Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-11-01

Heston

06.51 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. 1 Section at Readiness and 2 Section at 15 mins.
Weather Cloudy with poor visibility.
No flying was carried out today.

1943-11-02

Heston

06.35 hrs. “A” Flight at Readiness, “B” Flight at 15 mins.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility.
No flying was carried out today

1943-11-03

Heston

06.55 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. Squadron at Readiness.
Weather good. Visibility good.
08.30 hrs. 12 aircraft flew to Tangmere.
10.05 hrs. 11 aircraft of 306 Squadron together with 308 Polish Squadron took off from Tangmere for Operation Ramrod No. 289. Sqdns were to act as escort to 2nd part of 72 Marauders which were to bomb the aerodrome at St. Andre de L’Hure. Bombers were met at 12,000 ft half way over the Channel. Course was then set for the target. Results of the bombing were observed to be very good. Hits were seen on the E. and W. parts of the drome. Fires could still be seen and smoke was still rising from the buildings when the Sqdns recrossed the French Coast, on the return. 30 aircraft were noticed South of the target, but they were not identified. One of our pilots attacked a single F.W.190 but makes no claim due to the extreme range. Sqdns landed at Heston 12.05 hrs.
Four aircraft tests were carried out through the day.
17.05 hrs. 12 aircraft flew to Friston.

1943-11-04

Heston

06.45 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Cloudy, 10/10ths at 4,000 ft with good visibility.
15.40 hrs. 12 aircraft returned from Friston landing Heston 16.15.

1943-11-05

Heston

06.54 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Sunny visibility good.
No flying other than Operational was carried out.
12.30 hrs. 11 a/c together with 308 Sqdn took off Heston acting as escort to formation of 260 Marauders detailed to attack ground defences at Mimoyecques – Operation Ramrod 291A. Bombers met half way over the Channel. Sqdns covered them over the target area and to French Coast. Heavy and accurate AA fire met over the target. One of our bombers was seen to be hit. Weather 3/10ths cloud at 2,000 ft. Landed Heston 14.20.
15.40 hrs. 11 a./c together with 308 Sqdn took of Heston to escort 1st part of 72 Mitchell and Boston Bombers bombing Mimoyecques in Operation “Ramrod No. 292”. Bombers covered to target area flying at a height of 16,000 ft. Sqdns patrolled area until ordered to return by Operations.
Heavy and accurate AA fire over Boulogne. Weather 4/10ths cloud at 4,000 ft – slight haze.
Landed Heston 17.20 hrs.

1943-11-06

Heston

07.00 hrs. Squadrons at 30 mins.
Weather Cloudy and misty with poor visibility.
No flying was carried out today.
Sgt. pilot Czezowski arrived on posting from 303 Polish Squadron.

1943-11-07

Heston

11.00 hrs. “B” Flight at Readiness,. “A” Flight at 15 mins.
Weather Cloudy 10/10ths at 6,000 ft. Poor visibility.
08.30 hrs. 12 a/c with 308 Sqdn took off Heston acting as escort to 2nd Part formation of 72 Marauders attacking Montedier aerodrome. Operation Ramrod No. 297. Bombers were meet 12,000 ft half way over Channel. Clouds covered N.W. France. 10/10ths cloud made target impossible to locate. Sqdns therefore returned landing Heston at 10.30 hrs approx.
11.50 hrs. 12 a/c flew to Ford landing there at 12.20 hrs.
15.15 hrs. 12 a/c took off from Ford landing Heston at 15.45 hrs.
Three aircraft tests were also carried out through the day.

1943-11-08

Heston

07.05 hrs. Squadrons at 30 mins.
Weather Cloudy and Misty with poor visibility.
No flying was carried out today.

1943-11-09

Heston

07.05 hrs. Squadrons at 30 mins.
Weather good. Visibility good.
15.15 hrs. 13 aircraft took off Heston carrying out battle formation practices, photo attacks and other training flying. Landing at 16.00 hrs.
16.50 hrs. 13 a/c took off Heston and landed Hawkinge at 17.20 hrs.
Three aircraft tests at various times through the day were carried out.

1943-11-10

Heston

No Readiness.
Weather good.
12.35 hrs. 10 a/c together with 308 Sqdn took off Hawkinge to act as escort of 72 Marauders attacking Lesquin drome. Operation Ramrod No. 307. Bombers met over North Foreland. After crossing French Coast at Dunkirk, course was set direct for target. Weather over France 10/10ths cloud.
Landed Hawkinge 14.20 hrs approx.
15.35 hrs. 11 a/c together with 308 Sqdn took off Hawkinge for Operation Ramrod No. 308. They were to act as escort to 24 Bostons attacking ground defences at Mimoyecques. Bombers met over Dungeness at 12,000 ft. Heavy AA fire met over Marquise. French Coast covered with 10/10ths cloud. Sqdns landed Heston 16.50 hrs.

1943-11-11

Heston

07.00 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
14.25 hrs. “B” Flight at Readiness, “A’ Flight at 30 mins.
Weather good clouds 5 to 7/10ths at 3,000 ft.
09.45 hrs. One aircraft carried out a Sector Recce. landing 10.20 hrs.
10.30 hrs. Two aircraft tests carried out untill 11.15 hrs.
11.50 hrs. 11 a/c in conjunction with 315 Sqdn took off Heston acting as escort to 2nd part of a formation of Bostons attacking target at Martinvast – Operation No. 311 Ramrod. Bombers met over Channel at 12,000 ft west of Salsey Bill. French Coast crossed at Quineville. Direct hits observed.
Heavy and accurate AA fire over target. Weather good – clouds 5/10ths at 6,000 ft with good visibility. Sqdns landed Heston 13 35 hrs.

1943-11-12

Heston

07.11 hrs. “A” Flight 30 mins “B” Flight at Readiness.
13.00 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather foggy with poor visibility.
No flying carried out today.

1943-11-13

Heston

07.10 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. “A” Flight at Readiness, “B” Flight at 30 mins.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility.
No Flying carried out.
F/O. R. Budrewicz was posted to 61 O.T.U. Rednal as Flying Instructor.

1943-11-14

Heston

13.00 hrs. “A” Flight at Readiness, “B” Flight at 30 mins.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility.
No Flying was carried out.

1943-11-15

Heston

07.51 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Sunny with good visibility.
Throughout the day, local flying, air to air firing, practice photo attacks, navigation exercises, and formation flying was carried out by the Squadron.

1943-11-16

Heston

07.37 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. “A” Flight at 30 mins “B” Flight at Readiness.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility. No flying carried out today.

1943-11-17

Heston

07.35 hrs. “A” Flight at 30 mins “B” Flight at Readiness.
13.00 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather cloudy. 10/10ths cloud at 4,000 ft. Visibility fair.
09.45 hrs. Two aircraft carried out G.C.I. training landing at 10.50.
Throughout the day some local flying and one a/c test were undertaken.

1943-11-18

Heston

07.36 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Cloudy. 8 to 10/10ths cloud at 5,000 ft. Visibility good.
Throughout the day training flying was carried out and this included Flight formation flying, practice photo attacks, battle formation flying together with some local flying.

1943-11-19

Heston

07.38 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Misty with poor visibility.
12.35 hrs. 12 a/c took off Heston landing Ford at 13.00 hrs.
13.55 hrs. 12 a/c with 315 Sqdn took off Ford to act as escort to 1st part of a formation of Bostons which were to bomb target at St. Evreux – Operation Ramrod No. 316. Sqdns met bombers over the Channel at 12,000 ft. Thick fog covered the French Coast up to a height of 8,000 ft. Sqdns were ordered to return and landed at Heston 15.05 approx.

1943-11-20

Heston

07.40 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility.
No flying was carried out.

1943-11-21

Heston

07.42 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. One Section at Readiness two Sections at 15 mins.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility. No flying carried out today.

1943-11-22

Heston

07.43 hrs. Squadron at Readiness.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility. No flying was carried out.

1943-11-23

Heston

07.42 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Cloudy. 10/10ths cloud at 5,000 ft. Visibility good.
14.40 hrs. 12 aircraft with 315 Squadron took off Heston for Operational Ramrod No. 325. Sqdns were to act as escort to 2nd part of a formation of Bostons which had been ordered to bomb Audingham. Bombers met over Dungeness at 10,000 ft, Course then set for the target. Bombing concentrated and accurate. Heavy AA fire encountered over target. In the South Foreland area, the Wing led by S/Ldr Karwowski was warned by Operations that three E/A were approaching. Wing turned immediately to starboard but no E/A were observed however. Weather over France 10/10ths cloud at 10,000 ft with good visibility. Sqdns landed Heston 16.06 hrs.

1943-11-24

Heston

07.55 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
15.15 hrs. “B” Flight at Readiness.
Weather Cloudy – 8/10 – 10/10ths cloud at 4,000 ft. Visibility good.
10.30 hrs. 12 a/c took off Heston landing at Hawkinge at 11.00 hrs.
13.25 hrs. 12 a/c took off Hawkinge landing Heston 14.00 hrs.
Squadron carried out Battle formation and practice photo attacks through the day.

1943-11-25

Heston

07.48 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Sunny with poor visibility due to haze.
15.10 hrs. 12 a/c of 306 Squadron together with 315 Sqdn took off Heston acting as close escort to 2nd attack bombers bombing Audingham in Operation Ramrod No. 333. Course set according to plan. Bombing was accurate, but pinpointing was impossible owing to the ground haze. Flak both heavy and medium met over the target. Weather - Clear but ground haze over the target area.
Visibility was good. Squadrons landed 16.25 at Heston.
09.10 hrs. 12 a/c of this Sqdn with 315 Sqdn took off Heston acting as close escort to 2nd attack 24 Mitchell Bombers in Operation Ramrod 330. Bombers were flying in very dispersed formation Bombing was concentrated, but target not visible owing to the ground haze. Flak, both heavy and medium was sent up from Cap Griz Nez and target area – accurate for height. One of our bombers was seen with its undercarriage down. Weather – Ground haze over English Channel and France with good visibility. Sqdns landed Heston 10.30.

1943-11-26

Heston

07.50 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. “A” Flight at 30 mins.
Weather – Cloudy. Clouds 6-8/10ths at 6,000 ft. Visibility good.
12.30 hrs. 10 a/c this Squadron with 315 Sqdn took off from Heston acting as close escort o 1st Bombers, part three in Operation Ramrod No.336. Bombers consisted of 72 Marauders and they were to bomb airfield at Rosiers. Bombers were two mins early at Rendezvous but were caught up over French Coast. No E/A seen. Bombs seemed to burst on runways and dispersals. Heavy, and medium flak sent up from target. Bursts seen at 20,000 ft. Weather over French Coast 6-7/10ths at 5,000 ft. From 4 to 5/10ths at 7,000 ft over target. Visibility over clouds – good. Squadrons landed approx. 14.40 hrs at Heston.

1943-11-27

Heston

07.52 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00 hrs. “A” Flight at Readiness ‘B” Flight at 30 mins.
Weather Foggy with very poor visibility. No flying was carried out today.

1943-11-28

Heston

07.58 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather Foggy with poor visibility.
No flying was carried out today.
F/O. Z.L. Pirszel the Squadron Polish Intelligence Officer was posted to Headquarters No. 133 Airfield supy, as Intelligence Officer.

1943-11-29

Heston

07.56 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather – 2/10ths cloud at 5,000 ft. Visibility good.
08.45 hrs. 10 a/c of 306 together with 315 Sqdn. took off Heston to act as escort /close/ Part I to 72 Marauders which were to bomb Chievres airfield – Operation Ramrod No. 339., Course set according to plan. Height at Rendezvous was 12,000 ft. Bombing was very good. Bursts were observed on West Dispersals and two sticks across the drome. Big flames with heavy grey smoke started. Flames of the explosion at this point seemed momentarily to cover the whole of the aerodrome. Explosion appeared to have occurred near the junction of the N/E S/W and E/W runways and to the North of this junction. 306 Sqdn escorted 2nd Box of these bombers. Combat seen over target area between the high cover and some E/A. At the same time and place, four F.W.190 attacked the 2nd Box of bombers from below and astern. Pilots of 306 Sqdn attacked these E/A and F/O. Szajda claims one F.W.190 destroyed as follows – “F/O.. SZAJDA. After bombing had been carried out I saw four F.Ws. flying to starboard at about 5,000 ft below the bombers. The F.Ws seemed to be preparing to attack the bombers. I dived to their height and attacked the nearest E/A to the bombers. I opened fire from 250 yds closing to 100 yds. I saw “Strikes” entering the engine and cockpit. I claim this E/A as destroyed”. Two more F.W 190 were seen below first box of bombers, but these E/A did not press attack. Flak both light and medium – accurate for height. Weather – 2/10ths cloud at 5,000 ft with visibility very good.
7 a/c landed at Heston 11.10 approx. 2 a/c landed at Redhill and one at Croydon. These three a/c returned to Heston later in the day.

1943-11-30

Heston

07.58 hrs. Squadron at 30 mins.
Weather – Foggy with poor visibility. No flying was carried out.

Squadron Leader, Commanding
No. 306 Polish Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE