1941-11 - No. 307 Squadron - F540
Data entered by Ryszard Wróbel on 1 Jan 2008 and viewed 1047 times.
1941-11-01
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was carried out under favourable weather conditions. G.C.I. practice flights were made. Weather conditions were excellent for night flying.
18.45 Beaufighters IIF. R.2379 and R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
19.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 landed and reported that A.I. contact had been obtained at 14.000 ft. Fifteen minutes later an enemy aircraft, recognised as a Ju.88 was sighted 400 yards ahead and 300 ft. above, 5 degrees to port. The pilot climbed and approached to 200 yards and 100 feet above and gave a 4 seconds burst. No return fire was experienced. The pilot then approached to 100 yards and 50 above and gave a three seconds burst from 100 yards. The E/A disappeared from sight – no results were seen from firing and no claim is made.
21.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported that A.I. contact had been made and an enemy aircraft, identified as Do.217, sighted 200 yards ahead and 300 ft. above. Pilot closed to 60 yards and gave a three seconds burst at port engine which burst into flames. A further two seconds burst was given at fuselage from 60 yards and pieces were seen to fall off. A third two seconds burst was then fired at the port engine. There was a big explosion and the port wing became detached, and the enemy aircraft crashed in flames. This was confirmed by S/L gunpost in the vicinity. A second A.I. contact was obtained at 23.18 hours and both aircraft dived to about 8000 feet. A.I. Contact was followed by visual and the E/A identified as a Do.215. A first burst was given from about 150 yards astern but no results were observed. The pilot then closed to 30 yards and gave a three seconds burst at fuselage. There was a terrific explosion and dense black smoke from the E/A which dived vertically in flames into the clouds. The pilot did not see the E/A crash into the sea owing to cloud but maintains that it was out of control. It was subsequently confirmed by a passing convoy and two Dorniers are claimed as destroyed. Pilot, Sgt. Turzanski. Observer (Radio) Sgt. Ostrowski. This is the first confirmed success of the Squadron since the re-equipment with Beaufighter IIF aircraft.
23.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total flying hours :- 8.10 (day) 12.15 (night)
1941-11-02
Exeter
00.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions were favourable throughout the day and training was continued. A.I. practice flights were carried out. Weather conditions were also suitable for night flying.
18.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
19.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours:- 17.15 (day) 4.30 (night)
1941-11-03
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued under favourable weather conditions. G.C.I. practice interceptions and A.I. tests were carried out. P.O. Solak returned to Hemswell on completion of his attachment to the Unit for Signals duties. Personal messages of congratulation from A.O.C. in C. Fighter Command and the Polish Liaison Officer, H.Q.F.C. on the Units’ initial successes with Beaufighter aircraft were received.
18.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 [Illegible] landed and reported no interceptions.
Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours:- 8.45 (day) 6.45 (night)
1941-11-04
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter aircraft was continued under good weather conditions. A.I. tests and local flying practice were carried out. Although weather conditions were good at night there was no enemy activity and no operational patrols. A message of congratulation on the Squadrons’ success on the night of the 1st Nov. 1941 was received from the Polish Inspectorate Generale.
Total Flying Hours:- 11.45 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-05
Exeter
Day training was continued under favourable weather conditions with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft. Weather conditions were favourable for night flying.
18.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 landed and reported one A.I. contact which did not produce any result. No interceptions took place.
Total Flying Hours :- 16.55 (day) 3.00 (night)
1941-11-06
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued under favourable weather conditions. Air to sea practice was carried out. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying, and operational patrols and practice flying was carried out.
19.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 16.55 (day) 3.50 (night)
1941-11-07
Exeter
Training was continued throughout the day on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft under favourable weather conditions. A.I. practice flying were also made, during the hours of darkness.
18.25 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.05 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 9.30 (day) 7.15 (night)
1941-11-08
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training was continued with Beaufighter aircraft. Conditions were also suitable for night flying.
19.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.25 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 landed and reported no interceptions.
A.S/Ldr. S. Brejnak is posted from No. 18 O.T.U. to command the Squadron w.e.f. 8.11.41., vide H.Q. No. 6 Group signal P4/259 dated 6/11.
Total Flying Hours :- 10.15 (day) 3.00 (night)
1941-11-09
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter aircraft was continued, A.I. practices being carried out. Weather conditions were favourable during the day but deteriorated at night. No night flying, either operational or practice, was carried out.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.55 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-10
Exeter
Weather conditions were not good during the day and, apart from tests of aircraft for readiness, no flying took place during the hours of daylight. The weather deteriorated rapidly in the late afternoon with heavy rain and winds of gale force, and there was no night flying of any kind.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.50 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-11
Exeter
Training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued during the morning under favourable weather conditions. In the afternoon the President of the Polish Republic, Wladyslaw Raczkiewicz, V.M., P.R., accompanied by A.V.M. Stanislaw Ujejski, K.C.B., Inspector General of the Polish Air Force, visited the Station and inspected the Squadron. The following members of the Squadron were personally decorated by the President :- S.Ldr. Lewandowski, F.O. Sawczynski, Sgts. Turzanski, Ostrowski, Janiewski, Lipinski adn Zadrocki. The Dispersal Points were subsequently visited and A.V.M. A. H. ORLEBAR, A.F.C. A.O.C. H.Q. No. 10 Group accompanied the party. Squadron badges were presented to the President and A.V.M. Ujejski. Weather conditions deteriorated in the evening and no night flying was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.45 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-12
Exeter
Thick fog, reducing visibility to less than 30 yards prevailed during the morning and early afternnon. After a short period fog again descended and night flying was not possible. S.Ldr. Brejnak reported for duty on posting to command the Squadron :- 0.35 (day) Nil (night) Total Flying Hours
1941-11-13
Exeter
Morning fog prevented flying from taking place but this cleared later and training on Beaufighter aircraft continued. Weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying and no practice flying or operational patrols were carried out.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.35 (day) Nil (night)
1941-11-14
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable and day training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued. Night flying was also possible and practice flying and patrols were carried out in the evening. Fog developed later and all flying was stopped. It is today announced that the aircraft-carried H.M.S. Ark Royal has been sunk.
18.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
19.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 14.30 (day) 2.55 (night)
1941-11-15
Exeter
Weather conditions were poor and there was considerable morning mist. Very little day flying was possible and weather conditions were unsuitable for night flying. There was no operational flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.05 (day) Nil (night)
1941-11-16
Exeter
Rain fell throughout the day and flying was not possible. Weather was also non-operational for night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.40 (day) Nil (night)
1941-11-17
Exeter
Weather conditions improved after morning rain and flying training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued. G.C.I. practice flights and A.I. Interceptions; A.I. homings and night flying tests ere made.
19.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 landed and reported no interception.
Total Flying Hours :- 8.45 (day) 1.35 (night)
1941-11-18
Exeter
Weather conditions were favourable during the day and training was continued on Beaufighter aircraft. G.C.I. practice interceptions and A.I. practice flights were carried out. Weather deteriorated later and no night flying was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 17.25 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-19
Exeter
Rain fell almost all day and little flying was possible. Rain also fell all night, and this coupled with low mists and fog prevented night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.05 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-20
Exeter
Continuous rain fell throughout the day restricted day flying. Rain and mist prevented night flying from taking place.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.45 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-21
Exeter
Rain fell during the morning and no flying was possible. In the afternoon the weather improved and day training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued. A.I. practice homings were carried out. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying.
18.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 landed and reported no interceptions.
19.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2445 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2445 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 4.50 (day) 4.40 (night)
1941-11-22
Exeter
Weather conditions were unsettled and considerable rain fell. Day flying training was restricted. At night, rain and low mist made flying impracticable, and no night flying took place.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.30 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-23
Exeter
Day training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft continued under excellent weather conditions. A.I. test flights were made and air to sea firing practices carried out. Weather conditions were also excellent for night flying and both operational and practice flights were carried out.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2453 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2440 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2453 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2440 landed and reported that when under control of Wrafton he was given several vectors and then instructed to “flash”. An A.I. contact was obtained almost immediately at a range of 6.000 ft. the E/A being dead ahead and slightly below. The E/A began evasive action although at that range and under the existing conditions of poor visibility he could not have seen the Beaufighter. The latter gave full boost and out-out for 2or 3 minutes – A.I. contact was maintained and the range shortened but the aircraft had to manoeuvre sharply. A visual was obtained at 170 yards and E/A identified as JU.88 by exhaust flames. It was dead ahead, slightly below, and making a wide turn to port. Beaufighter gave a two seconds burst without visible result and the E/A replied with his rear gun, but without result as [nieczytelne] was shooting low. The second burst from the Beaufighter took immediate effect causing an explosion and pieces to fall off. The Beaufighter the overshot the target which was on fire and circling slowly to port. Our pilot turned sharply and emptied his magazine in two or three more burst to make sure. The JU.88 was then seen to dive and explode on West of Harrowbeer. 1 JU.88 claimed and confirmed as destroyed, pilot P.O Dziegielewski, observer (Radio) P.O. Swierz. It was reported by the police that 3 members of the crew of the JU.88 baled out, one being injured. The fourth member was killed. After the combat our pilot noticed AA fire not dangerously, but uncomfortably near to his aircraft.
Total Flying Hours :- 21.35 (day) 9.00 (night)
1941-11-24
Exeter
Ground mists and fog restricted flying during the day, and poor conditions at night did not permit of either practice or operational night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.30 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-25
Exeter
Good weather conditions obtained and flying training was continued throughout the day. G.C.I. practice interceptions were carried out. Weather conditions were favourable for night flying.
17.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2445 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
17.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2446 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 landed and reported that vectors were given to him by Exminster and A.I. contact made at maximum range, altitude 15.000 ft. Visual obtained at 2.000 yards and pilot thought it was a Wellington. He made a climbing turn to investigate and lost contact. New vectors put pilot on to a northbound raider and A.I. contact obtained at range 2500 yards. E/A identified by exhaust flames as JU88, dead ahead and level. Pilot closed to 450 ft. and fired 5 secs. burst, pieces flew off and flashes seen rom starboard engine. Dorsal gunner of E/A replied with two mild burst, E/A dropped three bombs and dived firing one more burst from dorsal turret. Our pilot followed and fired two more bursts of 2 secs. from close in, passing through E/A’s slipstream. E/A was lost, still diving at 8000 ft. and pilot saw a glow on the ground a few minutes later. One JU.88 claimed as damaged.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2445 landed and reported that two AI. contacts had been obtained but lost, no interceptions resulting.
21.05 Beaufighter IIF. R.2446 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 12.20 (day) 7.40 (night)
1941-11-26
Exeter
Day weather conditions were favourable and flying training was continued. Weather conditions were suitable for night flying.
18.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2453 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.05 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.00 Beaufighters IIF. R.2447 and R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
19.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2453 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 7.30 (day) 7.45 (night)
1941-11-27
Exeter
Weather conditions were unsuitable for day flying and were also non-operational at night. Rain and mist were prevalent throughout the day and night.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.50 (day) NIL (night)
1941-11-28
Exeter
Weather conditions improved and day training was continued, A.I. practices being carried out. Night flying was also possible.
18.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.3030 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.25 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.05 Beaufighter IIF. R.2463 landed and reported no interceptions. Beaufighter IIF. R.3030 landed and reported that one A.I. contact had been obtained and lost and others obtain not obtained owing to the A.I. set not functioning well.
21.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.23793030 landed and reported that while under control of Exminster several vectors were given to him and about 20 miles South of Sidmouth A.I. contact at 13.000 ft and range of 12.000 ft was obtained. A few minutes later pilot saw an E/A about 300 ft below, dead ahead and at range of about 250 yards. E/A was recognised as hostile by his opening fire, but owing to bad visibility pilot could not identify the type. He closed to 100 yards, losing height to get level and delivered attack from 30º to starboard. He gave a three seconds burst of cannon and M.G. aiming at starboard engine and pilots cockpit, and saw explosions of shells on starboard engine and fuselage. E/A turned sharply to starboard and dive vertically into the mist. During the Whole combat the enemy dorsal gunner kept firing. A burning aircraft falling 10 miles SSE was seen by a ground crew at Exeter and Beaufighter returning home at 4/5000 ft. in conditions of better visibility also observed this. Exminster G.C.I. Station reported that [illegible] the response in the [illegible] tubes broke up into three parts just after our aircraft opened fire. One E/A is claimed as destroyed; pilot Sgt. Turzanski, Observer (Radio) Sgt. Ostrowski. The pilot continued his patrol and obtained a further A.I. contact at 21.01 hours and a fleeting visual of southbound raider which was immediately lost.
Total Flying Hours :- 8.15 (day) 12.00 (night)
1941-11-29
Exeter
Weather conditions were poor and day flying was restricted. Night conditions were also unfavourable and little flaying was possible.
17.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2379 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.05 (day) 0.40 (night)
1941-11-30
Exeter
Weather conditions were again unfavourable and little day flying was possible. Weather was non operational at night.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.30 (day) NIL (night)
[Illegible]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 307 Polish Squadron,
R.A.F. Station, Exeter.
