Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-04-01

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with intermittent rain. Clouds 7/10ths to 10/10ths at 3,000 feet, visibility good.
05.55. 1 Section at readiness, 1 Section at 15 minutes and 1 Section at 30 minutes.
08.30. 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at 30 minutes.
Throughout the day formation flying and navigation flying was undertaken by most of the pilots in the Squadron.

1943-04-02

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny, visibility very good.
08.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 Section at 15 minutes and 1 Section at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 Section at 15 minutes and 1 Section at 30 minutes.
17.00. 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
18.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
Air to Sea Firing, air to air firing, low flying, army co-operation, Flight formation flying, cloud flying and practice photo attacks were carried out during the day.
F/O. K. WOZNIAK, Engineer Officer; returned from Messrs Rolls Royce Ltd., Derby on completion of Griffon Engine Course.
F/O. S. RUBA, Engineer Officer (Supernumerary), returned from attachment to No. 316 (Polish) Squadron, Northolt.

1943-04-03

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, 6-10/10ths cloud at 3,000 feet. Visibility good.
05.51. 2 Sections at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
08.25. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes
17.15. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
18.15. The Squadron was released.
Squadron formation and practice aerodrome attacks, practice bomber attacks, flight formation and practice fighter attacks, low flying, homing and practice photo attacks were all carried out throughout the day.
LAC, JAS and LAC CHABROWSKI were both remustered to pilot and promoted to sergeant.

1943-04-04

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny and clear. Visibility good.
06.49. 1 Section at readiness and 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
21.15. The Squadron was released.
10.20. 11 Aircraft took off from Hutton Cranswick flying to Martlesham to particpate in Operation “Ramrod No. 6”.
12.05. 11 Aircraft of 306 Squadron, together with 402 Squadron and three other Squadrons, acted as diversion escort for 70 Flying Fortresses and 25 Liberators. Took off from Martlesham at 12.05 hrs and rendezvoused with the bombers over Harvich. From there course was taken towards the sea in a South Easterly direction and when about 30 miles North of Dunkirk turned to the West escorting the bombers over Manston, then landing at Martlesham at 13.35 hrs. The bombers turned and flew to bomb the Renault Works in Paris.
16.30. 11 Aircraft flew from Martlesham to Coltishall and carried out some low flying on the way.
18.40. 11 Aircraft of 306 Squadron together with three other Squadrons took off to act as cover for the return of 24 Venturas. The target was Rotterdam Docks. Took off from Coltishall at 18.40 hrs and from there set course straight over the sea for Rotterdam. The bombers were met returning right over the Dutch Coast and they were escorted up to the English Coast. On the way the Squadron met about 20 F.W.190’s and several combats took place. F/O. Sologub of 306 Squadron fired but at a great distance and no result was obtained. Landed at Coltishall at 20.00 hrs.
Weather – sunny, sky clear.
10.45 Two aircraft took off from Hutton Cranswick on receiving orders to “Scramble” and patrolled over base without incident.
F/O. Z. WOZNIAK was detached to R.A.F. Station, Northolt for Officers Signal Course.
F/Sgt. Cichowicz and Sergeant Gutowski (Fitters) ceased detachment to P.T.T.S. Halton on completion of 6 weeks Refresher course.
F/Sgt. Szczepanski (Fitter) proceeded to Vickers Armstrongs Ltd for 14 days course on Spitfire Airframe.
Sgt. Pilot MICHALKIEWICZ, K was posted from No. 610 Squadron for flying duties.
20.30. 11 Aircraft took off from Coltishall and landed at Hutton Cranswick 21.15 (DUSK).

1943-04-05

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, 7/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility 3/5 miles.
06.51. 1 Section at readiness.
13.00. Flight “B” readiness.
16.15. 1 Section at readiness and 1 at 15 minuts.
18.15. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
17.40. One Section took off from Hutton Cranswick on receiving orders to “Scramble” and patrolled over base without incident.
Two aircraft tests were carried out one at 10.00 and the second at 10.35 hrs.
F/O. K. GORNIAK posted to 318 Squadron together with F/O. O. SZARCZYNSKI.
F/O. Z.L. PIRSZEL, the Intelligence Officer, proceeded on temporary duty to Polish Inspectorate General.
News received that F/O. (A.S.L.) T. CZERWINSKI was presumed to have been killed on 22/8/42, having been classified as “Missing” since that date.
Sgt. E. KEPCZYNSKI was promoted to the P.W.R. of Flight Sergeant with effect from 1/2/43.

1943-04-06

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, 7-10/10ths at 2,000 feet, Visibility 3/5 miles.
Throughout the day Flight and Battle Formation, practice photo, attacks, sector recco., and Interception practice were all undertaken by the Squadron.
Sgt. Pilot Z. Kawnik posted from 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.
06.43. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, and 2 at 30 minutes.
14.00. 2 Sections at readiness, and 1 Section at 30 minutes.

1943-04-07

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with intermittent rain. Clouds 8-10/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility 2/4 miles.
06.45. 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
20.00. The Squadron was released.
No flying was carried out to-day but a lecture, illustrated by films, on the “Theory of Towed Target Firing” was give to the Pilots.

1943-04-08

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, 10/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility good.
06.38. 1 Section at readiness and 1 at 15 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
16.15. 2 Sections at readiness, 1 at 30 minutes.
21.24. The Squadron was released.
Air to Air firing, low flying, aircraft tests, practice photo attacks, cloud flying and Sector recco’s were all carried out by the Squadron.
The lecture on the theory of Towed Target Firing was continued.

1943-04-09

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, 10/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility good.
06.36. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
09.10. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
10.40. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
21.30. The Squadron was released.
Squadron formation flying, aerobatics, cloud flying, air to air firing and dusk flying by six a/c carried out throughout the day.
Sgt. KERZ and Sgt. GRADOWSKI (Fitters) detached to P.T.T.S. Halton for 6 weeks refresher course.
News received that F/Sgt. Z. HORN was presumed to have been killed on 22/8/42, having been classified as “Missing” since that date.
Sgt. LASZKOWSKI, J (Interpreter) detached to Polish Inspectorate General, London for duties with the Polish Welfare organization.

1943-04-10

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny and clear. Visibility good.
06.36. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
09.10. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
10.40. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
21.30. The Squadron was released.
Air to air firing, circuits and landings, Cloud flying, aerobatics, air to air firing, homing, sector recco and aircraft tests were carried out.
F/O. JEKA was detached to 1489 Flight, Coltishall, for calibration exercise.
Sgt. Pilot NOWOCZYN, W was posted from No. 130 Squadron with effect from 3/4/43 on expiration of leave.

1943-04-11

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – good. Clouds 4-6/10ths at 2,000 feet. Visibility good.
06.31. 2 Sections at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes.
08.15. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
10.20. 1 Section at readiness.
12.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
16.15. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
Squadron formation flying, air to air firing and practice photo attacks were carried out.

1943-04-12

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy at misty. Clouds 10/10ths at 1,000 feet. Visibility - poor.
06.29. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 2 at 30 minutes.
11.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
19.00. 1 Section at readiness.
21.31. The Squadron was released.
10.00. Six aircraft carried out a practice Rhubarb and participated in low flying.
During the rest of the day practice photo attacks, air to sea firing, homing, flight formation, circuits and landings, low flying and aircraft tests were carried out.
Aircraft recognition tests and Motor Torpedo Boat recognition test with silhouettes were given to the pilots by the Squadron Intelligence Officer.
F/O. Z. WOZNIAK, Engineer Officer, ceased to be detached to Northolt.

1943-04-13

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy, 8/10ths at 3,000 feet, Visibility good.
06.25. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
09.30. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
14.30. 2 Sections at readiness and 1 at 15 minutes.
16.35. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
21.35. The Squadron was released.
Squadron formation and practice attacks together with practice photo attacks were carried out.

1943-04-14

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny and clear. Visibility – good.
06.25. 2 Sections at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
07.15. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
12.10. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
21.30. The Squadron was released.
The Squadron took part in Squadron Formation flying, army co-operation with attacks to be ground, air to ground firing, battle formation flying and low attacks on the aerodrome were all carried out.
F/O. F. SWIETLIK was reposted to the Squadron as Adjutant in place of F/O. HARLA who was reposted as Interpreter.

1943-04-15

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy. Clouds 7-10/10ths at 3,000 feet. Visibility 2/4 miles.
06.22. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
Squadron formation flying, practice photo attacks, air to air firing, Squadron battle formation, Flight battle formation, Sector recco carried out throughout the day.

1943-04-16

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny and clear with visibility good.
06.20. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes.
In the morning and afternoon the Squadron carried out Squadron Battle formation flying.
13.45. The Squadron flew to Coltishall.
18.55. 10 Aircraft of 306 Squadron took off from Coltishall at 18.55 hrs together with 302 and 317 Squadrons to act as cover for the return of 12 Venturas, the target being the town of HAARLEM. The Squadrons flew for 28 minutes at 0 feet in an Easterly direction.The Wing then began to climb and the bombers were seen at a height of 7,000 feet when the Wing was flying at a height of 15,000 feet. The Wing made a turn to the right and flew behind the bombers, screening then from behind and above. Immediately after the turn 8 a/c were noticed with yellow painted undersurfaces about 3 /4,000 feet. higher and at a distance of over 1,000 yards to the left. The Squadron turned in their direction and they flew off in a dive. Four to five minutes later two other aircraft appeared at 3/4,000 feet higher to the right at a distance of about one mile. They also flew off. The Squadron landed at Hutton Cranswick at 20.50 hrs. Weather – sunny, cloudless and misty from the sea to a height of 6,000 feet.

1943-04-17

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – sunny with slight mist neat the ground.
06.17. 1 Section at readiness and 1 at 15 minutes.
09.15. 1 Section at readiness.
An assesament was made of firing results as a combat film.
In the morning Squadron battle formation, navigation exercises and homing were carried out by the Squadron. At 12.05 hrs 11 a/c flew to Coltishall and from there took off at 13.55 hrs for Operation “Ramrod No. 9”.
13.55. 11 a/c of 306 Squadron together with 316 and two English Squadrons took off to act as cover for the return of 50 Flying Fortresses and Liberators, the target being Bremen. Took off at 13.55 taking a North Easterly course, climbing steadily. After 30 minutes flight at a height of 15,000 feet they met the returning Fortresses. The bombers were flying in pairs line astern at a height of 10,000 feet. The bombers were covered from the back and above right up to the English Coast flying in a South Westerly direction. The Squadrons landed at Coltishall at 15.45 hrs. Weather – sunny with light stratus clouds. Misty to a height at 3/4000 feet.
18.45. 11 a/c of 306 Squadron took off for a sweep in the target area. The target for 12 Venturas was the Coke Ovens at Zeebrugge. 306 Squadron were leading, together with 317 Squadron. They took off from Martlesham at 18.45 hrs and set course straight for the target, crossing the Belgium coast at a height of 15,000 feet between the towns of Knocke and Blackenburgh. They flew in an arc over the land and then straightened out North of Ostend. Over the sea they made a circle and eventually took a North Westerly course, landing Martlesham 19.55 hrs. Weather – sunny, mist over the sea to a height of 3/4,000 feet.
20.20. 11 a/c flew from Martlesham to Hutton Cranswick, landing there at 20.25 hrs.
F/O. J. KUROWSKI was posted from Hutton Cranswick on ceasing to be non-effective sick.

1943-04-18

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy and misty. 10/10ths cloud at 3,000 feet. Visibility – poor.
06.15. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
16.00. 1 Section at readiness and 2 at 30 minutes
11 pilots took part in training flying from 14.30 hrs to 16.00 hrs.
A lecture was given to the pilots on “S.D. 158” by the Squadron Intelligence Officer.
F/Sgt. SZCZEPANSKI, J returned from Vickers Armstrongs Ltd on completion of course.
F/Sgt. FIGURSKI returned from P.T.T.S. Halton on completion refresher course.
Authority was received for promotion of the undermentioned officers.
F/O. K. BOKOWIEC to F/Lt with effect from 1/9/42.
F/O. R. LUTOSLAWSKI to F/Lt with effect from 1/9/42.
P/O. H. PIETRZAK to F/O with effect from 1/12/42.
P/O. S.W. TRONCZYNSKI to F/O with effect from 1/12/42.
P/O. W. POTOCKI to F/O with effect from 1/12/42.

1943-04-19

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with rain or drizzle. Visibility very poor.
06.12. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
22.00. 2 Sections at “Night” readiness.
Throughout the day the pilots took part in Night Fighter practices, Interception, Photo attacks, Cloud flying, dog fighting, battle formation flying, fighter night practices and local flying.
23.10. Five aircraft carried out Night Flying practices, (Fighter Night Practices), over Hull.
23.25. Four more aircraft carried out Fighter Night practices.

1943-04-20

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – mainly fair, but thunder and rain later in the day. Visibility 6/12 miles.
02.45. 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
Throughout the day battle formation flying, sector recco., and practice photo attacks were carried out
22.55. to 00.30 hrs (21/4/43) 8 aircraft carried out Night Flying.

1943-04-21

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – mainly fine, haze locally at first.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
16.50. 1 Section at readiness.
Training flying, including homing, aerobatics, Squadron battle formation flying, Sector recco., and two aircraft tests, was carried out.
09.25. 6 Aircraft flew to Coltishall.
15.15. 6 Aircraft returned from Coltishall.
13.25. 6 Aircraft flew to Coltishall.
15.00. 6 Aircraft returned from Coltishall.

1943-04-22

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with occasional light rain or drizzle. Thunderstorms spreading from S. and S/W.
06.05. 1 Section at readiness, 1 Section at 15 minutes and 1 Section at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 Section at 15 minutes and 1 Section at 30 minutes.
14.30. The only flying to-day consisted of Formation flying by three aircraft at 14.30 hrs and one.
13.30. Weather test at 13.30 to 14.00 hrs.
F/O. JEKA returned from 1489 Flight.
Sgt. Pilot KRZECHLIK posted to this Squadron with effect from 16/4/43.
F/Sgt. FIGURSKI proceeded to Northolt for an enquirey regarding a missing ‘Sten’ Gun.
W/O. J. SMIGIELSKI proceeded to No. 5 Fighter Leaders Course at Charmy Down.

1943-04-23

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy and showery with mist in Midland and North.
06.00. 1 Section at Readiness, and 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
09.20. Aircraft test.
10.45. Aircraft test.

1943-04-24

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – fair but occasional showers during the day, dying out during evening.
06.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
Squadron battle formation practices, practice bombers attacks, formation flying, interception with Bombers affiliation were all carried out by the pilots throughout the day.

1943-04-25

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – rain and low cloud, otherwise generally fair to fine. Squally showers developing mid-day.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, and 2 at 30 minutes.
13.20 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
No flying carried out throughout the day.

1943-04-26

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – fair or fine, becoming cloudy with rain, hail and local thunder.
06.20. 1 Section at readiness, and 2 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
16.00. 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
No flying carried out throughout the day.

1943-04-27

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – cloudy with light rain during the morning.
06.20. 1 Section at readiness, and 1 at 30 minutes.
13.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
Training flying, including Squadron battle formation flying, sector recco., air-to-ground firing, Flight formation flying, aerobatics and low flying, was carried out throughout the day. P/O. W.J. PALEOLOG posted to R.A.F. Station, Hutton Cranswick supernumerary N/E Sick on admission to R.A.F. Hospital Northallerton.

1943-04-28

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – fair to cloudy with occasional showers, visibility 5/8 miles, temporarily deteriorating in showers.
13.25. 1 Section at readiness.
16.00. 1 Section at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes and 1 at 30 minutes.
Squadron formation flying, Squadron battle formation flying and some air-to-air firing was carried out throughout the day.

1943-04-29

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Weather – fair or fine, fog at first in any places. Visibility poor, rather hazy.
08.50. 1 Section at 30 minutes.
13.00. 2 Sections at readiness, 1 at 15 minutes.
Air-to-sea firing, dog fighting and practice photo attacks, bomber affiliation and flight battle formation carried out throughout the day.

1943-04-30

HUTTON CRANSWICK

Cloudy with continual rain, much mist and Hill fog. No flying carried out to-day.
05.50. 2 Sections at 30 minutes.
08.30. 1 Section at 30 minutes.

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