and 315 Squadrons left the English Coast at South Foreland at 10,000 feet and climbed towards Dunkirk. When North of the town 16/17,000 feet at 15.33 hrs the bombers were seen going in and the Northolt Squadrons made French landfall 10 miles East of Dunkirk. A left turn brought them out near Mardyck and the two Squadrons flew in opposite directions owing to the R/T failure of the leader of 315 Squadron. One pilot of 306 Squadron report seeing 8 F.W.190’s low down flying South of Dunkirk in a Northerly direction towards the bombers, but the e/a soon changed course and flew away Eastwards. 306 Squadron reached the Folkestone area 15.50 and were soon joined by 315 Squadron. 9 to 12 large barges were seen stationary 4 miles North of Dunkirk. Bomb bursts were observed on the pens on the South side of the turning basin (Port silhouette ref: 040070) and a large ship was seen alongside the armament quay (Port silhouette ref: 120090).
Weather: Southern England: 3/10ths at 5,000 feet. Channel clear. France: 6/10ths at 7/8,000 feet, clear over target.
Two aircraft carried out Air/Sea rescue patrols – one at 10.40 and the other at 14.50, without incident.
The Squadron Intelligence Officer took the pilots at the Dispersal in “Aircraft recognition” Three of the airmen attached from 316 Squadron returned to they Unit at Hutton Cranswick.

1943-02-27

Northolt

Weather – Cloudy with mist patches at first becoming cloudy. Fair to fine late in evening with mist patches.
At 14.30 hrs. 11 a/c took off from base and patrolled over Wembley without incident while the International Soccer match between England and Wales was taking place. From 17.30 hrs to 18.30 hrs 8 pilots took part in air to air firing.
A lecture was given to the pilots by the Squadron Engineer Officer on how to refuel aircraft with petrol and glycol. A further lecture was given on “Radio and Oxygen Installations”.

1943-02-28

Northolt

Weather – Fair to fine.
At 18.05 hrs. two aircraft carried out a patrol over base without incident.
During the afternoon eight pilots took part in air to sea and air to air firing.
F/O. Pirszel, the Squadron Intelligence Officer, gave a lecture to the pilots on “S.D. 158”.
F/O. E. Tomanek arrived on posting from No. 501 Squadron, Home Forces for flying duties w.e.f. 26/2/43.

Z. Langhamer F/Lt
for Squadron Leader, Commanding
No. 306 (Polish) Squadron
Royal Air Force