Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1944-05-01

COOLHAM

Weather:Fine. Visibility 1 ½ to 2 miles.
09.25. 12 aircraft of this Squadron took off from base with 129 and 315 Squadrons. This Wing was acting as close escort to 72 Bostons. R/V was made 10 miles N.E. of DUNKIRK / NIEUPORT. Squadron proceeded to S. of CHARLEROI and then turned North. The bombers carried out their bombing on the marshalling yards there. Many hits were seen by our pilots. Squadron returned crossing the French Coast between OSTENDE and DUNKIRK landing at Coolham at 12.00 hrs approx. Three pilots had to return from this Operation early – due to engine trouble. F/Sgt Pilot Letki, S was promoted to rank of F/Sgt wef: 20/2/44.

1944-05-02

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Cloudy. Visibility up to 3 miles.
07.40. Two pilots carried out a weather test in the Paris area taking off from Base. Pilots flew very high above clouds and had nothing to report on their return. Pilots landed back at Base at 09.40
15.25. 12 pilots took off from Base with 129 and 315 Squadrons. The Wing carried out a fighter sweep in the BLANKENBURG area: - Weather in the target area: - Horizontal Mist: No clouds. Visibility 10/25 miles. Aircraft landed back at Base 18.05 hrs.
16.05. Two pilots carried out an Air Sea Rescue Patrol over DUNGENESS. Taking Off from Base at 16.05 hrs they patrolled for 2 hrs 20 mins without incident, landing Base at 18.25 hrs.
Pilots had nothing the report on their return. No other flying was undertaken today.

1944-05-03

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair. Visibility 2 to 3 miles.
Two pilots carried out guns test over the sea, in the afternoon.

1944-05-04

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy and Showery. Visibility up to 3 miles.
08.30. 12 aircraft of 306 Squadron took off from Base at Coolham and formed part of a fighter umbrella in Secret Exercise “Fabius” The Operation was carried out as planned. Our pilots covered troops which were training for battle, on the beaches and also in barges. Nothing of interest took plane however and pilots returned to base after flying for 1 hr 15 mins.
13.00. Teen pilots again took off from Base. Pilots continued to give air support to troops carrying out training in Operation Exercise “Fabius”. Squadron aircraft provided low cover, returning to base at Coolham at 14.10 hrs without incident.

1944-05-05

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy and Showery. Visibility 5 miles.
One Sortie only was flown today: one pilot carried out an aircraft test from 08.50 to 09.50 hrs.
F/Sgt Pilot Nowoczyn was posted from this Squadron to 84 Group Support Unit., with F/Lt Tomanek.
P-2224 Pilot Officer Oberdak was promoted to P.W.R. of F/O wef: 1/11/43.

1944-05-06

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Cloudy. Visibility 2 miles:
08.30. 12 pilots took off from Base to carry out a fighter sweep in the CHARLEROI area. Light flak was met in the target area, and on the way in, Light flak was met in target area and on way in on crossing the French Coast at 15,000 ft over OSTENDE. Our aircraft recrossed the French Coast on their return between LE TOUQUET and ALPRECH – more light flak was meet at this point. No E.A. Squadron landed at Coolham at 10.35 hrs. Throughout today, several local flying sorties were made. P.792015 F/Sgt Pilot Tomczak was admitted to R.A.F. Hospital Cosford and duly reported as Non-effective Sick. P. 781300 F/Sgt Pilot Krzechlik, E and P.782679 F/Sgt Pilot Berezowski, F proceeded to Polish Air Cadet School ay Auchtermuchty Scotland for Cadet Course they were posted to PAF. Depot for the duration of the course wef: 6/5/44.

1944-05-07

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine to Fair. Visibility 3 to 8 miles.
10.30. 10 pilots took off from Base for Operation Ramrod No. 840. The pilots were ordered to carry out a fighter sweep and fighter cover East of Hanover. Squadron acted as escort to some 1,000 Fortresses returning to their bases in England after bombing targets in France. Two of our pilots had to return early due to engine trouble and other mechanical trouble. Fortresses were met over Hanover. Squadron acted as escort as arranged. Bombers were met above cloud at 24/26,000 ft. Slight flak was met on crossing and recrossing the French Coast. No E/A seen, and aircraft landed back at base by 14.10 hrs. Other flying today consisted of three local flying sorties.

1944-05-08

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine to Fair. Visibility from 6 to 8 miles.
10.30. 12 aircraft of our Squadron took off from Base for Operation Ramrod No. 845. One aircraft, after flying for 25 mins had to return – faulty fitting of bombs. This pilot had to drop one bomb into the sea. The remaining aircraft dropped bombs on the railyards at AERSCHOTT. 8 direct hits were seen in the target area. No E/A seen, but slight flak was encountered going in over OSTENDE. Pilots landed back at Base at approx. 12.50 hrs.
11.05. Two pilots covered the above Operation with an A/S/R patrol over DUNGENESS without incident. The pilots landed Base at 12.55.
17.30. 12 aircraft of this Squadron took off from Base – 8 were fitted with bombs, and others were as fighters escort. Weather was good, and the target BUSIGNY marshalling yards – were bombed from 3,000 ft. Bombing was reported to be very accurate. Direct hits were seen. No A.A. and no E/A. Aircraft landed Base at 19.45 hrs. This Operation was called Operations Ramrod No. 849.
18.15. Two pilots covered above Operation with an A/S/R patrol over DUNGENESS without incident, until 19.55 hrs.
P-1032 F/Lt Siekierski reported on posting from No. 316 Polish Squadron for flying duties.

1944-05-09

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine to Fair. Visibility 3 miles.
07.15. 8 aircraft of 306 Squadron took off from Base with 129 and 315 Squadrons to carry out a fighter sweep in the area DUREN and ACHEN – Operation Ramrod No. 853. Operation carried out as planned. Moderate, inaccurate, light flak was met in the target area. No E/A seen. No clouds, slight haze, but good visibility. Pilots landed at Base at 10.00 hrs.
17.35. 12 pilots took off from Base with 129 and 315 Squadron for Operation Ramrod No. 857. 8 aircraft were fitted with bombs and the others as escort. Bombs were dropped on the target – Z:3091 from 8,000 ft. Hits were seen in the Centre and S.W. parts of the target. Slight flak was met in the target area. No E/A seen. Pilots returned to Base by 19.05 hrs. P-1644 F/Lt Jelinski, Z proceeded to R.A.F. Station Southend for Gyro Gunsight Instructors Course. P-2316 P/O Laszkiewicz, L was awarded the P.W.R. of F/O wef, 13/3/44.

1944-05-10

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Cloudy. Visibility 2 1/2 to 3 miles.
07.00. 11 aircraft of this Squadron took off from Base and Flew to R.A.F. Manston, landing at 07.20 hrs.
07.50. 11 pilots took off from Manston with 129 Squadron for Operation Ramrod No. 860. The two Squadrons had been ordered to carry out a fighter Sweep in the FRANKFURT area. This was carried out. Staff cars and trucks were attacked and left burning. Moderate inaccurate heavy flak was met over LIEGE and BONNE. Visibility 2-5 miles. Pilots landed back at base by 11.15 hrs.
08.55. One pilot carried out an A/S/R patrol over DUNGENESS in support of Operation No. Ramrod 860. This pilot flew for 2 hrs 40 mins and finally landed back at base without anything to report.
16.40. 8 pilots took off from base with 129 Squadron for Operation Ramrod No. 865. In this Operation the two Squadrons were ordered to bomb target 4601/E/G/L. A total of 38 bombs – 500 lbs – was dropped on this target from 8,000 ft. At least 50% of them seen to drop in target area. Moderate accurate, flak was sent up from DIEPPE area. Slight haze. Visibility 5 to 12 miles. aircraft landed Coolham by 18.00 hrs.

1944-05-11

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Fine. Visibility 3 to 5 miles.
12.30. 10 pilots of our Squadron along with pilots of 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from basevat Coolham for Operation Ramrod No. 868 which was to be a fighter sweep in the area RHEIMS / PARIS / LE HAVRE area. Four pilots had to return early from this Operation on account of badly fitted long range tanks. The Operation was uneventful. A Liberator aircraft however, was seen inflames in the area of EVREUS – tow or three parachutes were seen there. Another Liberator aircraft was seen to lose height in a S.E. direction of the same area. Moderate, inaccurate, heavy flak was met in the CABOURG area. Intense, accurate, heavy flak was met in the area of EVREUX. No cloud – Vis. 15 to 20 miles, over target area. Pilots landed back at base at 13.40 hrs.
13.50. Two pilots carried out an A/S/R patrolbetween 13.50 hrs and 15.30 hrs, in support of above Operation. They patrolled over DUNGENESS without incident, and returned to base.
18.05. 11 aircraft of this Squadron with 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from base for Operation Ramrod No. 872. The Wing was ordered to Bomb target – ZB/906. Intense light, and heavy flak was met in target area, but bombs were never the less dropped on target with good result. No E./A were encountered. All aircraft had landed back at base by 20.25 hrs.

1944-05-12

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine: Visibility 2 to 4 miles.
12.30. 11 aircraft of this Squadron and W/Cdr Skalski, the Wing Leader, took off from Base for Operation Ramrod No. 875 – 129 and 315 Squadrons also participated. Three of our aircraft had to return after flying for a short time due to mechanical trouble. The Wing acted as Withdrawal cover to heavies bombing targets in France. Operation proceeded as planned but bombers were late at R/V. Intense accurate, heavy flak met from several points along the route. Weather: Over target area was cloudless and slight haze. Good visibility. Aircraft landed back at base by 16.25 hrs. Other flying carried out today consisted of four aircraft tests.

1944-05-13

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair. Visibility 1/2 to 3 mls. Nine aircraft flew to Manston at 09.55 hrs., landing there 10.30.
12.05. 9 aircraft of 306 Squadron with 129/315 Sqdns took off from Manston for Operation Ramrod No. 882. The Wing was to carry out a fighter Sweep in the BRUNSWICK area. One pilot had to return to base early due to faulty fitted long range tank. Operation proceeded as planned. Flak came up from several places. The flak sent up from HANOVER AND OSNABRUCK left yellow smoke at 23,000 ft. This hung about much longer than usual flak. Weather: English Coast to to OSNABRUCK – Haze at 1,800 ft. Visibility over the English Channel 5 miles. Holland and Germany 12 miles. East of OSNABRUCK clouds 3/10ths at 10,000 ft. Visibility Excellent. Our pilots landed back at base by 16.00 hrs. No other flying was carried out today.

1944-05-14

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine. Visibility 1/2 to 2 miles.
In the afternoon three aircraft tests were carried out. W/Cdr Rolski carried out local flying in one of our aircraft for 1 hr.

1944-05-15

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair. Visibility 3 to 8 miles.
08.30. 10 pilots of our Squadron took off from Base to bomb target 4901E/C/15 in Operation Ramrod No. 888. These pilots reached the target area, but 10/10ths cloud at 4/5,000 ft made accurate bombing futile. Four pilots did, however, drop their bombs on the marshalling yards there, and one direct hit & two near misses were seen. Other pilots brought their bombs back to base. Meagre, inaccurate, light flak was met over the target area. Out pilots landed back at base by 09.50 hrs. This afternoon two pilots carried out an aircraft test each of 1/2 an hours duration.

1944-05-16

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy with intermittent drizzle. Visibility 3 to 8 miles.
Throughout today four aircraft tests and one local flying sortie was undertaken by the pilots.

1944-05-17

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy with rain. Visibility 3 to 5 miles.
The only flying carried out today consisted of one local flying sortie.

1944-05-18

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy. Visibility 2 to 4 miles.
15.55. Four of our pilots were ordered to carry out a “Ranger” Patrol in the area of CHATEAROUX / NEVERS / ORLEANS/. Taking off from base, these pilots carried out the Operation as planned. Twelve miles N.E. of NEVERS, the Section met a He.111. All the pilots fired at this E/A, it was immediately destroyed. The pilots F/Lt POTOCKI, F/S POMIETLARZ, F/O BEYER, F/O TRONCZYNSKI all claim 1/4 of this E/A. Light flak came up from several places along the route. Aircraft landed back at base by 18.50 hrs.
17.10. Two pilots carried out an A/S/R patrol over Beachy Head between 17.10 hrs and 18.55 hrs without incident, in Support of the above Range Patrol. These pilots had nothing to report on their return to base.
P-1594 F/Lt Budrewicz, R and P-1822 F/O Jaworowski, C reported on posting to the Squadron for flying duties wef” 17/5/44. P-0542 F/O PORAZINSKI, Z proceeded on posting to No. 309 Polish Squadron at Drem for flying duties wef: 17/7/44.

1944-05-19

COOLHAM

Weather: Foggy. Visibility bad at first: later 3 to 8 miles.
12.20. 12 aircraft of this Squadron together with 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from Base for Operation Ramrod No. 894 Part B. In this Operation, our Wing was to carry out a fighter sweep in the area of HAGENOW – East of HAMBURG. The Wing Leader saw Mustang and Thunderbolt aircraft already sweeping in this vicinity – so he ordered our Wing to sweep the HAMBURG area. Six enemy “E” boats were seen in KNOCKE harbour. Other “E” boats were seen in the ZUIDER ZEE, WESTERSCHELIE, moving East. Clouds 8/10ths up to 10,000 ft. Visibility 40 to 50 miles. Two pilots had to return to base early on account of Mechanical trouble. Our pilots landed back at base by 17.15 hrs.
14.35. Two pilots took off from base and carried out an A/S/R patrol in support of Ramrod No. 894. They patrolled over MARGATE but they were not needed however, and landed back at base at 16.10 hrs.
Patrol was uneventful. Other flying today consisted of Army Co-Operation exercises between 18.35 and 19.20 hrs by three aircraft: also two aircraft tests in the morning.
P-2217 F/O T. Turek was posted to this Unit for flying duties wef: 17/5/44.

1944-05-20

COOLHAM

Weather: Fain to Fair but cloudy. Visibility from 1 1/2 to 45 miles.
10.00. 11 pilots of this Squadron took off from base, with aircraft fitted with bombs, for Ramrod No. 898. Pilots were ordered to bomb target 4902 E/C/37. This was carried out and target was bombed from East to West at a height of 8,000ft at 40º. 40 % of the bombs were seen to drop in the target area, six direct hits being seen. One pilot attacked 4 barges and a steamer using his M/g: on the River OIR South of the target. This attack was made at 2,000ft at approx. 10.47 hrs. Result of his attack was not observed. Weather: Haze up to 10,000ft. Visibility with Sun – 15 mls. Aircraft landed base at approx. 12.00 hrs. On landing, the aircraft piloted by F/O Pietrzak crashed and become Cat. “B”.
15.45. 12 pilots and aircraft of 306 Squadron along with 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from base for Operation Ramrod No. 904. In this Operation, the Squadrons were ordered to bomb target 4902E/C/2. Of the twelve aircraft sent up from our Squadron, eight were fitted with bombs & the other four flew as fighter escort. Target was bombed from 8,000ft at 30/35º from N.W. to S.E. Many direct hits were seen – bombing was successful. A train with 30 or 40 trucks on the West side of the railway yards in target area, was attacked and left overturned – on fire. Weather: Haze up to 5,000ft. Clouds 4/6 10ths at 6,000ft. Visibility 2 to 4 miles. F/O M. Wedziks aircraft fitted with bombs went into a traverse on taking off, pilot crashed and the aircraft became Cat. “E”. There was some excitement at the Dispersal point, mechanics and several of the ground personnel were watching pilots “Take-off”. There was a scramble for cover when this accident happened as it was thought that the bombs night go off. They didnt however. The scramble for cover caused some laughter afterwards. Aircraft landed back to base by 18.10 hrs. P-1797 F/Lt GECA reported on posting to this Squadron for flying duties wef: 17/5/44.

1944-05-21

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy to Fair. Visibility 3 to 6 miles.
Very little flying was carried out today. One pilot flew for an hour doing a/c test. One other pilot practiced landings at base from 11.35 to 13.50 hrs.

1944-05-22

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Cloudy, visibility 2 to 7 miles.
19.00. 10 pilots of our Squadron alongside pilots of 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from base for Operation Ramrod No. 906. Of the 10 aircraft, 7 were fitted with bombs and the other there were escort. Target was ZB/906 MONCEAU sur SOMBRE. A total of 42 bombs were dropped on the target from South to North from 8,000ft. Most of the bombs dropped by our pilots did not go off. COURTRAI railway station seen to be hit. Hits were also seen on a factory, petrol or oil tanks, and also on a passenger train. Fires and columns of smoke were started. Accurate intense, light flak was sent up at ROUBAIX. Heavy flak from BOULOGNE area. Clouds were 3/10ths at 7,000ft. Visibility 15 miles. Aircraft landed back at Coolham at 21.00 hrs approx.

1944-05-23

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy. Visibility 2/6 miles.
09.20. 10 pilots of this Squadron took off from Base for Operation Rodeo No. 295. Aircraft were all fitted with long range tanks. 129 and 315 Squadrons also took part. Wing carried out a fighter sweep in the area 5350N-0745E: 5313N-0800E: 5225N-0700E: 5223N-0435: Operation proceeded as planned. Moderate and heavy flak came up from WILHELMSHAFEN area. At 10.45 hrs when the Squadron was flying at a height of 22,000ft 2 big merchant ships were seen and six “R” boats or Minesweepers were seen in two rows, under steam: 10 miles S.E. of BORKUM.
Weather: 8/10ths cloud at 12,000ft. Pilots returned to base at Coolham at approx. 13.20 hrs.
Non-Operational flying today consisted of local flying. G.C.I. training and one aircraft test.

1944-05-24

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine to fair. Visibility 400yds to 5 miles.
11.15. 1 aircraft of this Squadron took off from base with 129 and 315 Squadrons – Operation Ramrod No. 915. In this Operation, Wing was to bomb target 4901E/C/10 LE GRAND VERDRET. 8 aircraft were for bombing, being fitted with 500lb bombs, and three aircraft as escort. Target was bombed from 6,000ft from West to East A.T.S. over 400 mph and 35º there were both direct hits and near misses on the railtracks, 500yds West of where road crosses the track Accurate, moderate, heavy flak from 4042 Sheet 4VM 2436. There were no clouds but slight haze and visibility was from 8/10 miles. 2 aircraft were damaged by enemy A.A. – one became Cat. A/C and the other superficially damaged. Aircraft returned to base by 13.45 hrs.

1944-05-25

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Cloudy. Visibility 2 to 6 miles.
8 aircraft took off with 129/315 Squadrons from base. All aircraft were acting as escort to
B-17s bombing THIONVILLE marshalling yards – Ramrod No. 923. Bombers were met in LE TREPORT area and were escorted from that point. Two Fortress aircraft were sighted losing height, one North of GRAND VILLIERS – crashing and in flames, the other was North of BRUSSELES and was smoking badly. Rockets were seen leaving white trails in LIEGE area and RIVER SEINE area. Movement of M.T. and a large number of guns were seen in WALCHAREN ISLAND. A ship about ¾,000ft long supposed to be a cargo ship was seen burning with white / grey smoke about one or two miles North of OSTENDE HARBOUR. Four aircraft returned early from the Operation – two had mechanical trouble and the other two were escorting them back to base. Aircraft landed back at base at 11.00 hrs. P.792015 F/Sgt Pilot Tomczak, F was posted N/E Sick to Blackpool – Polish Air Force Depot. This Unit received an amendment to Squadron Establishment LWE/SR/1154/Serial No. 4/ which provided for an Adjutant – A.S.D. Branch, and armourers:- 2 Cpls and one AC. Fitter/Armrs, and 9 Armourers AC. Personnel arrived today Fitters were English airmen. Three aircraft tests were carried out through the day.

