1941-03 - No. 307 Squadron - F540
Data entered by Ryszard Wróbel on 6 Jul 2007 and viewed 1266 times.
1941-03-01
Squires Gate
Weather was fine and flying training continued. Five Defiants flew in formation to Speke where the Sector Operations Room was visited by the air crews. P/O. Ritchie, Squadron Gunnery Leader, left on posting to No. 96 Squadron, Cranage. The following British personnel also left on posting from the Unit:- F/Sgt. Fogwill, Fitter Armourer to North Luffenham. F/Sgt. Judge, Fitter I., and Cpl. Campbell M/R. to No. 316 Squadron, Pembrey.
After a night weather test it was decided that conditions were unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 10.50 (day) , 0.30 (night)
1941-03-02
Squires Gate
Weather conditions were favourable and flying training was continued. A “shortshrift” rehearsal took place in the morning with five aircraft. F/O. Lewandowski and P/O. Suryn, pilots, left on attachment to H.Q.F.C. for a Speech Instruction Course.
20.09 Defiant N.1772 left on operational patrol.
20.16 Defiant N.3437 left on operational patrol.
21.10 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported no interception.
21.15 Defiant N.3437 landed and reported no interception.
21.26 Defiant N.3390 left on operational patrol.
21.30 Defiant N.3439 left on operational patrol.
21.55 Defiant N.3439 landed and reported no interception.
22.35 Defiant N.3390 landed and reported no interception.
22.52 Defiant N.1772 left on operational patrol
23.00 Defiant N.3437 left on operational patrol
23.50 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported no interception
23.52 Defiant N.3437 landed and reported no interception
One AC. Radio Mechanic returned to cranage on cessation of attachment for I.F.F. fitting duties.
Total Flying Hours:- 14.15 (day) , 5.40 (night)
1941-03-03
Squires Gate
Weather conditions continued favourable and training in “Shortshrift” was continued, with homing practices at the finish of the flight. The following British personnel left on posting from the unit:- 1 AC. Armourer to No. 5 O.T.U. Debden., 1 AC. Instr. Rep. To No. 25 O.T.U. Finningly. One AC. Radio Mechanic returned to Cranage on cessation of attachment for I.F.F. fitting duties.
20.50 Defiant N.3336 left on operational patrol.
20.52 Defiant N.7809 left on operational patrol.
20.57 Defiant N.3407 left on operational patrol.
21.29 Defiant N.3432 left on operational patrol.
21.10 Defiant N.3336 landed and reported no interception.
22.19 Defiant N.7809 landed and reported no interception.
22.30 Defiant N.3407 landed and reported no interception.
22.25 Defiant N.3432 landed and reported no interception.
23.06 Defiant N.1809 left on operational patrol.
23.11 Defiant N.3435 left on operational patrol.
23.19 Defiant N.3409 left on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours:- 13.05 (day) , 7.20 (night)
1941-03-04
Squires Gate
00.22 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported no interception.
00.26 Defiant N.3435 landed and reported no interception.
00.34 Defiant N.3409 landed and reported no interception.
During the morning practice homing and interception exercises took place under favourable weather conditions. One AC. Electr. (British) left the Unit on posting to No. 96 Squadron, Cranage.
20.15 Defiant N.3437 left on operational patrol.
20.20 Defiant N.3315 left on operational patrol.
20.25 Defiant N.3439 left on operational patrol.
21.25 Defiant N.3437 landed and reported no interception.
21.35 Defiant N.3439 landed and reported no interception.
21.45 Defiant N.3315 landed and reported no interception.
22.30 Defiants N.3390 and N.3330 took off on operational patrol.
22.55 Defiant N.3390 landed and reported no interception.
22.59 Defiant N.3330 landed and reported no interception.
Total Flying Hours:- 9.15 (day) , 6.45 (night)
1941-03-05
Squires Gate
Weather conditions were suitable for training during the day. Defiants N.1729 and N.1559 were delivered by pilots of the Unit to No.24 M.U. Ternhill under allottment 41G/15504 and 26679. Weather conditions were ——————- unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 13.50 (day) , 0.30 (night)
1941-03-06
Squires Gate
Weather conditions were again suitable for day training and “shortshrift” and homing practices were continued. One Cpl. Radio Mechanic returned to Kenley on cessation of attachment for I.F.F. fitting duties. Weather was again unsuitable for night flying. Defiant L.7020 was flown to No. 27 M.U. Shawbury for delivery under allottment 41G/15166.
Total Flying Hours:- 15.45 (day) , 0.50 (night)
1941-03-07
Squires Gate
“Shortshrift” practice continued. Enemy aircraft were in the vicinity during the afternoon.
16.31 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol of base at 15,000 feet.
16.42 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported no interception.
Weather was again unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 7.10 (day)
1941-03-08
Squires Gate
Homing and R.T. practices were carried out during the day but the weather was unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 7.40 (day)
1941-03-09
Squires Gate
Day training continued, navigation and homing exercises being carried out, weather conditions were not suitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 6.40 (day)
1941-03-10
Squires Gate
Excellent weather conditions obtained throughout the day and navigation and cross-country training was carried out. No night flying took place before midnight although crews were at readiness. Group Captain Pawlikowski, Polish Liaison Officer at H.Q. Fighter Command, visited and inspected the Squadron.
Total Flying Hours:- 16.15 (day)
1941-03-11
Squires Gate
01.47 Defiant N.3404 took off on operational patrol.
01.48 Defiant N.3432 took off on operational patrol.
02.48 Defiant N.3432 landed and reported no incident.
02.52 Defiant N.3404 landed and reported no incident.
Day flying training continued under excellent weather conditions.
22.55 Defiant N.3439 took off on operational patrol.
21.25 Defiant N.1772 took off on operational patrol.
21.58 Defiant N.3439 landed and reported a trail of incendiaries from Oldham to the West.
22.46 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported large fires in the Bolton area. Enemy aircraft were flying at 15,000 feet but no interception took place.
Total Flying Hours:- 6.15 (day) , 5.54 (night)
1941-03-12
Squires Gate
Weather conditions were again favourable for both day and night flying. Defiant N.1675 was delivered to the Unit from No.6 M.U. under 41G/15715.
20.52 Defiant N.3315 took off on operational patrol.
21.50 Defiant N.3739 took off on operational patrol.
21.55 Defiant N.3315 landed and reported small fires in the Liverpool Dock area and at Ormskirk.
23.10 Defiant N. 3739 landed and reported encountering a Heinkel 111 over Ruthin. The enemy aircraft was engaged and the Air Gunner fired a burst of 3 seconds. The Heinkel opened fire at the same time but the Defiant was not hit. Bullets were seen to enter the centre part of the fuselage of the Heinkel. Results were inconclusive but the enemy aircraft was probably damaged. Pilot of the machine was Sgt. Jankowiak and the Air Gunner Sgt. Karais.
22.55 Defiant N.3390 took off on operational patrol.
23.30 Defiant N.3437 took off on operational patrol.
23.52 Defiant N.3336 took off on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours:- 4.50 (day) , 8.39 (night)
1941-03-13
Squires Gate
00.25 Defiant N.3390 landed and reported no interception.
00.35 Defiant N.3437 landed and reported no interception.
00.40 Defiant N.1809 took off on Bar patrol at 4,500 feet.
01.04 Defiant N.3336 landed and reported no interception.
Weather conditions were again favourable , particularly for night flying. Many operational patrols were carried out. Three Hurricane aircraft from No.229 Squadron were also operating in conjunction with the Unit operational patrols from Squires Gate. Defiant N.1671 was delivered from No. 6 M.U. under 41G/15715 and Defiant T.3925 from No. 19 M.U. under 41G/15720.
01.21 Defiant N.3409 took off on operational patrol.
01.55 Defiant N.1809 on Bar patrol landed and reported sighting an enemy aircraft which was travelling in opposite direction. No interception took place.
02.35 Defiant N.3409 on operational patrol landed and reported no incidents.
21.40 Defiant N.3709 took off on operational patrol at 20,000 feet.
21.41 Defiant N.3935 took off on operational patrol at 19,000 feet.
21.43 Defiant N.1675 took off on operational patrol at 18,000 feet.
21.45 Defiant N.3336 took off on operational patrol at 17,000 feet.
22.00 Defiant N.1772 took off on operational Bar patrol at 5,000 feet.
22.40 Defiant N.1772 on Bar patrol landed and reported no interception.
23.01 Defiant N.3709 on operational patrol at 20,000 feet landed and reported that “bandits” were well below him.
23.08 Defiant [Illegible].N.3390 took of on Bar patrol at 6,000 feet.
23.10 Defiant N.3935 operational patrol at 19,00 feet landed and reported that “bandits” were below him.
23.17 Defiant N.1675 on operational patrol at 18,000 feet landed and also reported that “bandits” were below him.
23.20 Defiant N.3336 on operational patrol at 17,000 feet landed and also reported as above.
23.42 Defiant N.3439 took off on operational patrol at 20,000 feet.
23.45 Defiant N.1769 took off on operational patrol at 19,000 feet.
23.47 Defiant N.3437 took off on operational patrol at 18,000 feet.
23.50 Defiant N.3315 took off on operational patrol at17,000 feet.
Lt. Jaskolski, R.A.E., Farnborough, arrived on attachment to the Unit for Signals Liaison duties.
Total Flying Hours:- 2.15 (day) , 15.38 (night)
1941-03-14
Squires Gate
00.10 Defiant N.3315 on operational patrol at 17,000 feet landed and reported no interception.
00.17 Defiant N.3390 on Bar patrol at 6,000 feet landed and reported no interception.
00.23 Defiant N.1722 took off on Bar patrol at14,000 feet.
01.05 Defiant N.3439 on operational patrol at 20,000 feet landed and reported interception of an enemy aircraft at 20,000 feet above coast line west of Patrol point “George”, at 00.50 hours. The Air Gunner fired a burst of 1 second at 50 yards, followed immediately by a burst of 3 seconds. Both pilot and air gunner saw the bullets entering the nose and starboard engine of the enemy aircraft which then turned violently to port and dived straight down. A further burst of 1 second was fired at 70 yards range but the effect was not seen. This aircraft was claimed as probably destroyed, Pilot, F/O. Lewandowski, Air Gunner, Sgt. Niewolski.
Defiant N.1772 on Bar patrol at 14,000 feet landed and reported no incident. During the day mist and fog were prevolent and little flying apart from testing of aircraft was carried out. Night flying proved impossible as thick fog descended in the area. Enemy aircraft could be heard passing overhead and ground defences opened fire. Unfortunately weather conditions did not permit aircraft taking off.
01.20 Defiant N.3437 on operational patrol at 18,000 feet landed and reported no interception.
01.25 Defiant N.1769 on operational patrol at 19,000 feet landed and reported no interception.
Total Flying Hours:- 5.05 (day)
1941-03-15
Squires Gate
Flying was again restricted owing to fog and night flying proved impossible.
Total Flying Hours:- 2.40 (day)
1941-03-16
Squires Gate
Flying training continued during the morning but the weather deteriorated and fog set in, preventing further flying. It is today reported that Berbera has been captured by our Forces in East Africa.
Total Flying Hours:- 6.55 (day)
1941-03-17
Squires Gate
Conditions of fog prevailed and flying was not possible. Lt. Jaskolski, R.A.E. Farnborough, left on cessation of attachment to the Squadron.
Total Flying Hours:- 0.35 (day) , 0.15 (night)
1941-03-18
Squires Gate
Fog again prevented flying take place. S/Ldr. Tomlinson, D.F.C., the British Commanding Offcer left the Squadron on posting to H.Q. No. 9 Group.
Total Flying Hours:- 0.50 (day)
1941-03-19
Squires Gate
Fog prevented flying both by day and by night.
Total Flying Hours:- 0.10 (day)
1941-03-20
Squires Gate
Flying training during the day was restricted owing to indifferent weather conditions. Weather improved in the late afternoon and night flying proved possible.
20.30 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol George North at 7,000 feet.
21.50 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported no incidents.
21.53 Defiant N.3391 took off on operational patrol George North at 4,000 feet.
23.15 Defiant N.3391 landed and reported no incidents.
Total Flying Hours:- 4.50 (day) , 17.00 (night)
1941-03-21
Squires Gate
Indifferent weather conditions again caused flying to be restricted but improved conditions enabled a certain amount of night flying training to be carried out.
Total Flying Hours:- 1.00 (day) , 5.30 (night)
1941-03-22
Squires Gate
Bad weather again restricted flying and night flying proved impossible.
Total Flying Hours:- 2.35 (day)
1941-03-23
Squires Gate
Improved weather conditions enabled both day and night flying to take place. Airmen personnel were moved from billets and accommodated at hotels requisitioned for that purpose.
20.15 Defiant N.3404 took off on operational patrol George North at 20,000 feet.
20.40 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol George North at 7,000 feet.
21.35 Defiant N.3404 landed and reported no incidents.
21.45 Defiant N.3491 took off on operational patrol George North at 18,000 feet.
21.50 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported no incidents.
22.45 Defiant N.1675 took off on operational patrol George North at 8,000 feet.
22.50 Defiant N.3491 landed and reported no incident.
23.25 Defiant N.3432 took off on operational patrol George North at 9,000 feet.
23.45 Defiant N.1675 landed and reported no incident.
Total Flying Hours:- 21.45 (day) , 12.05 (night)
1941-03-24
Squires Gate
00.10 Defiant N.1675 took off on operational patrol George North at 9,000 feet.
00.30 Defiant N.3432 landed and reported no incident.
01.23 Defiant N.1675 landed and reported no incident.
02.45 Defiant N.3404 took off on operational patrol George North at 8,000 feet.
04.02 Defiant N.3404 landed and reported no incident.
Heavy rain fell during the whole of the day and night and no further flying was possible. H.Q. Fighter Command signal [Illegible] 0.360 dated 23/3 was received, instructing the Squadron to make a “D” type move to Colerne. Immediate steps were taken to commence packing Squadron equipment. One British LAC. Equipment Assistant reported for duty on posting to the Unit from Thornaby.
Total Flying Hours:- 3.00 (night)
1941-03-25
Squires Gate
Preparation for the Squadron move restricted flying and heavy rain fell in the afternoon and evening. Railway waggons were loaded at Squires Gate Railwy Station with Squadron equipment. Two Harrow aircraft total lift 8,000 lbs. arrived at Squires Gate to move aircrews on the following morning.
Total Flying Hours:- 5.05 (day)
1941-03-26
Colerne
09.35 Special train left Squires Gate Station for Colerne. Route was Crewe, Stafford, Birmingham, Gloucester, Bristol and Box. The train arrived at Box at 18.15 hours.
16.00 An enemy aircraft dropped two small bombs (probably anti-personnel) close to the special train which was stationary in Gloucester Station. Machine gun bullets were fired at the train. None of the personnel of the Squadron was injured. Defiant aircraft N.1772, 3315, 1769, 1641, 3439, 3437, 1812, 3390, 1675, 3432, 3391, 1809, 3336, 3404, and 3925 were flown to Colerne from Squires Gate.
The folowing personnel were moved from Squires Gate by train and air:-
22 Officers, 34 Senior N.C.O.’s, and 132 other ranks.
Total Flying Hours:- 19.40 (day)
1941-03-27
Colerne
Weather was unsuitable for flying both by day and by night. Squadron equipment was unpacked and the
accommodation allotted was occupied. Two Officers of the Unit arrived from Squires Gate by car. 4 AC Instrument Repairers and 1 AC. F/Mech. (Polish) reported for duty on posting.
Total Flying Hours:- Nil.
1941-03-28
Colerne
Weather conditions were favourable and sector reconnaissances were made in order to familiarise pilots with the sector.
Total Flying Hours:- 14.50 (day)
1941-03-29
Colerne
Day sector reconnaissances were continued under suitable weather conditions. It is reported that Harrar in Abyssinia and Karen in Eritrea have been captured by our forces. F/O. Gilbert, British Engineer Officer left the Squadron on posting to RAF. Station, Manston.
Total Flying Hours:- 10.20 (day)
1941-03-30
Colerne
Weather conditions were favourable and day flying in the Sector was continued. Flying training was also carried out at night under good weather conditions. Seven Italian warships, including three 10,000 ton criusers, are reported as having been sunk by our Naval Forces in the Mediterranean, off the Island of Crete on the night of the 28th March. Battle L.5126 with Sgts. Mironczuk and Sanetra arrived from Squir sgate. One Polish F.M. reported for duty on posting.
Total Flying Hours:- 22.10 (day) 4.15 (night)
1941-03-31
Colerne
Flying training was continued during the day under favourable weather conditions, and also at night. Night flying has to be abandoned owing to low cloud formation.
Total Flying Hours:- 10.55 (day) 2.35 (night)
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 307 Polish Squadron,
RAF. Station, Colerne, Wilts.
31st March 1941
