Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1944-01-01

LLANBEDR

14.35. Weather: Cloudy, slight haze. Visibility 3 - 4 miles.
16.15. 10 aircraft took off from R.A.F. Station, Llanbedr, landing at Heston 16.15 hrs. Squadron had completed the Armament Training and returned to R.A.F. Heston. No other flying was carried out today. S/Ldr KARWOWSKI was posted to R.A.F. Station Northolt for duties as Sector Gunnery Officer. S/Ldr LAPKA took over the duties of O.C. 306 Squadron, on being posted for that purpose from Polish Inspectorate General, London wef. 1/1/44. F/O PIETRZAK detached to 1530 Flight R.A.F.. Station Wittering for B.A.T. Course. F/O SZAJDA returned from R.A.F. Station Aston Down. 8 pilots returned from R.A.F. Station Llanbedr by rail.

1944-01-02

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy, slight haze. Visibility 3 - 5 miles.
No flying was carried out today. Inspections and repair of Squadron aircraft kept crews busy all day, after having returned from much training flying.
F/Sgt REMBOWSKI, pilot posted to No. 15 A.P.C Peterhead for target towing duties.

1944-01-03

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent rain. Visibility 3 - 6 miles.
No flying was carried out today.

1944-01-04

HESTON

Weather: Fair – but slight haze. Visibility 1 – 3,000 yds.
10.55. 10 aircraft of 306 Squadron with 8 aircraft 315 Squadron took off from Heston to act as close escort in Operation No. 418 /Ramrod/. Squadrons were to act as escort to 24 Bostons and 24 Mitchells which had been ordered to attack LIGESCOURT and GUESCART. Our Squadron was led by W/Cdr Zak and No. 315 Squadron by S/Ldr Poplawski. R/V was made according to plan. Bombs were seen to fall on the West side of the target, and into a wood N.W. of the French airfield. No flak was encountered and no E/A seen. The aircraft piloted by F/Lt Jelinski returned in advance of the main formation, on account off engine trouble. All aircraft landed Heston at 12.30 hrs.
15.20. Nine aircraft of 306 Squadron and six of 315 Squadron took off Heston to form a “Fighter Umbrella” in Operation “Ramrod No. 422”. The Wing was led by W/Cdr Zak Height over target was 13,000 ft according to plan. No flak was encountered. No E/A seen, but Operations warned the formations of bandits approaching whilst over Amiens. Bombs were observed to burst near a rectangular building as GUESCART. Weather over France – Good, with clear visibility. Two of the Squadron aircraft returned to base after crossing the French Coast, one of then had developed engine trouble and the other acted as escort. Squadron landed Heston by 17.20 hrs.
Three aircraft tests were carried out. Two pilots who had remained at R.A.F. Station Llanbedr as rear party, returned to Heston by rail.

1944-01-05

HESTON

Weather: Fair, but foggy and hazy.
13.00. “A” Flight at 30 mins. “B” Flight at Readiness.
Formation flying was carried out by four aircraft between 14.55 hrs and 15.45 hrs. One A/C test of 10 mins duration was carried out. F/Lt. Drybanski discharged from R.A.F. Officers Hospital Cleveleys, returned for flying duties in the Squadron.

1944-01-06

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with slight haze. Visibility 2 – 5 miles.
08.21. “A” Flight at Readiness. “B” Flight at 30 mins.
10.15. Four aircraft carried out Battle Formation flying, and landed at base 10.45 hrs. One A/C test carried out. Throughout the day, 6 pilots carried out Sector Recco.

1944-01-07

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with slight haze. Visibility 3 – 6 miles.
10.30. 8 A/C of 306 Squadron plus nine A/C for 315 Squadron for Operation No. 431 /Ramrod/. The two Squadrons were to act as close escort to 72 Marauders, bombing LA-GLACERIE and MESNIL – AU – VAL. R/V was made with the formation of bombers – 2nd box at 12,000 ft at 11.15 hrs. The first box of bombers was seen crossing the French Coast at the time fixed for rendezvous. Bombs were seen to burst at a position about 500 ft to the S.W. of MESNIL – AU – VAL. Two F.Ws 190 were seen flying five miles S. at CHERBOURG / MAUPERTUS but these E/A evaded combat. In the vicinity of MAUPERTUS, flak, both slight and heavy, appeared to come up from the Airfield. Height of this flak was 13/15,000 ft and it was accurate for direction. Weather over target area – 5/10ths cloud at 8-10,000 ft. Visibility good. Squadron landed Heston at 12.30 hrs. At various times through the day, 6 aircraft carried out formation flying. There was also one A/C test.

1

944-01-08

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with slight haze. Visibility 3/4 miles.
13.55. Four aircraft of 306 Squadron took off from Heston to carry out an exercise “Erie”. This exercise is for practice interception training. The Bombers were intercepted at 13/14,000 ft above cloud. The aircraft landed at Heston 14.20 hrs. One A/C test carried out.

1944-01-09

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy. Visibility 3 – 6 miles.
08.26. Squadron at 30 mins. Throughout the day four aircraft carried out formation flying, and some local flying took place.

1944-01-10

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent drizzle and slight haze.
08.25 Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00. “A” Flight at Readiness. “B” Flight at 30 mins.
No flying at all today. F/O Pietrzak returned from 1530 Flight Wittering on cessation of B.A.T. Course.

1944-01-11

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with continuous rain or drizzle. Visibility 500 – 1,000 yds.
08.18. “A” Flight at. 30 mins. “B” Flight at. Readiness.
No flying was undertaken today. P/O. Paleolog was posted to No. 41 O.T.U. for flying duties on cessation of detachment to R.A.F. Station Hutton Cranswick.

1944-01-12

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent drizzle and slight haze. Visibility 2/3,000 yds.
08.16. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00. “A” Flight at. 30 mins. “B” Flight at. Readiness.
One aircraft test was carried out, in addition to several sorties by Squadron Tiger Moth A/C.

1944-01-13

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with drizzle. Visibility 3 – 5 miles.
08.17. “A” Flight at. Readiness. “B” Flight at. 30 mins.
Three aircraft tests carried out through the day. F/Lt S. Kedzierski was posted to H.Q. 9 Group pending posting to O.T.U.

1944-01-14

HESTON

Weather: Slight haze. Visibility 2/3,000 yds.
08.15. Squadron at 30 mins.
11.00. 12 aircraft, 306 Squadron together with 315 Squadron (nine A/C) took off from Heston for Operation “Ramrod No. 453”. The two Squadrons were acting as close escort to the third attack on targets No. 57 and 110. The Operation throughout was carried out according to plan. Intense flak was encountered in the target area. Approximately, 100 small ships, in clusters [of] 20 to 30 were seen near the Coast, between DUNKIRK and OSTEND. The Squadrons at that time were flying at 12,000 ft – time 12.00 hrs. Weather: Clear with good visibility. All A/C had landed at base by 12.50 hrs. Throughout the day, Battle Formation flying was carried out by 10 pilots.
16.10. 10 aircraft flew to R.A.F. Station Ford, and returned landed there at 16.30 hrs.

1944-01-15

HESTON

Weather: Foggy, visibility 10 to 30 yds.
No flying was carried out today.

1944-01-16

HESTON

Weather: Foggy, visibility 10 to 30 yds.
No flying was carried out today.

1944-01-17

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy, with fog and haze. Visibility 100 to 3,000 yds.
16.35. 10 aircraft returned from detachment to R.A.F. Station Ford, landing Heston at 17.05 hrs.
F/Lt A. Wiktorczyk, the Squadron Medical Officer proceeded on detachment to R.A.F. Station Halton for a short course.
No other flying carried out today.

1944-01-18

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with continuous drizzle.
08.11. “A” Flight at. 30 mins. “B” Flight at. Readiness.
No flying was carried out today.

1944-01-19

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with rain continuous
08.12. Squadron at 30 mins.
Through the day, the Squadron carried out training flying. This included, low and cloud flying and photo attacks. The aircraft piloted by Sgt. Letki, crashed on landing at Heston after partaking in training flying. Port wheel of the aircraft hit the flarepath landing lamp causing the port oleo leg to collapse. A/C was classed as Cat. AC.

1944-01-20

HESTON

Weather: Fair to cloudy, with slight haze or fog.
08.11. “A” Flight at. Readiness. “B” Flight at. 30 mins.
14.00. “A” Flight at. Readiness. “B” Flight at. 30 mins.
14.10. One Section: aircraft “Á” and “K” were ordered to “Scramble”. The pilots took off as ordered and landed at 14.25 hrs, having nothing of interest to report.

1944-01-21

HESTON

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Slight haze. Visibility 1 to 3 miles.
08.10. “A” Flight at. 30 mins. “B” Flight at. Readiness.
In the morning four A/C carried out practice photo attacks. Two aircraft carried out Army Co-Operation training.
11.50. 306 Squadron together with 315 Squadron took off Heston in order to act as close escort to 54 Marauders which were bombing LOSTBARNE. ZUDASQUES, and NOTRE DAME FERME. The Operation – Ramrod No. 467 – was carried out according to plan. Light and medium flak met over target areas. A single Me. 210 was sighted below the bombers flying at 8,000 ft, near HUCQUELIERS. Our Squadrons attacked this E/A. Two pilots fired. F/Lt Drybanski attacked with cannon and m/g, claiming this E/A as damaged. This claim was later confirmed, by the Cine camera film exposed. The other pilot, P/O Oberdak, fired three short bursts at the E/A, but no claim is made. As the range was too great. 12 F.W. 190 followed the formation out to the Coast, but they did not attack. Weather – Fine. Visibility 30 miles. F/Lt A. Wiktorczyk ceased detachment to R.A.F. Station Halton and was posted to D.P.I.G. F/O S. Harasymowicz reported to this Unit for duty as Medical Officer.

1944-01-22

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with continuous rain and drizzle. Visibility 2 – 5 miles.
08.10. Squadron at 30 mins.
Throughout the day, training flying including, photo attacks and navigation exercises, was carried out.
A lecture was given to the pilots at Dispersal Point, subject was “Jet propelled aircraft – use and characteristics of” This lecture was given by S/Ldr Drylla.

1944-01-23

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy to fine. Intermittent rain. Visibility 2 – 5 miles.
08.08. Squadron at 30 mins.
09.55. Five aircraft carried out Navigation and photo exercises, landing at 10.55 hrs.
14.35. 9 aircraft of both 306 and 315 Squadrons, and W/Cdr. Zak took off from Heston. The 19 a/c in all, were to act as close escort to 1st attack in Operation “Ramrod No. 472”. The Operation was carried out according to plan. The last box of bombers was attacked by F.W. 190’s and one Marauder was shot down. Three parachutes were seen to open. One of our pilots made contact with one of the F.W. The pilot, F/O S. Tronczynski, attacked the E/A with both cannon and m/g and cine camera later proved his claim of one E/A as damaged. A formation of F.W.s 190 flying North passed below and 2nd box of bombers, when about half way between the target and Coast on the way out. Weather 4/10ths cloud at 5/7,000 ft. All our A/C landed at Heston by 16.30 hrs.
Other flying during the day, including Army Co-Operation, Navigation, and photo, in addition to some local flying.

1944-01-24

HESTON

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Continuous rain or drizzle. Visibility 2 – 4,000 yds.
08.06. Squadron at 30 mins.
08.50. 7 A/C of this Squadron with 10 A/C 315 Squadron, led by W/Cdr Zak, took off from Heston acting as close escort to a formation of Marauders – Operation No. Ramrod 457”. F/O Porazinski had to return due to engine trouble, and landed at Heston 09.40 hrs. Operation was carried out according to plan. Light, medium flak encountered in the direction of AUXI – LE – CHATEAU, and bombs were seen to burst on the target by W/Cdr Zak. Weather: 8/10ths cloud at 15,000 ft.
Visibility, very good, no E/A seen. Squadrons landed at Heston 10.40 hrs approx.
F/Os Jelinski and Sologub promoted to the P.W.R. of F/Lt wef. 1/11/43 and 1/10/43 respectively. Two N.C.O. pilots proceeded to R.A.F. Station Llanbedr to ferry back two Spitfire aircraft belonging to the Squadron.

1944-01-25

HESTON

Weather: Fine to cloudy. Showers of rain. Visibility 3 – 6 miles.
08.04. Squadron at 30 mins.
11.00. “A” Flight at. Readiness. “B” Flight at. 30 mins.
09.00. 306 Squadron and 315 Squadron with 8 and 10 A/C respectively, were to act as escort to 2nd attack of Bostons, bombing XI/A/53 and Mitchells bombing XI/A/99 – Operations Ramrod No. 478. The Operation was carried out according to plan. Medium flak was experienced all the way in from the French Coast to the target area, and on the return journey. Third attack of bombers was split into boxes (two) – about five miles apart. This attack turned for home near the French Coast and did not carry out bombing. Weather over target area 6/10ths cumulus cloud at 5/15,000 ft. No bombing observed. No E/A seen. Squadrons landed at Heston 10.30 hrs approx.
F/Sgt pilots Osieleniec and Mozowski reported to this Unit for flying duties from No. 61 O.T.U. Rednal.
Other flying carried out was local flying and aircraft tests.

1944-01-26

HESTON

Weather: Fair to cloudy with continuous rain. Visibility 1,800 yds to 3,000 yds.
08.04. Squadron at Readiness.
13.00. “B” Flight at. Readiness.
08.50. 11 aircraft 306, and 11 of 315 Squadron took off Heston for Operational Ramrod No. 486. Sqdns were to act as close escort to 24 Mitchells bombing MARQUENNEVILLE. Operation was carried out according to plan. R/V with the bombers was made at 8,000 ft. Bombing was dispersed, but pinpointing was impossible. No E/A seen, and no flak encountered. Weather – Cloud patches, 4/10ths at 6/7,000 ft. Fair visibility. F/Sgt Pilot Tomczak, F admitted to R.A.F. Hospital Cosford. F/Lts Sologub and Budzik posted to D.G.I.P. Blackpool on completion of Operational Tour. Squadron landed at Heston 10.40 hrs. after above Operation.

1944-01-27

HESTON

Weather – Cloudy with intermittent drizzle. Visibility 2,000 to 5,000 yds.
08.04. Squadron at 30 mins.
During the day training flying which included Local flying, and aircraft tests were carried out. Two N.C.O. pilots returned to R.A.F. Station Heston from R.A.F Llanbedr, ferry [in] two Spitfire aircraft.

1944-01-28

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with slight haze. Visibility 2 – 5 miles.
Throughout the day pilots carried out Battle formation flying a total of 12 Sorties.

1944-01-29

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent drizzle. Visibility 1,000 to 4,000 yds.
08.00. “A” Flight at. Readiness. “B” Flight at. 30 mins.
12.40. 11 aircraft of this Squadron and 12 aircraft of 315 Squadron took off from Heston acting as close escort to 36 Marauders bombing PREUSEVILLE and BEAULIER FERME, Operation Ramrod No. 493. The Operation was carried out according to plan. No E/A or flak. Weather over France: 8/10ths cloud at 1,500/4,000 ft with clear patches over the target area. Visibility above cloud was good. Bombing was not observed. Squadrons landed at Heston approx. 14.45.
Other flying carried out throughout the day comprised Sector Recco (two aircraft) local flying and tests. W/O Tronczynski proceeded to detachment to RAF Westcoot for Merlin Engine Course

1944-01-30

HESTON

Weather: Fair to cloudy. Visibility 2,000 to 3,000 yds.
07.58. Squadron at 30 mins.
13.00. “A” Flight at. Readiness. “B” Flight at. 30 mins.
11.10. 10 aircraft 306 and 11 aircraft 315 Squadrons, led by S/Ldr Poplawski took off from Heston at 11.10 hrs. Squadrons were acting as fighter over to 24 Mosquitos which were to attack BEAUMONT – LE – HARENG – Operation “Ramrod No. 497”. The Operation was carried out according to plan and the Sortie was uneventfull. Bombing was not observed. Weather over target area fine and clear with very good visibility. Squadrons landed at Heston at 12.50 hrs approximately. Two aircraft tests were carried out, and two pilots carried out Sector Recco.

1944-01-31

HESTON

Weather: Cloudy with slight haze. Visibility 1,200 to 3,000 yds.
07.57. “A” Flight at. 30 mins. “B” Flight at. Readiness.
Local and formation flying by two aircraft, was carried out during today.

Z. Langhamer F/L
for Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No 306 Polish Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE