Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-03-01

Northolt

Weather – cloudy, then good. Clouds 8/10thsat a height of 2,500 feet. Visibility from 2.500 to 4,000 yards.
The Squadron took part in Flight formation flying, low flying, photo attacks, Squadron formation flying and Squadron battle formation flying throughout the day.
Aircraft recognition test were given to the pilots by the Station Intelligence Officer at Northolt.
P/O. Morski was posted to No 315 Squadron, supernumerary for Engineer duties.
Three pilots who were attached from No. 316 Squadron, returned to their parent Unit.
F/O. Ruba visited the Rolls Royce Factory at Derby for a Merlin Engine handling course.

1943-03-02

Northolt

Weather – cloudy. Clouds at 350 feet from 6/10ths to 9/10ths. Visibility 2 to 6 miles,
Aircraft recognition tests were again given to the pilots by the Station Intelligence at Northolt.
The Squadron carried out formation and low flying.

1943-03-03

Northolt

Weather – cloudy. Clouds 9/10ths to 10/10ths at 1500 feet. Visibility 4 miles. Local flying and “ZZ” landings were carried out by the Squadron. At 16.00 hrs 6 a/c took off from base on receiving orders to “Scramble” and carried out a local patrol without incident.
S/Ldr. Koc of 306 Squadron gave a lecture to the pilots entitled “How I escaped from France”
Five pilots were attached from No. 316 Squadron for experience on the Spitfire IX aircraft prior to 316 Squadron moving to Northolt.
F/O. Marcisz returned from No. 2 Course at Fighter Command School of Tactics at Charmy Down.
P/O. Potocki returned from No. 1 Officers’ School, Cosford on cessation of No. 7 Polish Officers’ Initial course.

1943-03-04

Northolt

Weather – good. Then cloudy. 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud at 1000 to 2000 feet. Visibility from 2000 to 4000 yards.
Seven sections “Scrambled” between the hours of 09.15 and 17.20 and carried out patrols as instructed without sighting any E/A and without incident.
The Squadron also took part in practice photo. attacks, aircraft tests and high flying.

1943-03-05

Northolt

Weather – cloudy – 10/10ths at 2000 feet. Visibility 2/4000 yards.
The Squadron carried out practice photo attacks, dog fighting, local flying, C.G.I. interception, sector recognition and one a/c test.
F/O. Ruba returned from the Course at Messrs. Rolls Royce Ltd., Debry.

1943-03-06

Northolt

Weather – good, then cloudy. 4/10ths to 8/10ths at 3,000 feet.
Visibility 3/5 miles.
The Squadron took part in photo attacks, A.A. co-operation, landings on Spitfire IX a/c, local and cloud flying, high flying and one a/c test.
F/Lt. Gil, P/O. Kosmowski awarded the Virtuti Militari.
P/O. Pietrzak awarded the Krzyż Walecznych (3), F/O. Kedzierski awarded the Krzyż Walecznych (1) and (2), and F/O. Jelinski the Krzyz Walecznych (1).
Sgt. Kepczynski returned from No. P.R.C. at Bournemouth on completion of course on Clay pigeon schooting.
22 Pilots took part in rifle firing on the Station range at Northolt.

1943-03-07

Northolt

Weather – sunny, clear. Visibility very good.
At 15.05 hrs 11 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron with W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny took off from Northolt together with 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron to act as 5th Fighter echelon in Rodeo No. 175. Before leaving the English Coast the Wing split up. 315 Squadron crossed the English Coast at Rye at 24,000 feet, crossed the French Coast at Berck at 29,000 feet, flew to Bethune, S/W of St. Omer, South of Calais, made a left turn bringing them over St. Omer from whence they flew out over the French Coast East of Calais. The English Coast was crossed between Deal and Ramsgate. 306 Squadron flew out North of Dungeness, South of Boulogne at 28,000 feet, St. Omer, out at Mardyck, over the French Coast again at Inglevert and out just East of Calais. The English Coast was crossed at Dover. Three ships were seen in the outer harbour at Boulogne. Pin point on Map Port Silhouette 503, 1235 a large ship, 0935 a ship of the same size, 0645 a smaller ship. These were seen at 16.00 hours from a height of 28,000 feet. This information was passed to the B.I.O. by telephone. No ack ack and no E/A were encountered. Weather – perfect.
At 15.05 hrs three Spitfires VB took off from Northolt to carry out Air/Sea rescue patrols and returned to base at 16.50 hrs without anything to report.
At 10.35 hrs two aircraft tests were carried out and another on a at 11.20 hrs. At 12.10 hrs two a/c took part in practice photo attacks until 12.50 hrs.

1943-03-08

Northolt

Weather – cloudy, then good. Clouds from 1/10th to 4/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility 3/5000 yds.
At 14.00 hrs 11 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron with W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny took off from Northolt together with 11 Spitfires IX of 315 Squadron. The Northolt Wing climbed from base and reached Selsey Bill at 19,000 feet at 14.30 hrs setting a Southerly course from there still climbing. French land-fall was made West of Isigny at 14.58 hrs at 26/27,000 feet and the bombers were seen approaching from the South at 24,000 feet with Spitfires behind and to starboard obove the Fortresses. Northolt Wing turned left and closed in behind the formation and almost over the French Coast three Me.109’s probably “G” were seen to attack the first box of Fortresses from below and ahead. One of the bombers was apparently hit as it was seen to lose height and with its two starboard engines smoking. The damaged Fortress flew for some time and about 40 miles South of Selsey Bill it dichted. One flight of 316 Squadron remained to orbit over the spot and S/Ldr. Rutkowski gave a fix which was acknowledged. The Fortress remained afloat 15/20 seconds and then sank leaving 5 or 6 of the crew in the water but no dinghy was seen. Our aircraft landed at Tangmere and at 16.10 hrs took of again. From Selsey Bill they flew for 5 minutes on 210 º and then for 7 minutes on 205 º magnetic and W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski located the crew in the water. No dinghy was seen but a cylinder 4/5 feet long and two feet wide was seen floating nearly. A Walrus aircraft was then spotted two miles East. The Wing /Leader flew towards it and then saw a second Walrus, and both were circling above and empty dinghy. The Wing/Leader waggled his wings and led the Walruses to the spot of distress where a smoke float was dropped. The Walruses both touched down in turn and as they seemed to have difficulty in finding the bomber crew our Spitfires waggled their wings and continuously flew over the exact spot until the Walruses found the crew some of which were seen to be picked up. Operations then informed our aircraft of an air/sea rescue launch 12 miles North, later correcting that position to 12 miles on vector 020. S/Ldr. Rutkowski found the launch and led in to the scene, but by that time the Walruses were taking off and the launch headed North. Our a/c escorted the Walruses to the English Coast.
The training flying carried out to-day consisted of photo attacks and four aircraft tests.
F/O. WOZNIAK proceeded to Hutton Cranswick to discuss the change over of Units with the Engineer Officer of No. 316 (Polish) Squadron.

1943-03-09

Northolt

Weather – cloudy, clouds 6/10ths to 10/10ths. Visibility 2/3,000 yards.
Troughout the day the Squadron carried out practice photo-attacks. Squadron formation flying, local flying, cross country flying and high flying, and navigation exercises.
Twenty airmen proceeded to R.A.F. Station, Hutton Cranswick acting as advance party prior to the Squadron move to that Station on the 12th March, 1943.

1943-03-10

Northolt

Weather – cloudy, then good. Clouds 6/10ths to 10/10ths. Visibility 3/5,000 yards.
At 13.30 hrs 10 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron with W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny took off from Northolt together with No. 315 Squadron. The Northolt Wing with No. 315 Squadron leading and 306 Squadron second crossed to English Coast at 0 feet over Selsey Bill. After crossing of the Channel the Wing climbed to 25/26,000 feet. After making two circuits of Cherbourg no E/A were seen and visibility became bad. The Wing returned and landed at Northolt 15.25 hrs.
At 16.20 hrs 9 Spitfires IX of 306 Squadron with W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski and S/Ldr. Szczesny took off again from Northolt for Operation Rodeo No. 182 which was to sweep region Abbeville/Amiens in conjunction with 315 Squadron. The Wing immediately climbed and crossed the English Coast at Hastings, the French Coast was crossed at Cayeux and Amiens was approached from a South Westerly direction. At this time the Wing received warning that Biggin Hill wing was engaged in combat with E/A in the region South of St. Omer. The Wing then at 24/26,000 feet flew to the South East climbing higher. South of Berck-Sur-Mer when intending to change course due North 20/30 E/A were sighted higher, ready to attack. As the Wing had the disadvantage of height and fuel was running low, also bad weather, the E/A were not engaged and the Wing returned via Hastings landing at Northolt 18.10 hrs.
At 13.45 hrs two Spitfires VB took off from Northolt and carried out Air/Sea rescue patrols without incident landing at 15.25 hrs.
F/O. Swietlik was transferred from the General Duties branch of the Polish Air Force to the Administrative and general duties branch.
F/O. Swietlik proceeded to R.A.F. Station, Hutton Cranswick to organize the accomodation etc., prior to the movement of the Squadron.
F/O. Wozniak returned from R.A.F.Station, Hutton Cranswick.
Sgt. Bondarczuk took part in a parade for London “WINGS FOR VICTORY” week.

1943-03-11

Northolt

Weather – cloudy and misty then good. Clouds at 2,000 feet. Visibility 2/4 miles. At 17.20 hrs 7 aircraft took off from Northolt and carried out Air/Sea rescue patrols until 19.45 hrs without incident.
Training flying took part as follows: Two aircraft took off at 10.00 hrs for cross country flying until 11.55 hrs, and on aircraft took part in Navigation practices.
On the occasion of the London “WINGS FOR VICTORY” week F/O. J. JEKA gave a short speech in Trafalgar Square.

1943-03-12

Northolt

Weather – good. Little amount of cloud. Visibility very good.
F/O. Tomanek, F/Sgt. Urbanczyk and Sgt. Berezowski who had departed from Northolt by train on the 11th March, took over Spitfire VB aircraft at High Ercal and flew them to Hutton Cranswick for use by 306 Squadron.
In the morning the party, who were travelling in private cars, left Northolt for Hutton Cranswick on movement of Squadron.
At 10.30 hrs the Main party, consisting of 10 Officers, 7 Senior N.C.O’s and 146 other ranks, boarded Service transport at Northolt and proceeded to Ruislip and Ickenham Station, from where a Special Train departed at 23.45 hrs. All aircraft and most of the Technical equipment had been left behind for 316 (Polish) Squadron. The balance of the equipment and personal kit was packed into special waggons throughout the day.
S/Ldr. Rutkowski was posted to R.A.F. Station, Northolt supernumerary N/E sick on admission to Station Sickquarters.
F/O. Ruba was detached to 316 Squadron for Engineer duties.
F/O. Kowalski , the Squadron Interpretter, was detached to R.A.F.Station, Northolt pending posting to the Polish Inspectorate General..
F/O. (A/F/L) Bokowiec was posted to this Unit from No. 315 Squadron and detached to R.A.F. Station Church Fenton, for Controller duties in Operations Room.

1943-03-13

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny. Visibility very good.
At 07.30 hrs the Main Party arrived at Hutton Cranswick L.N.E.R. Station and were conveyed by Service Transport to the R.A.F. Station, where accomodation was immediately allocated to everyone. Breakfast was then served and throughout the day the Railway Waggons were unloaded and all equipment and kit conveyed to the Technical Site and Site No. 3.
No flying took place to-day.
Sgt. Bondarczuk and Sgt. Kepczynski were injured when the car in which they were travelling crashed into a Telegraph pole when making the journey from Northolt to Hutton Cranswick. Sgt. Bondarczuk was immediately admitted to Station Sickquarters at Hutton Cranswick and then transferred to R.A.F. Hospital, South Rauceby. Sgt. Kepczynski fractured his left arm and was later admitted to Rauceby Hospital. Both pilots were posted to R.A.F. Station, Hutton Cranswick non-effective sick.

1943-03-14

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – good. Clouds 3/10ths to 10/10ths. Visibility 4/6 miles.
Throughout the day sector recco. practices, photo attacks, local flying, were carried out by the Squadron using the Spitfires VB taken over from 316 Squadron.

1943-03-15

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – good. Little amount of cloud. Visibility good.
The Squadron carried out air-to-air firing, practice photo attacks and the target was towed by Spitfire a/c, the pilots taking it in turns.
F/Lt.Penz, Operations controller, ceased detachment to the Polish Inspectorate General, London and proceeded direct to Church Stanton on detachment for duties in the Operations Room.

1943-03-16

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – Cloudy – clouds 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility 2/4 miles.
29 Sorties were made to-day, the Squadron taking part in Squadron formation flying, practice photo attacks, local flying, cloud and low flying and air-to-sea firing.
P/O’s Buckiewicz and Paleolog and Sergeant Toczyski were posted from No. 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.

1943-03-17

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, clouds from 8/10ths to 10/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility 2/4 miles.
27 sorties were made consisting of training flying as follows: Air-to-sea firing, local flying, photo attacks and dusk landing from 18.35 hrs to 19.40 hrs, 9 pilots taking part in the latter.
F/O. (A/F/L) Karwowski arrived on posting from No. 316 Squadron for flying duties and to command. He was appointed to the acting rank of Squadron Leader.
F/O. Kurowski was posted supernumerary non-effective sick to R.A.F. Station, Hutton Cranswick on admittance to R.A.F. Hospital, Cosford.

1943-03-18

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, clouds from 6.10ths to 10/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility 3/5 miles.
22 sorties were carried out, consisting of Squadron battle formation flying and air-to-sea firing.

1943-03-19

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – good, then cloudy. Clouds 6/10ths to 10/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility 3/5 miles
15 sorties were undertaken, including flight formation and low flying, air-to-sea firing, navigation exercises and one aircraft test.

1943-03-20

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – good, then cloudy. Clouds 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility 2/4 miles.
25 sorties were carried out, including Squadron Formation flying, Flight Formation flying and one aircraft test.

1943-03-21

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy. Clouds 7/10ths to 10/10ths cloud at 1000 feet. Visibility from 3/5,000 yards.
35 sorties were undertaken, including a Weather test, low flying, homing, air-to-air firing, flight formation, local flying, practice photo attacks on bombers and three aircraft test. Six pilots took part in dusk landings from 18.40 to 19.50.
F/O. Wozniak, the Squadron Engineer Officer, proceeded to Messrs. Rolls Royce Ltd., Derby for a Course of Instruction on Griffon Engines.

1943-03-22

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy. Clouds 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 1,000 feet. Visibility 4/6 miles.
31 sorties were made and these included Squadron formation flying, battle formation flying, air-to-air firing, dusk flying by 6 pilots from 19.00 to 19.55 hrs, and one “Scramble” by one section from 13.00 to 13.15 hrs without incident.
F/O. Kon was posted to 308 Squadron for flying duties.
F/Sgt. Czachla and F/O. Tomanek proceeded to Messrs. Rolls Royce Ltd., Derby for a 4 days course on Merlin Engine Handling.
F/O. Rozanski was detached to Northolt, for the special fitting by an opthalmic specialist of “Contact Lenses”.
F/O. Lutoslawski proceeded on temporary duty to the Polish Inspectorate General, London.

1943-03-23

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny and clear. Visibility good.
At 07.45 hrs one Section took off from base at Hutton Cranswick on a vector of 110 º and after flying for 7 minutes from the Coast a “Fix” was taken and search for dinghy made without results. The aircraft returned to base at 09.15 hrs. 29 other sorties were carried out which included Wing formation flying, air-to-air firing, sector recco., photo attacks, aircraft and weather tests, and 5 pilots took part in dusk flying from 18.50 hrs to 20.25 hrs.

1943-03-24

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy at misty. Clouds 10/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility less than 1,000 yards.
Two aircraft carried out a patrol over the Sea from 16.35 to 17.15 with nothing to report.
17 pilots took part in Revolver shooting on the range at Hutton Cranswick, and 15 pilots shot with “Sten”

1943-03-25

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy and misty with rain. Clouds 10/10ths at 1,000 feet. Visibility less than 1,000 yards. No flying was carried out.
P/O. Lutoslawski returned from the Polish Inspectorate General. London.
F/O. Pirszel, the Squadron Intelligence Officer gave lectures to the pilots on “Operational Night Flying”, Convoy Protection” , and Recognition tests from silhouettes of tanks and ships.

1943-03-26

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Wather – cloudy wiith rain. Clouds at 1,000 feet. Visibility 1,000 yards.
4 sorties were carried out – Weather test, circuits, local flying and landings.
F/O. Pirszel gave a lecture to the pilots on “Armament of German Aircraft”.
F/O. Tomanek returned from Messrs Rolls Royce Ltd., Derby together with F/Sgt. Czachla.
Presumption of Death received from Air Ministry in respect of F/O. W. Szyszkowski who has been missing since the 22nd August, 1943.

1943-03-27

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy and misty. In the afternoon sunny. Visibility good.
At 14.30 hrs two aircraft took off from base at Hutton Cranswick and under Operational Control proceeded 10 miles N/E of Withernsea. An oil patch was seen some 10 yards in diameter and a white article, possibly a map, was seen floating nearby. This was reported by R/T and a fix was taken.
No dinghy was seen. Weather – 5/10ths cloud at 15,000 feet.
Sgt. Laszkowski, Interpretter, ceased his detachment to the Polish Inspectorate General, London.
Training flying (22 Sorties) was carried out as follows: -
Flight formation flying, practice dog fighting and photo attacks, air-to-air firing, sector recco., Interception, aerobatics and three aircraft test.

1943-03-28

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny. Visibility very good.
Training flying (29 Sorties) was carried out as follows: -
Formation flying, air-to-air firing, sector recco., practice air combat, two aircraft tests and four aircraft carried out dusk flying from 19.55 to 20.50 hrs.

1943-03-29

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather good, then cloudy. Clouds 10/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility good.
Three sections carried out Air/Sea rescue patrols from 14.40 hrs to 19.30 hrs. The first two sections had nothing to report on their return from patrol. The third section took off and flew on a vector of 120 º from Hornsea approximately 60 miles from the Coast. A fishing vessel, with three people on board, was seen and a fix made. The section returned to base.
Training flying (35 Sorties) was carried out as follows: -
Formation flying, practice photo. attacks, homing, local flying, low flying, navigation exercises, air-to-air firing, aerobatics, 5 aircraft tests and two aircraft on Rhubarb practice.

1943-03-30

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with intermittent rain. Very strong wind.
Training flying (16 Sorties) consisting of flight formation flying was carried out.

1943-03-31

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with intermittent rain. Very strong wind.
Training flying (15 Sorties) was carried out and included air-to-air firing, flight formation flying and army co-operation flying. The latter was carried out as follows: -
Six aircraft were to attack one battery of 30 vehicles of No. 176 Field Regiment, R.A. The Convoy was sighted between Reighton and Buckton, our aircraft flying at 2,000 feet, and the convoy was easily picked out. A small car at the head of the convoy and one at the tail made it easy to guess the lenght of the convoy. Bren carriers were more easily picked out than any other vehicles. Vehicles driven near the side of the road were the harder to see. Camouflage on the whole was too dark for the type of ground over which they were travelling. Four attacks were made by our aircraft and the only action the convoy took was that guns were aimed and followed our aircraft. Camera guns were used throughout.

W. Karwowski S/L
Squadron Leader Commanding
No. 306 (Polish) Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE