Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-12-01

Exeter

Weather conditions during the morning were fair and some training on the Beaufighter aircraft was possible. Rain fell from mid-day onwards and no further flying took place. Weather conditions at night were non-operational.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.35 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-02

Exeter

Mists and fog reduced visibility to about 50 yards and no flying either by day or night was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil.

1941-12-03

Exeter

Fog was prevelent throughout the day and night and no flaying of any kind was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil.

1941-12-04

Exeter

Weather conditions were again unfavourable with heavy mist and fog. A party of pilots, observer (Radio, and technical Officers visited Chivenor to inspect a JU.88 which had landed there. P/O Biderman reported for duty on posting from Blackpool supernumary for administrative duties.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil.

1941-12-05

Exeter

Weather conditions were excellent and training on Beaufighter and Blenheim aircraft was continued. A.I. practice flights were carried out. Night Flying was also possible.
17.55 Beaufighters IIF R.2458 and R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.25 Beaufighter IIF R.2322 landed and reported no interceptions. This aircraft was involved in taxying accident when returning to the Flight Dispersal Point. The port main plane struck the nose of a Wellington which was dispersed close to the taxying track.
20.20 Beaufighter IIF R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.10 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 19.10 (day), 6.20 (night)

1941-12-06

Exeter

Weather conditions were unsettled and heavy rain fell at intervals throughout the day. Flying training was continued as far as possible. There was no operational night flights but some practice night flights were made prior to the weather closing down and making further flights impossible. Beaufighters IIF. R.2322, R.2453 and R.2446 [a]were transferred to No.43 Group Deposit a/c. P/O. Blaszczyk left on attachment to No. 2 S. of A.N. for a course of navigation.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.45 (day), 1.40 (night)

1941-12-07

Exeter

Excellent weather conditions prevailed and flying training was continued throughout the day. A.I. practice flights were carried out. Beaufighter IIF R.2452 while under maintenance inspection fell off of a trestle the port wing, airscrew and undercarriage being damaged. A court of enquiry will be held to allocate responsibility for this accident. The work on the aircraft was being executed by contractorS’ working party. Weather conditions were good at night and both operational and practice flying took place.
17.50 Beaufighter IIF R.3030 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.25 Beaufighter IIF R.2440 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.40 Beaufighter IIF R.3030 landed and reported no interceptions.
19.50 Beaufighter IIF R.2440 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.15 Beaufighter IIF R.2463 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.30 Beaufighter IIF R.2463 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 15.15 (day), 8.30 (night)

1941-12-08

Exeter

Japan has declared war on Great Britain and U.S.A. Owing to the large number of aircraft unserviceable flying was restricted to test flights for “readiness” aircraft during the day. Weather conditions were favourable for night flying and both operational and practice night flights were carried out.
17.40 Beaufighter IIF R.2458 and R.2440 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
18.50 Beaufighter IIF R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
19.30 Beaufighter IIF R.2440 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.55 (day), 5.10 (night)

1941-12-09

Exeter

Weather conditions were poor both by day and night and flying was restricted during the day and not possible at night. Beaufighter IIF R.2463 was damaged when pilot landed the aircraft without using flaps and at to great speed. P/O. Podgorski left on attachment to No.2 S. of A.N. for a course of navigation.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.05 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-10

Exeter

Weather conditions were more favourable during the morning and practice A.I. flights were made. Rain fell during the afternoon and weather was non-operational at night. Beaufighter IIF R.2440 was involved in an accident at Hawarden when a Hudson aircraft AM.885 piloted by a ferry pilot (A.T.A) collided with it. The Beaufighter was stationary by the Watch Hut when the accident occurred. Beaufighter IIF R.2452 was transferred to No.43 Group Deposit a/c.
Total Flying Hours :- 4.35 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-11

Exeter

Flying Training continued during the day with practice A.I. flights. The weather subsequently deteriorated and became non-operational at night. Beaufighter IIF R.2440 was transferred to No.43 Group Deposit a/c.
Total Flying Hours :- 4.55 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-12

Exeter

Weather conditions were more favourable and flying training was continued. At night heavy showers of rain fell and flying was not possible.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF R.2449 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF R.2449 landed and reported no interceptions. Beaufighter T.3009 was delivered from 27 M.U. under authority 41G/15903.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.20 (day), 1.10 (night)

1941-12-13

Exeter

Day flying training was continued on Beaufighter and Oxford aircraft although this was interrupted by rain and low clouds during the later part of the day. Air to Sea firing was carried out. Weather deteriorated at night and no flying was possible. Beaufighters IIF T.3035 and T.3041 were delivered under authority 41G/15806 from No.19 M.U.
Total Flying Hours :- 5.15 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-14

Exeter

Rain fell throughout the day and night and no flying of any kind was possible. Beaufighters IIF R.2445 and R.2449 were transferred back to the Unit from No.43 Group Deposit a/c. Under authority H.Q.F.C. signal Q.897 dated 13.12.41.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil.

1941-12-15

Exeter

More favourable weather conditions obtained and day flying training with Beaufighter and Oxford aircraft was carried out. G.C.I. practice flights were made. Weather conditions were also suitable for night flying and practice night flying was carried out. P/O. Irwin reported for duty on posting from No.1454 Flight supernumary for special signals instruction. F/O. Chlapowski, interpreter, reported for duty on posting from Blackpool. F/O. Maciukiewicz reported for duty on posting from West Freugh supernumary for Administrative and Education duties.
20.20 Beaufighter IIF [Illegible] R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.30 Beaufighter IIF R. 2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
Beaufighters IIF R.2392 and T.3046 were received from No.19 M.U. under authority 41G/15982. Beaufighter IIF R.2445 was transferred to No.43 Group Deposic a/c.
Total Flying Hours :- 9.05 (day), 5.40 (night)

1941-12-16

Exeter

Weather conditions were again suitable and flying training both by day and night was carried out. G.C.I. practice flights during the day and again at night, were made. There was no operational flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 10.45 (day), 4.20 (night)

1941-12-17

Exeter

Weather conditions were favourable and training was continued throughout the day. Conditions were also good at night an in addition to practice flying operational night patrols over the sea covering bombers returning from Brest were maintained. All pilots reported large fires visible.
17.50 Beaufighters IIF T.3009 and R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
18.10 Beaufighter IIF R.2443 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.25 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.40 Beaufighter IIF R.2443 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.50 Beaufighter IIF T.3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.10 Beaufighter IIF R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.25 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 14.30 (day), 11.15 (night)

1941-12-18

Exeter

Morning mists prevented flying taking place until the afternoon when nigh flying tests and practice A.I. [Illegible] The weather was non-operational at night and there was no flying.

1941-12-19

Exeter

Day flying training was continued after early morning mists had cleared and night flying tests were made. Weather deteriorated in the evening and no night flying was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 8.10 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-20

Exeter

Rain and mist throughout the day prevented flying taking place and the weather was again non-operational at night. The following Beaufighters IIF were transferred from No.43 Group Deposit a/c to the Unit under authority H.Q.F.C. signal Q.241 dated 19.12.41:- R.2443 R.2447 T.3019 R.2457 and R.2453.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil.

1941-12-21

Exeter

After morning mists weather conditions improved and A.I. homings and night flying tests were carried out in the afternoon. Weather conditions deteriorated at night and no flying was possible. Beaufighter IIF T.3046 was damaged in an accident with a Spitfire aircraft dispersed within the perimeter track of the aerodrome. In endeavouring to avoid obstacles the aircraft was swung off the runway and when practically clear from obstacles the Beaufighter swung unexpectedly to the left and the starboard airscrew touched the wing-tip of the dispersed Spitfire. The damage is repairable at the Unit.
Total Flying Hours :- 8.10 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-22

Exeter

Weather conditions improved in the afternoon after morning mists, and night flying tests were carried out. Weather was suitable for night flying and both operational and practice night flying was carried out.
19.35 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.35 Beaufighter IIF R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.45 Beaufighter IIF T.3030 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.40 Beaufighter IIF R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.45 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.50 Beaufighter IIF T.3030 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.30 (day), 11.40 (night)

1941-12-23

Exeter

Weather conditions were good and day training on Beaufighter aircraft was continued. A.I. practice flights were carried out and also night flying tests. After one operational flight weather conditions deteriorated and no further flying was possible.
17.50 Beaufighter IIF R.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.20 Beaufighter IIF R.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.50 (day), 0.30 (night)

1941-12-24

Exeter

Day training on Beaufighter aircraft continued and A.I. practice flights were made. Weather conditions were also favourable for night flying.
18.30 Beaufighter IIF R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.40 Beaufighter IIF R.2449 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.25 Beaufighter IIF R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.50 Beaufighter IIF R.2449 landed and reported no interceptions.
A party from the Polish Ministry of Information arrived together with a recording unit to make a recording of the Christmas festivities. P.780493 Sgt. Murzyn, pilot left on posting to No.1 Signals School, Cranwell, for flying duties and P.782391 Sgt. Kubas, pilot, on posting to No.4 Signals School, Madeley, for flying duti[nieczytelne]
Total Flying Hours :- 7.30 (day), 4.05 (night)

1941-12-25

Exeter

No day flying took place as all personnel of the Squadron that could be spared were released for Christmas Day. Conditions were favourable for night flying and both operational and practice flights were carried out.
18.25 Beaufighter IIF T.3009 and R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
18.50 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.40 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.50 Beaufighter IIF R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.00 Beaufighter IIF T.3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil (day), 8.50 (night)

1941-12-26

Exeter

Weather conditions were favourable and day training on Beaufighter aircraft was carried out. A.I. practice flights were made. Conditions at night were excellent and flying training was continued.
17.40 Beaufighter IIF T.3048 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
17.45 Beaufighter IIF T.3041 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.00 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.50 Beaufighter IIF T.3030 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.25 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.40 Beaufighter IIF T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.45 Beaufighter IIF T.3041 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.55 Beaufighter IIF T.3030 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.30 (day), 13.00 (night)

1941-12-27

Exeter

Good weather conditions enabled day training on Beaufighter aircraft to be carried out and practice A.I. flights were made. Flying training was also continued at night but there was no operational flying. P/O. Witke reported for flying duties on posting from No. 54 O.T.U.
Total Flying Hours :- 12.30 (day), 2.20 (night)

1941-12-28

Exeter

Rain fell continuously throughout the day and spasmodically at night. Weather conditions were not suitable for night flying training.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.50 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-29

Exeter

07.18 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
08.23 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions were excellent and intensive flying training on Beaufighter aircraft was carried out. Air to ground firing was carried out by one Beaufighter at Warmwell. Beaufighter IIF R.2438 force-landed at Pulham in Dorsetshire when the port engine cut. The aircraft landed wheels up and is categorised as repairable at contractors. The crew were uninjured.
18.00 Beaufighter IIF R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.05 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
18.45 Beaufighter IIF R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
18.55 Beaufighter IIF R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.10 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.00 Beaufighter IIF R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.15 Beaufighter IIF R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.35 Beaufighter IIF R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 25.20 (day), 6.30 (night)

1941-12-30

Exeter

Morning mists were prevalent and no flying was possible. Night flying tests were carried out in the afternoon but fog descended at night and the weather became non-operational.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.50 (day), Nil (night)

1941-12-31

Exeter

Fog persisted throughout the day and night and no flying of any description took place.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil

31st. December, 1941
[Illegible]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 307 (Polish) Squadron,
Royal Air Force Station, Exeter, Devon.