1942-03 - No. 307 Squadron - F540
Data entered by Ryszard Wróbel on 11 Jul 2008 and viewed 569 times.
1942-03-01
Exeter
Weather conditions were good and flying training continued. Night flying tests and practice A.I. flights were made with Beaufighter aircraft and training flights with Blenheim and Oxford aircraft. Beaufighter IIF. T.3041 under inspection on the ground, was damaged when a Blenheim aircraft crashed while taking off. The Blenheim was carrying a bomb load which exploded when the aircraft crashed and P.780567 Cpl. Grzebulski, W. Fitt 11A, was injured by flying debris. This airman was working on Beaufighter T.3041 and was returning to dispersal. He sustained a broken leg and was admitted to hospital. Weather conditions at night were unsuitable for flying. Six aircraft were at readiness.
Total Flying Hours :- 17.35 - (day). Nil - (night).
1942-03-02
Exeter
Weather throughout the day and night was non-operational and there was no flying of any description.
Total Flying Hours :- Nil -
1942-03-03
Exeter
Weather conditions were fair during the morning and as aircraft were unable to take off from Predanock, a number of operational sorties were made on convoy patrols.
09.35 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 took off from Exeter on convoy patrol.
09.55 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
10.10 Beaufighter IIF. T.3019 took off from Exeter on convoy patrol.
10.30 Beaufighter IIF. T.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
11.00 Beaufighter IIF. T.3030 took off from Exeter on convoy patrol.
11.20 Beaufighter IIF. T.3019 took off from Exeter on convoy patrol.
11.55 Beaufighter IIF. T.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
12.10 Beaufighter IIF. T.3030 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather deteriorated in the afternoon and no further flying was possible. Rain also fell at night and no flying of any description was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.25. - (day). Nil .- (night).
1942-03-04
Exeter
Good weather conditions prevailed and flying training continued. Practice A.I. flights were made with Beaufighter aircraft and training flights with Blenheim aircraft. Fine weather conditions prevailed at night and both operational and training flights were made with Beaufighter aircraft. Six aircraft were at readiness.
19.25. Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.40. Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.45. Beaufighter IIF. R.2443 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.50. Beaufighter IIF. T.3019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.05. Beaufighter IIF. T.3019 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.50. Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.25. Beaufighter IIF. R.2443 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.50. Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.10. Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.20. Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 10.35. - (day). 10.40. - (night).
1942-03-05
Exeter
Weather was showery throughout the day but training with Beaufighter aircraft, Blenheim and Oxford aircraft was continued. A.I. practice flights and air to sea firing was carried out. Conditions deteriorated at night and no flying was possible. Six aircraft were at readiness.
Total Flying Hours :- 17.20. - (day). Nil. - (night).
1942-03-06
Exeter
Weather was dull with very poor visibility and ground mist. Little flying was possible by day and the weather was non-operational at night.
Total Flying Hours :- 2.25. - (day). – Nil. (night).
1942-03-07
Exeter
Weather was good throughout the day and flying training continued. A.I. practice flights and air to see firing was carried out with Beaufighter aircraft, and practice flying with Oxford aircraft. A special searchlight co-operation flight was made by one Beaufighter operating from Chivenor at night. Weather conditions at night were excellent and both operational and practice flights were made. Six aircraft were at readiness.
19.30 Beaufighters IIF. T.3154, R2449, and R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2449 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. T.3154 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.50 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2457 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 24.10. - (day). 18.45. - (night).
1942-03-08
Exeter
0100 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2457 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.50 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions were again good throughout the day and training was continued. A.I. practice flights and air to sea firing was carried out with Beaufighter aircraft and training flights with Blenheim and Oxford aircraft. Weather conditions were good at night and six aircraft were at readiness.
19.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 17.25. - (day). 7.20. - (night).
1942-03-09
Exeter
02.40 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
04.45 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions were fine by day and training was continued with Beaufighter, Blenheim & Oxford aircraft. Weather conditions were also good at night and practice G.C.I. flights were made. Six aircraft were at readiness.
Total Flying Hours :- 18.40. - (day). 4.50. - (night).
1942-03-10
Exeter
Rain fell throughout the day and night and owing to bad visibility no flying of any description was possible. F.O. Bienkowski, Pilot left the Unit on attachment to 54 O.T.U. for night flying training.
Total Flying Hours :- - NIL -
1942-03-11
Exeter
Bad visibility and rain prevented flying from taking place either by day or night.
Total Flying Hours :- - NIL -
1942-03-12
Exeter
Rain again fell by day and conditions of bad visibility made flying either by day or night impossible.
Total Flying Hours :- - NIL -
1942-03-13
Exeter
Weather conditions were again bad with rain and poor visibility. No flying by day was possible. At night low clouds prevented night flying from taking place.
Total Flying Hours :- - NIL -
1942-03-14
Exeter
Good weather conditions obtained and day flying training with Beaufighter, Blenheim, and Oxford aircraft continued. A.I. and G.C.I. practice flights were carried out. Rain fell during the night and low clouds prevented night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 18.00. - (day) - NIL (night).
1942-03-15
Exeter
Conditions of bad visibility obtained throughout the day and night and no flying of any kind was possible.
Total Flying Hours. - NIL -
1942-03-16
Exeter
Rain fell throughout the day and no flying was possible. At night, rain and low cloud prevented flying.
Total Flying Hours. - NIL -
1942-03-17
Exeter
Spasmodic rain, coupled with conditions of bad visibility restricted flying to night flying tests of readiness aircraft. Weather conditions at night were again unsuitable and no flying was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- [Illegible] 2.10. (day) – NIL. (night).
1942-03-18
Exeter
Rain fell during the morning and visibility was poor. In the afternoon only night flying tests of readiness aircraft were possible. Six aircraft were at readiness at night but the weather was non-operational. F.O. Borzemski reported for duty from St. Athan on Posting as Observer (Radio) under training.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.00. (day) – NIL. (night).
1942-03-19
Exeter
Weather improved and G.C.I. calibration flights were made with Beaufighter aircraft by day. Six aircraft were at readiness at night and weather conditions were favourable for night flying. In addition to operational patrols G.C.I. practice flights were also made.
20.15 Beaufighters IIF. T.3154 and R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
20.40 Beaufighter IIF. T.3154 landed and reported no interceptions. Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2443 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.40 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 landed and reported no interceptions. Beaufighter IIF. R.2457 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2457 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2443 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 10.45. (day) – 8.50. (night).
1942-03-20
Exeter
Weather conditions both by day and by night were good. Day training with Beaufighter and Oxford aircraft was carried out. A.I. and G.C.I. practice flights were made by day and air to sea firing practices carried out. Six aircraft were at readiness at night and both operational and practice G.C.I. flights were made.
19.45 Beaufighters IIF. T.3358 and T.3048 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
19.50 Beaufighter IIF. T.3154 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
22.15 Beaufighter IIF. T.3154 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.20 Beaufighter IIF. T.3358 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 16.45. (day) – 13.25. (night).
1942-03-21
Exeter
Weather conditions by day were fair and training with Beaufighter aircraft continued. A.I. practice flights were made. Six aircraft were at readiness at night but conditions of bad visibility made flying impossible.
Total Flying Hours :- 7.50. (day) – NIL. (night).
1942-03-22
Exeter
Day training with Beaufighter and Oxford aircraft continued under fair weather conditions. G.C.I. practice flights and night flying tests were made. Weather conditions at night were unsuitable for night flying. Eight aircraft were at readiness, the Squadron state having been increased to eight aircraft each night until further notice.
Total Flying Hours :- 13.45. (day) – NIL. (night).
1942-03-23
Exeter
Weather conditions by day were good and practice A.I. flights and flying tests were made with Beaufighter aircraft. Weather conditions were also favourable for night flying.
19.38 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.39 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
1942 Beaufighter IIF. R.2443 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.44 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.55 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.09 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.07 Beaufighter IIF. R.2443 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.08 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.24 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 9.05. - (day) 11.15 - (night).
1942-03-24
Exeter
Good weather conditions obtained throughout the day and A.I. and G.C.I. practice flights were made with Beaufighter aircraft. Training was also continued with Oxford aircraft. The weather at night was also good and both operational and training flights were made
19.50 Beaufighters IIF. T.3048, R2441 and R.2447 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
21.00 Beaufighters IIF. R.2458 and R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
21.05 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.50 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2447 caught fire while being refuelled and was completely burnt out. The probable cause of the accident was that the electrical continuity connection from bowser to filler pipe was not used and a spark occurred which caused the fire. A court of enquiry is to be held.
22.45 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.15 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.20 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.25 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 18.20. (day) - 18.00. (night).
1942-03-25
Exeter
02.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were fair and A.I. practice flights and night flying tests were carried out with Beaufighter aircraft.
19.40 Beaufighters IIF. T.3046 and R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
19.50 Beaufighters IIF. T.3358 and R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
20.00 Beaufighter IIF. T.3358 landed and reported no interceptions.
20.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
21.50 Beaufighter IIF. T.3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.20 Beaufighter IIF. T.3358 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.40 Beaufighter IIF. R.2441 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 9.05. (day) - 17.55. (night).
1942-03-26
Exeter
00.50 Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
01.10 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.25 Beaufighter IIF. T.3358 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.20 Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were poor and only night flying tests were carried out. Conditions improved at night and operational flights with Beaufighter aircraft were made.
19.45 Beaufighters IIF. T.3154 and R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.45 Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
21.35 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. T.3154 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.30 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.00 Beaufighter IIF. R.2450 crash landed at Exeter aerodrome. Conditions of bad visibility obtained and when flaps were lowered by the pilot on his approach to land, the aircraft suddenly made a sharp turn to starboard and banked steeply. Counteraction with ailerons gave no result and as the aircraft was tending to turn over, the pilot lifted flaps and reported that he was landing without flaps. After touching down on the runway the pilot decided his speed was too great to bring the aircraft to a standstill and put the undercarriage selector “UP”. Neither the pilot, F/O. Malinski or Radio Observer, F/O. Mika were injured.
23.50 Beaufighter IIF. T.3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 4.55. (day) - 14.50. (night).
1942-03-27
Exeter
Weather conditions by day were good and practice A.I. flights and night flying tests were made with Beaufighter aircraft. Weather deteriorated later and no night flying of any description was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.05. (day) - NIL. (night).
1942-03-28
Exeter
Practice A.I. flights and night flying tests were made by day with Beaufighter aircraft under good weather conditions. F/O. Blaszczyk left the Unit on posting to No. 51 O.T.U. Grangemouth for a conversion course. Weather conditions were favourable for night flying.
19.55 Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
20.00 Beaufighters IIF. T.3030 and R.2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
21.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2392 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. T.3030 landed and reported no interceptions. Beaufighters IIF. R.2457 and R.2322 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
22.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2319 landee and reported no interceptions.
23.05 Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.35 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol. Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 12.05. (day) - 11.45. (night).
1942-03-29
Exeter
00.05 Beaufighter IIF. R.2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.10 Beaufighter IIF. R.2457 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.20 Beaufighter IIF. R.2322 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were good and practices G.C.I. flights and night flying tests were made with Beaufighter aircraft. Weather deteriorated at night and no flying was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 15.15. (day) - 00.35. (night).
1942-03-30
Exeter
Rain and bad visibility prevented flying both by day and by night. F.O. Zwolinski left the Unit on posting to No. 1454 Flight, Charmy Down for flying duties.
Total Flying Hours :- - NIL
1942-03-31
Exeter
Weather conditions were fair by day and practice A.I. flights and night flying tests were made with Beaufighter aircraft. Conditions at night were also favourable and operational patrols were flown.
23.40 Beaufighters IIF. R.2322 and R.2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
23.55 Beaufighter IIF. T.3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.10. (day) - 00.45. (night up to midnight 31.3.43).
[Illegible]
Wing Commander, Commanding,
No. 307 (Polish) Squadron,
Royal Air Force Station, Exeter.