1944-05-26

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy. Visibility 3 to 6 miles.
Three pilots carried out aircraft tests at various times today.

1944-05-27

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Cloudy. Visibility 2 to 6 miles.
10.30. 10 pilots of the Squadron took off from base with 129/315 Squadrons for Operation Ramrod 926. In this Operation, Wing was to act as Fighter Cover to Fortress aircraft bombing targets in area of KARLESRUCHE and STRASBOURG. Two aircraft had to return to base early, one had engine trouble, and the other acted as escort. Operation proceeded as planned. The Fortresses left KARLESRUHE at 12.40 hrs. One parachute was seen North of KOLMAR at approx. 12.30 hrs. Flak came up from CHATEAUX THIERRY area. Visibility was good – Clouds at 1/2 10ths at 30,000ft. Pilots landed 14.30 hrs at base. One pilot carried landings / local flying training at R.A.F. Ford in the afternoon. P-0927 F/O WIGIEL reported to this Unit from 411 R. and S.U. for Adjutant Duties. Seven aircraft tests were carried out today.

1944-05-28

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair. Visibility 500 yds to 7 miles.
14.00. Ramrod No. 935. On this Operation 12 of the Squadron aircraft took off from base again with 129 and 315 Squadrons. Wing was acting as Withdrawal Cover to Liberator aircraft of the 3rd DIV. One pilot had to return to base after flying for 1hr 50 mins. His aircraft had developed engine trouble. A second pilot returned with him as escort. The Operation proceeded as planned. There was very heavy flak from FRANKFURT. NORTH VOGESAND “drome 40/50 Balloons seen over NW. shore of lake. Balloons also seen at KOBLENZ. CHARLEROI seen to be burning. Two rocket shells were seen at FRANKFURT. There were no clouds and visibility was good. Pilots landed at base at 17.35 hrs. One aircraft carried out local flying 06.15 hrs to 08.45 hrs. Two A/C tests.

1944-05-29

COOLHAM

Weather: Fair to Fine with visibility 1/2 to 6 miles.
The only flying carried out today consisted of one aircraft test by one pilot from 1040 to 1210 hrs.
P-1899 F/O S. Tronczynski was admitted to Paderewski Hospital Edinburgh with Tonsilitis.

1944-05-30

COOLHAM

Weather: Fine to Fair with visibility 4 miles.
09.20. 10 aircraft of this Squadron together with 129 and 315 Squadrons took off from base for Operation Ramrod No. 947, led by the Wing Commander Flying – W/Cdr Skalski, S. The Wing was acting as Withdrawal Cover to Fortress aircraft returning from NORDHAUSEN and HELMERSTAD. Bombers were met as arranged and heavy flak was experienced from SCHORNEBECK and MAGDEBURG. South West of BLANKENBURG – tow lakes surrounded by balloons were seen. Weather over target area – Clear with good visibility. Pilots landed at R.A.F. Deanland, and returned to base later in the day. They touched down at Deanland at approx. 14.05 hrs.
Flying Officer OBERDAK, C P-2224 was reported “Missing” from this Operation. His aircraft had developed engine trouble whilst flying over Holland on the way back. This pilot gave a “Mayday” over the R/T and later landed in the ZWOLLEN ZONE. F/O Oberdak was heard to say that he was O.K. Since that time, nothing has been heard of this Pilot, and he was accordingly reported “Missing” wef: 30/5/44. Pilots also carried out two aircraft tests today.

1944-05-31

COOLHAM

Weather: Cloudy to Fair. Visibility 6 miles.
09.45. 10 pilots of this Squadron flew to R.A.F. Station Tangmere, landing there at 10.30 hrs. Squadron was to have carried out an Operational Flight on this occasion, but the weather over France was to bad for flying, and this Operation was cancelled.
11.50. 10 pilots returned from R.A.F. Station Tangmere, and landed Coolham 12.10 hrs. Throughout the day our pilots carried out three aircraft tests.

[Illegible]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 306 Polish Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE