Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-04-01

Colerne

Very bad weather conditions obtained, snow and sleet falling with low cloud on the hill tops. Night flying was not possible owing to unsuitable weather. The following Polish personnel reported for duty on posting:- 1 AC. Equip. Asst., 2 AC. Flight Riggers and 3 AC. Flight Mechanics.
Total Flying Hours:- 0.10 (day)

1941-04-02

Colerne

Rain fell throughout the day and no flying either by day or night was possible. Polish personnel as following reported for duty on posting:- 1 Cpl. Fitter IIE., 1 AC. Flight Rigger, and 3 AC. Flight Mechanics. It is to-day reported that Asmara has been captured by our forces in Eritrea.
Total Flying Hours:- NIL.

1941-04-03

Colerne

Weather conditions improved and flying was carried out during the day. R/T. Practices were carried out. Group Captain Pawlikowski, Polish Liaison Officer at Headquarters Fighter Command, visited the Squadron, returning to Fighter Command by air the same day. No night flying was possible.
Total Flying Hours:- 11.05 (day)

1941-04-04

Colerne

Weather conditions were favourable and flying training was continued. Night flying was discontinued on Sector instructions owing to Night Operations absorbing the whole of their attention.
Total Flying Hours:- 11.50 (day), 0.50 (night)

1941-04-05

Colerne

Flying training was continued during the morning but heavy rain in the afternoon brought flying to a standstill. Weather was unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 8.15 (day)

1941-04-06

Colerne

Germany declares war on Jugo-Slavia and Greece. Belgrade has been bombed although declared an open town.
Flying training continued during the day. Headquarters No. 10 Group signal A.399 of 6th April received instructing that three aircraft of the Squadron are to come to readiness for operations each night w.e.f. 6th. April. It is to-day reported that Addis Ababa has been captured by our forces in Abyssinia. Night flying training was carried out under favourable conditions.
Total Flying Hours:- 13.30 (day) , 9.40 (night)

1941-04-07

Colerne

01.35 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol.
02.40 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported no incidents.
Flying training was continued throughout the day and weather conditions were also favourable for night flying.
21.35 Defiant N.3439 took off on operational patrol at 10,000 feet.
22.55 Defiant N.3439 landed and reported no interception.
22.55 Defiant N.3330 took off on operational patrol at 11,000 feet.
Total Flying Hours:- 11.40 (day) , 6.20 (night)

1941-04-08

Colerne

00.05 Defiant N.3330 landed and reported no interception.
00.10 Defiant N.1671 took off on operational patrol at 9,000 feet.
00.30 Defiant N.1671 landed and reported no interception.
00.30 Defiant N.1812 took off on operational patrol at 10,000 feet.
01.50 Defiant N.1812 landed and reported no incident.
01.50 Defiant N.3330 took off on operational patrol at 10,000 feet.
02.20 Defiant N.3330 landed and reported no incident.
Flying training was continued during the day under good weather conditions.
21.30 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol at 16,000 feet.
22.50 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported that, at 22.30 hours, while on patrol Milk “D” at 16,000 feet and flying south, saw a Dornier 17 flying due west 400 yards away and slightly above. Defiant turned to starboard and fired 2 short bursts of 20 rounds each. The Dornier then disappeared into the clouds. Visibility was good, clouds 10/10 at 15,000 feet.
22.50 Defiant N. 3336 took off on operational patrol at 16,000 feet.
23.40 Defiant N. 3432 took off on operational patrol at 16,000 feet.
24.00 Defiant N. 3336 landed and reported no incidents.
Total Flying Hours:- 7.25 (day) , 6.00 (night)

1941-04-09

Colerne

00.20 Defiant N. 3432 landed and reported no incident.
00.25 Defiant T. 3925 while on training flight was ordered on an operational patrol.
01.40 Defiant T. 3925 landed and reported no incidents.
Flying training was continued throughout the day. Attack exercises, formation flying and R/T. Practice were carried out. Weather conditions were favourable both by day and by night.
2 .05 Defiant N. 3390 took off on operational patrol at 15,000 feet.
21.35 Defiant N. 3390 lan ed and reported no incidents.
21.35 Defiant N. 3315 took off on operational patrol at 20,000 feet.
22.10 Defiant N. 1769 took off on operational patrol at 13,000 feet.
22.35 Defiant N. 1812 took off on operational patrol at 14,000 feet.
22.40 Defiant N. 3315 landed and reported no incidents.
22.30 Defiant N. 1769 landed and reported no incidents.
23.40 Defiant N. 1772 took off on operational patrol at 13,000 feet.
23.50 Defiant N. 1812 landed and reported no incidents.
Total Flying Hours:- 7.35 (day) 6.55 (night)

1941-04-10

Colerne

00.41 Defiant N. 1769 took off on operational patrol at 14,000 feet.
01.00 Defiant N. 1772 landed and reported no incidents.
01.50 Defiant N. 1769 landed and reported no incidents.
Practice formation flying and R/T. Continued during the day under good weather conditions. Defiant N. 3490 was delivered from No. 10 M.U. under authority 41G/16634.
15.20 Defiant N. 3390, pilot 780532 Sgt. M. Frychel, passenger 793811 L.A.C. J. Dziubek , W.E.M. crashed at Rooks Manfield and both occupants were killed. The aircraft apparently stalled when approaching to land after having carried out an R/T. test.
21.20 Defiant N. 3432 was vectored while in the air, G.L. being used.
21.25 Defiant N. 1809 was vectored when in the air.
21.35 Defiant N. 3391 took off on operational patrol
21.45 Defiant N. 1809 landed and reported no [Illegible] incidents.
22.05 Defiant N. 1809 was vectored while in the air.
22.30 Defiant N. 1809 landed and reported no interception.
22.35 Defiant N. 3432 landed and reported no interception.
23.00 Defiant N. 3391 landed and reported that at 22.40 hrs. While flying at 15,500 feet the air gunner sighted an aircraft 600 yards ahead and to the starboard flying in a N.E. direction. The aircraft was believed to be a Heinkel 111. The Defiant opened fire from 200 yards, firing 3 bursts of 2, 1, and 1 seconds. No claim is made.
Total Flying Hours :-

1941-04-11

Colerne

Weather conditions during the day were favourable and flying training continued. Operational night flying were also carried out under good weather conditions.
22.50 Defiant N. 3439 took off on operational patrol at 15.000 feet.
23.55 Defiant N. 3330 took off on operational patrol at 14.000 feet.
Total Flying Hours :- 5.50 (day) 5.45 (night)

1941-04-12

Colerne

00.55 Defiant N. 1772 took off on operational patrol at 12.000 feet.
01.00 Defiant N. 3330 landed and reported no incident.
01.15 Defiant N.3315 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
01.25 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported no incident.
02.15 Defiant N.3330 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
02.35 Defiant N.3315 landed and reported that at 01.35 hours while flying south at 15,000 feet saw a Heinkel 111 flying North just above cloud and 1500 feet below the Defiant. The pilot of the Defiant turned to port in a complete circle. The air gunner opened fire into the nose of the enemy aircraft from 40 yards, firing first 1 short burst and then 1 long. Several small explosions were observed and many pieces of the enemy aircraft were thrown out in all directions. The Heinkel dived steeply into cloud and disappeared. The Obserevr Corps report a crashed Heinkel several minutes after the time of the combat and the Squadron has been credited with this destroyed enemy aircraft by Fighter Command. This is the first enemy aircraft destroyed by the Squadron. Pilot, Sgt. Jankowiak, air gunner, Sgt. Lipinski. Weather conditions: visibilty good, cloud 10/10 at 13,500 feet.
03.00 Defiant T.3925 took off on operational patrol at 15,000 feet.
03.25 Defiant 3330 landed and reported no incident.
03.40 Defiant T.3925 landed and reported no incident.
Weather conditions were suitable and day flying was continued with practice R/T.
20.40 Defiant N.3336 while making a weather test was ordered on operational patrol.
20.50 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol at 17,000 feet.
21.35 Defiant N.3336 landed and reported no incident.
21.45 Defiant N.1809 landed and reported that at 4,000 feet was vectored on to enemy aircraft, flying south which was recognised as a Heinkel 111. The enemy aircraft was engaged at 100 yards range. A second time the Defiant was vectored on to the Heinkel at 6,000 feet and the enemy opened fire but did not hit the Defiant which attacked from 50 yards. A third time the Defiant was vectored on to the Heinkel and opened fire at 100 yards range. There was no return fire. A fourth time, following a vector, Heinkel 111
Was engaged from 300 yards. It is presumed that this combat was with the sameHeinkel. It took place in the vicinity of Boscombe Down between 21.10 and 21.25 hrs. Neither the pilot nor the air gunner saw the effect of the fire from the Defiant, but a total of 1750 rounds were fired. The Heinkel finally disappeared. The visibilty was very good over cloud which was 3/10 at 3,000 feet. Pilot, F/Lt. Jakszewicz, air gunner, Sgt. Starosta.
22.15 Defiant N.3391 took off ono operational patrol at 15,000 feet.
23.05 Defiant N.3391 landed and reported no incident.
Total Flying Hours:- 3.15 (day) , 2.40 (night)

1941-04-13

Colerne

Flying training continued during the day particularly with R/T. practices. Weather conditions were not suitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 4.35 (day) , 0.25 (night)

1941-04-14

Colerne

Rain fall during the morning and early afternoon and flying training was restricted.
15.00 Sgt. Frychel, pilot, and L.A.C. Dziubek, W.E.M. were buried at Haycombe Cemetary, Bath. The Rear Party consisting of 1 senior N.C.O. and 7 other ranks [Illegible] proceeded from Squires Gate to Colerne onthe orders of Headquarters No. 9 Group. Two Defiant aircraft N.3339 and N.3435 still under repair and the Officer Commanding No. 256 Squadron has been requested to complete the repairs and advise the Squadron when the aircraft are available for collection.
22.25 Defiant N.1809 took off on operational patrol over Box.
22.55 Defiant N.1809 landed owing to R/T. trouble.
Weather conditions were favourable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours:- 2.20 (day) , 1.10 (night)

1941-04-15

Colerne

Interception exercises, formation flying and R/T. practices were carried out during the day under excellent weather conditions.
21.40 Defiant N.3315 took off to patrol base at 10,000 feet. The aircraft was subsequently vectored.
21.40 Defiant N.1671 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
22.35 Defiant N.3315 landed and reported no incident.
22.40 Defiant N.3330 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
22.40 Defiant N.1772 “ “ “ “ “ “ 10,000 feet.
22.55 Defiant N.1671 landed and reported that at 22.35 hrs. Sighted an aircraft in front at 45 degrees above and 300 feet [Illegible] ahead. This unidentified aircraft fired a short burst in the direction of the Defiant, which was not hit. At this moment the Defiant was iluminated by a searchlight beam and the pilot lost visual contact with the other aircraft. After the pilot had flashed the letter of the day the searchlight beam was removed. There was no firee from the Defiant guns.
23.45 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported no incident.
23.45 Defiant N. 3437 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
24.00 Defiant N.3330 landed and reported no incident.
Total Flying Hours:- 7.00 (day) , 4.50 (night)

1941-04-16

Colerne

00.15 Defiant N.3490 took of on operational patrol at 13,000 feet.
00.45 Defiant N.3437 landed and reported no incident.
00.55 Defiant N.3315 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
01.40 Defiant N.3490 landed and reported that at 01.10 while on patrol at 12,000 feet flying on a course of 210 degrees sighted a Heinkel 111 about 300 yards ahead and 150 feet above, flying in the same direction. The air gunner of the Defiant opened fire from about 50 yards an 75 feet below. Return fire from the Heinkel was observed, and Defiant kept below and continued firing. The rear gunner of the enemy aircraft ceased firing and the Heinkel began to lose height rapidly. Defiant followed him down to 5,000 feet continuously, first from port and then from starboard side. Finally at 5,000 feet Defiant had exhausted his ammunition. Heinkel continued to lose height with smoke coming from his port engine. No evasive action was taken by the Heinkel and it is considered as probably destroyed. Visibility was good and there was no cloud. Pilot, F/O. Lewandowski, air gunner, Sgt. Zakrocki.
01.40 Defiant N.1671 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
02.10 Defiant N.3315 landed and reported no incident.
02.50 Defiant N.1671 landed and reported no incident.
02.50 Defiant N.3333 took off on operational patrol at 13,000 feet.
03.35 Defiant N.1772 took off on operational patrol.
03.40 Defiant N.3330 landed and reported no incident.
04.50 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported no incident.
Wheather conditions were favourable and day training continued. The following pilots left the Unit on posting to No. 8 B. and G.S., Evanton:- P/O Ebenrytter, Sgt. Piwko, and Sgt. Mironczuk.
17.00 Combined exercises with No. 87 Squadron, Hurricanes, were carried out, and fighter attacks and interception exercises practiced.
Total Flying Hours:- 16.25 (day) , 6.40 (night)

1941-04-17

Colerne

03.40 Defiant aircraft N.1809 took off on operational patrol and was vectored.
03.40 Defiant aircraft N.3920 took off on operational patrol.
04.10 Defiant N. 3920 landed on instructions from Filton Operations and reported no incidents.
05.00 Defiant N. 1809 landed and reported no interception.
15.00 A combined interception exercise was carried out with No. 87 Squadron, Hurricanes. Weather conditions throughout the day were favourable. It is today reported that the Royal Navy has sunk a comlete Italian convoy of eight ships in the Mediterranean.
21.05 Defiant N. 1772 took off on operational patrol at 7000 ft.
21.40 Defiant N. 1772 landed and reported no incidents.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.55 (day) , 3.45 (night)

1941-04-18

Colerne

Rain fall throughout the day and little flying was possible. Weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.20 (day)

1941-04-19

Colerne

Weather conditions improved and day practice formation flights and R.T. practices were carried out. Defiant aircraft t. 3999 and T. 3980 were delivered from No. 19 M.U. under 41G/16913. These aircraft have been issued against Defiants N.339 and N.3435 which are under repair at Squiresgate and awaiting spares. Weather conditions were again unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.15 (day)

1941-04-20

Colerne

Day training in formation flying and R.T. practice was continued under good weather conditions.
10.40 Defiant aircraft N. 1809 was vectored to identify an unidentified aircraft.
11.40 Defiant N. 1809 landed and reported that it had not proved possible to get within close range of the unidentified aircraft. It was subsequently found that this aircraft was a friendly fighter. Weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 7.50 (day)

1941-04-21

Colerne

Day training continued under favourable weather conditions. Interception exercises, formation flying and R.T. practices were carried out. At[Illegible] the request of H.Q. No. 10 Group a Defiant assisted in calibration tests made at Chew Part in the evening. Conditions were suitable for night flying.
22.05 Defiant N. 1772 took off on operational patrol over base, and was vectored.
22.55 Defiant N. 1769 took off on operational patrol over base, and was vectored.
23.25 Defiant N. 1772 landed and repotred no incident.
Total Flying Hours :- 17.25 (day) 2.25 (night)

1941-04-22

Colerne

00.10 Defiant N. 1769 landed and reported no incident. Weather conditions were[Illegible] favourable throughout the day and air firing practice was carried out. Day training in interception, formation flying, R.T., and cross countries was continued. Weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 17.50 (day) 0.10 (night)

1941-04-23

Colerne

Day training continued under favourable weather conditions.
22.50 Defiant N. 1771 took off on operational patrol.
23.00 Defiant N. 3330 took off on operational patrol at 12,000 feet.
23.10 Defiant N. 1772 took off on operational patrol at 15,000 feet. P.O. Janicki reported for flying duties on posting from No. 17 Squadron.
Total Flying Hours :- 9.15 (day 3.00 (night)

1941-04-24

Colerne

00.10 Defiant [Illegible] N. 1812 took off on operational patrol at 10,000 feet.
00.15 Defiant N.1771 landed and reported no incident.
00.20 Defiant N.3330 landed and reported no incident.
00.25 Defiant N.1772 landed and reported no incident.
01.05 Defiant N.1812 landed and reported no incidents.
Day training was continued, formation flying and R.T. practices being carried out. During the afternoon H.M. Queen Mary visited the station and members of the Squadron were presented to her. H.Q. No. 10 Group signal 0. 336 dated 24.4.41 warning that the Squadron is to be moved to Exeter on 26th April was received.
21.45 Defiant N. 3391 took off on operational patrol.
22.35 Owing to engine failure of Defiant N. 3391, Sgt. Dukszto, Pilot, and Sgt. Banys, Air Gunner, jumped by parachute and landed safely with the exception of shock and bruises. The aircraft was completely wrecked. P.O. Papis, Interpreter, reported for duty on attachment form No. 316 Squadron.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.55 (day) 2.45 (night)

1941-04-25

Colerne

Preparations for the move of the Squadron were commenced and flying was accordingly resticted. No night flying took place. H.Q. Fighter Command signal 0. 602 of 24.4.41 approving the move of the Squadron was received. Evacuation of our troops from Greece was commenced.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.00 (day)

1941-04-26

Colerne/Exeter

Transport aircraft of 8.000 lbs lift arrived to transport air crews to Exeter. Personnel and equipment of the Squadron was moved by rail and air without incident and the move was completely finished before 23.59 hours as instructed.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.05 (day)

1941-04-27

Exeter

Weather conditions were favourable and flying training continued. It is today that Athens has been occupied by Nazi Troops.
22.55 Defiant N. 1809 took off on operational patrol.
23.30 Defiant N. 1809 landed and reported no incidents. P.O. Karwowski left on attachment to Central Gunnery School, Warmwell for Gunnery Leader’s course.
Total Flying Hours :- 5.45 (day) 0.35 (night)

1941-04-28

Exeter

Flying continued with weather conditions again favourable.
20.35 Defiants N. 3315 and T. 1769 took off on operational patrols.
22.25 Defiant N. 1769 landed and reported no incident.
22.30 Defiant N. 3315 landed and reported no incident.
Total Flying Hours :- 9.40 (day) 3.45 (night)

1941-04-29

Exeter

Interception exercises were carried out during the day. Weather conditions were suitable for both day and night flying.
20.50 Defiants N. 3925 and N. 3980 took off on operational patrols.
21.55 Defiant N. 3925 landed and reported no incident.
22.10 Defiant N. 3980 landed and reported no incident.
22.15 Defiant N. 3999 landed and reported no incident. F.O. Virpsha left on attachment to No. 316 Squadron, Pembrey.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.55 (day) 4.00 (night)

1941-04-30

Exeter

Flying training in cross countries, R.T. and interception exercises was continued.
10.05 Defiants N. 1769 and N. 3437 took off on convoy patrol.
10.50 Defiants N. 3439 and N. 3330 took off on convoy patrol.
11.35 Defiant N. 3439 landed and reported no incident.
11.40 Defiant N. 3330 landed and reported no incident.
11.55 Defiants N. 3439 and N. 3330 landed and reported no incidents.
12.00 Defiants N. 1812 and N. 3490 landed and reported no incidents.
Weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 13.20 (day) 0.15 (night)

[Illegible]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 307 Polish Squadron,
Date 6.5.41 Royal Air Force.