1941-10 - No. 307 Squadron - F540
Data entered by Ryszard Wróbel on 29 Oct 2007 and viewed 1027 times.
1941-10-01
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued. P.O. Gayzler and P.O. Pfleger were buried with military honours at Higher Cemetery, Exeter. F.O. Macdonald, British Intelligence Officer left the Unit on posting to the Air Ministry. Day training consisted of practice G.C.I. interceptions, A.I. tests, and cross countries. Oxford I aircraft L.4553 was delivered to the Unit from No. 8 M.U. under authority 41G/21448. F.O. Macdonald, Intelligence Officer left the Unit on posting to Air Ministry, A.I. i(c) Pool.
Total flying hours :- 18.20 (day)
1941-10-02
Exeter
Very heavy morning mists prevented flying until the late morning. When weather conditions improved G.C.I. practice interceptions and A.I. tests were carried out with Beaufighter aircraft and flying training on Oxford aircraft was also continued. Blenheim I aircraft L.6737 was received from No. 141 Squadron under authority H.Q.F.C. signal Q.630 dated 16.8.41.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.25 (day)
1941-10-03
Exeter
Good weather conditions obtained after early morning mists had cleared. G.C.I. practice interceptions, practice homings, and flying training on Blenheim and Oxford aircraft were all carried out. Blenheim I aircraft L.1186 was received from No. 406 Squadron under authority H.Q.F.C. signal Q.957 dated 22.8.41 Beaufighter IIF airvraft R.2319 force landed at Exeter owing to the loss of the tail wheel when aircraft took off. The aircraft was landed safely although damage was done to the tail unit.
Total flying hours :- 20.35 (day)
1941-10-04
Exeter
Bad weather conditions prevailed throughout the day and no flying was possible. Ground training and lectures were held for aircrew personnel. F.O. Woronko reported for Intelligence duties on posting from R.A.F. Polish Depot, Blackpool.
Total flying hours :- NIL.
1941-10-05
Exeter
Flying training was continued on Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft. A.I. tetst were carried out with Beaufighters. Flying was restricted in the morning owing to the mist, but this cleared later. F.Lt. Smok, R. left to attend a Controller’s course at Stanmore.
Total flying hours :- 9.35 (day)
1941-10-06
Exeter
Flying was not possible in the morning owing to mist but the weather cleared and conditions were very favourable in the afternoon. G.C.I. practice interceptions and A.I. tests were carried out. One Beaufighter aircraft having been modified with the new exhaust flame damper, a night flying programme was arranged. Unfortunately mist settled on the aerodrome and the programme was cancelled. Beaufighter IIF No. R.2452 force landed at Exeter on starboard engine only as the port engine caught fire while on practice flight. The aircraft was landed safely.
Total Flying Hours :- 15.40 (day)
1941-10-07
Exeter
Morning mists again restricted flying although this was continued as soon as weather conditions were suitable. Practice G.C.I. interceptions and A.I. tests were carried out with Beaufighter aircraft. Flying training was continued with Oxford aircraft. P.O. Solak reported for duty on attachment from R.A.F. Station Hemswell for Signals Instructor duties.
Total flying hours :- 10.05 (day)
1941-10-08
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and flying training was continued throughout the day. Training with Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was continued and practice G.C.I. interceptions, air to sea firing and A.I. tests were carried out. One Beaufighter aircraft having been fitted with the new type exhaust a trail flight was made. The exhaust was found to be satisfactory and the reflected glare on the perspex eliminated. Owing to deteriorating weather conditions no further flying could be carried out.
Total flying hours :- 14.35 (day) 0.40 (night)
1941-10-09
Exeter
Weather conditions were again favourable and day training with Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft. The usual G.C.I. practice interceptions were made. A night flying programme had to be abandoned as weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 14.55 (day)
1941-10-10
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was continued. G.C.I. practice interceptions, air to sea firing, A.I. tests and homing practices were all carried out. Weather conditions were favourable for night flying and practice circouits and landings were made. One crew was called to readiness. Weather conditions deteriorated and rain fell from 23.30 hours onwards. The readiness crew were released.
Total flying hours :- 10.40 (day) 5.05 (night)
1941-10-11
Exeter
Day weather conditions were good and flying training on Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was continued. Air to sea firing was carried out. Weather conditions were excellent for night flying and intensive training in take offs and landings was continued.
Total flying hours :- 14.40 (day) 11.55 (night)
1941-10-12
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued. Air to sea firing, G.C.I. practice interceptions and A.I. tests were all carried out. Weather conditions were excellent for night flying was carried out, the night flying programme being successfully completed.
Total flying hours :- 14.35 (day) 11.25 (night)
1941-10-13
Exeter
Weather conditions were again good and day training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued. Air to sea firing, G.C.I. practice interceptions, and A.I. homings were all carried out. The full night flying programme was carried out under good weather conditions. Beaufighter IIF, T.3025 was delivered from No. 19 M.U. under authority [Illegible]1G/13754.
Total flying hours :- 12.00 (day) 13.15 (night)
1941-10-14
Exeter
Weather conditions were moderate and day training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft continued. Air to sea firing and G.C.I. practice interceptions were carried out. The weather was unsuitable for night flying and the programme was cancelled.
Total flying hours :- 10.15 (day) Nil (night)
1941-10-15
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter, Magister and Oxford aircraft was continued under favourable conditions. A.I. tests, G.C.I. practice interceptions and air to sea firing were all carried out. Three crews attained operational standard and were called to readiness for night operations. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying and practice flying with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was carried out.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.20 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no incidents.
Total flying hours :- 16.55 (day) 11.00 (night)
1941-10-16
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued under favourable weather conditions. A.I. homing practices were carried out. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying and practice flights with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft were made. Three crews were at readiness. P.O. Zaremba and P.O. Hrynaszkiewicz left the Unit on posting to Hucknall for aircrew training.
19.30 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.15 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no incidents.
21.30 Beaufighter IIF, R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.30 Beaufighter IIF, R.2322 landed and reported no incidents.
Total flying hours :- 10.40 (day) 8.35 (night)
1941-10-17
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was continued throughout the day and under good weather conditions. A.I. tests and homings were carried out. Weather conditions deteriorated during the evening and no night flying was possible.
Total flying hours :- 14.10 (day) NIL (night)
1941-10-18
Exeter
Weather conditions were very unfavourable and day training was restricted. A practice G.C.I. interception was carried out but flying had to be abandoned subsequently as weather became non-operational. Night flying training was attempted but could not be continued owing to bad weather conditions.
Total flying hours :- 2.50 (day) 1.25 (night)
1941-10-19
Exeter
Weather conditions were very favourable throughout the day and training was continued with Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft. A.I. tests and homings were carried out. Weather deteriorated later in the evening and night flying was not possible.
Total flying hours :- 25.05 (day) NIL (night)
1941-10-20
Exeter
Weather conditions were again excellent and day training was continued with Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft.
18.45 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no incidents.
Weather conditions were subsequently unfavourable for night flying and practice flying was not carried out.
Total flying hours :- 16.35 (day) 2.15 (night)
1941-10-21
Exeter
Excellent weather conditions obtained and intensive flying training with Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was carried out during the day. Weather conditions were also excellent for night flying and practice flights, including practice G.C.I. Interceptions were carried out. Blenheim I aircraft L.1186 while being flown on practice night flight crashed owing to the aircraft stalling when coming to land. The pilot, P.O. Maxymowicz did not pay sufficient attention to the Air Speed Indicator and the accident was due to inexperience in night flying on the part of the pilot.
18.46 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.30 Beaufighter IIF, R. 2447 landed and reported no incidents.
Beaufighter IIF, T.3019 was delivered from No. 19 M.U. under authority 41G/14059.
Total flying hours :- 32.05 (day) 16.40 (night)
1941-10-22
Exeter
Day training was continued with Beaufighter and Qxford aircraft. A.I. tests and homings were carried out. Weather conditions were excellent for night flying and intensive practice flying was carried out with Beaufighter aircraft.
19.28 Beaufighter IIF, R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.41 Beaufighter IIF, R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.20 Beaufighter IIF, R.2440 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total flying hours :- 10.55 (day) 13.55 (night)
1941-10-23
Exeter
01.05 Beaufighter IIF, R.2440 landed and reported no interceptions.
Day weather conditions were again favourable and flying training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued throughout the day. Weather conditions were also suitable for night flying and training was carried out.
18.35 Beaufighter IIF, T.3025 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.05 Beaufighter IIF, T.3025 crashed when coming in to land on one egine. The pilot reported by radio that starboard engine had failed and that he was coming back to base to land. After asking for aerodrome lights he reported that he had lowered undercarriage. The aircraft crashed before landing and the pilot, S.Ldr. Antonowicz and Observer (Radio) F.O. Karwowski were both killed. The aircraft caught fire nad was complete wreck.
Total flying hours :- 12.15 (day) 10.05 (night)
1941-10-24
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training on Beaufighter and Oxford aircraft was continued. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying.
19.10 Beaufighters IIF, R.2463 and R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.00 Beaufighter IIF, R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no interception. Beaufighter IIF, R.2319 landed and reported two visual contacts but enemy aircraft were lost and no results obtained.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF, R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.15 Beaufighter IIF, R.2379 landed and reported no interception.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no interception.
22.40 Beaufighter IIF, R.2319 landed and reported no interception.
Total flying hours :- 4.55 (day) 7.40 (night)
1941-10-25
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued under favourable weather conditions. Weather was also suitable for night flying and training was continued with Beaufighter and Oxford aircraft. F.Lt. Smok returned to the Unit on completion of the Controllers Course at Stanmore.
19.41 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.56 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 landed and reported no interception.
20.02 Beaufighter IIF, R.2332 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.05 Beaufighter IIF, R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.35 Beaufighter IIF, R.2458 landed and reported no interception.
22.47 Beaufighter IIF, R.2332 landed and reported no interception.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.05 (day) 8.05 (night)
1941-10-26
Exeter
Weather conditions were excellent and day training on Beaufighter, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was carried out. A.I. tests and G.C.I. practice interception flights were made. Weather conditions were favourable for night flying and training was continued.
18.40 Beaufighter IIF, R.2440 and R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
18.45 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.40 Beaufighter IIF, R.2440 landed and reported no interception.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF, R.2332 landed and reported no interception.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.35 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 landed and reported one visual contact with E/A but no results obtained.
23.40 Beaufighter IIF, R.2450 landed and reported no interception.
Total flying hours :- 15.35 (day) 15.55 (night)
1941-10-27
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued during the day under favourable weather conditions. S.Ldr Antonowicz and F.O. Korwawski were buried at Higher Cemetery, Exeter with full military honours. Weather conditions were deteriorated in the evening and no night flying was possible.
Total flying hours :- 12.45 (day) NIL (night)
1941-10-28
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training continued on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft. Conditions were also favourable for night flying and training was continued.
18.40 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.45 Beaufighter IIF, R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.30 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no interception.
22.45 Beaufighter IIF, R.2441 landed and reported no interception. Beaufighter IIF, R.2379 landed and reported that at 21.50 hours AI contact was obtained at about 1500 ft. Eight minutes later pilot saw enemy aircraft which he believed to be a He.111 200 ft. above and 150 yards ahead of him. He climbed level and closed to 80 yards giving a four seconds burst aiming at the fuselage. The E/A swerved violently and dived very steeply. The Beaufighter followed to 8000 ft. giving, on the way down, three one second bursts. The E/A was last seen disappearing into the clouds, and is claimed as probably destroyed. Almost immediately after a second A.I. contact was obtained at 12000 ft. and an enemy aircraft sighted 300 ft. below and 20 ft. to port on parallel course. The E/A turned quickly to starboard and was lost.
Total Flying Hours :- 13.00 (day) 9.40 (night)
1941-10-29
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued under favourable weather conditions. A.I. practices and homings were carried out. Weather was also excellent for night flying and practice flights and operational patrols were carried out.
18.50 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.50 Beaufighter IIF, R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF, R.2438 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.05 Beaufighter IIF, R.2438 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.15 Beaufighter IIF, R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.05 Beaufighter IIF, R.2438 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.30 Beaufighter IIF, R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.40 Beaufighter IIF, R.2438 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.35 Beaufighter IIF, R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total flying hours :- 14.45 (day) 13.35 (night)
1941-10-30
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft under fair weather conditions. Weather conditions were also suitable for night flying.
19.50 Beaufighter IIF, R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.16 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.17 Beaufighter IIF, R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF, R.2379 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.31 Beaufighter IIF, R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.52 Beaufighter IIF, R.2458 landed and reported one AI contact but no results obtained and no interceptions.
Total flying hours :- 10.15 (day) 5.00 (night)
1941-10-31
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued. A.I. practice flights were carried out. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying.
18.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.30 Beaufighters IIF, R.2463, R.2319, R.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF, R.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF, R.2463 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.25 Beaufighter IIF, R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.50 Beaufighter IIF, R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total flying hours :- 11.00 (day) 11.05 (night)
[Illegible]
Officer, Commanding,
No. 307 Polish Squadron,
R.A.F. Station, Exeter, Devon.
