Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-05-01

Exeter

00.15 Beaufighter IIF. T3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.20 Beaufighter IIF. T3030 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
00.25 Beaufighters IIF. T3157 and T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
00.30 Beaufighter IIF. R2390 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.40 Beaufighters IIF. T3030 and T3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.55 Beaufighter IIF. T3157 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were good and flying with Beaufighter aircraft continued. Night flying tests of readiness aircraft were made. Seven Beaufighter VI. were delivered to the Unit as the first machines under the re-equipment scheme for this Squadron. The aircraft delivered were X7935, X7952,8013,8016,8025,8108, and 8109. Weather conditions by night were good. Eight aircraft were at readiness.
22.00 Beaufighters IIF. T3157 and T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF. R2436 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.00. Day – 14.45. Night.

1942-05-02

Exeter

00.25 Beaufighter IIF. R2436 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.50 Beaufighters IIF. T3382 and R2390 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
01.20 Beaufighter T3157 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.30 Beaufighter IIF.T.3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.50 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 took off from Exeter on operational patrol. Beaufighter IIF.T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.25 Beaufighter IIF. R2390 landed and reported no interceptions.
04.40 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 landed and reported no interceptions.
Day training continued under favourable weather conditions and night flying tests of readiness aircraft were made.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF. T3157 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.30 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.10 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours :- 16.00 Day – 13.55 Night.

1942-05-03

Exeter

01.20 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.25 Beaufighter IIF. T3157 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were good and training continued. Night flying tests of readiness aircraft were made. The following Beaufighter VI. aircraft were delivered :-X7930,7936,7948,8005, and 8012. Weather conditions at night were good and heavy attack on Exeter city was made by enemy bombers.
21.55 Beaufighters IIF. T3382, T3367, and R2392 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 8.45 - Day - 9.00 - Night.

1942-05-04

Exeter

00.20 Beaufighter IIF. T3151 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
00.45 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.55 Beaufighter IIF. T3367 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.05 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 and T3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
01.15 Beaufighter IIF. R2390 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.45 Beaufighter IIF. T3358 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.35 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported that AI contact was made at maximum range at height of 7000ft with E/A ahead and 500 ft. above. Contact was lost but a correction in course from GCI. led to a further contact with E/A still above. After a chase of 3 minutes a visual was obtained with E/A 400 yards ahead and 500 ft. above, and the pilot believed it to be a JU.88. The E/A flew very slowly and our pilot had to weave to avoid overshooting. Finally he lowered flaps and managed to close and fired two bursts, one of 2 to 3 sesc. and a further very short one at a range of 100 yards. The first burst set of fire to the port engine of the E/A which crashed at Topsham. Our pilot was subsequently put on to another raid at 9000ft. Contact was obtained at maximum range, E/AA being level and ahead, three blips at approximately regular intervals being obtained. After a chase of 6 to 7 minutes pilot obtained visual on two aircraft while operator had contact on the third. Our pilot picked out the leader of this loose formation and closed in. Evasive [Illegible] action was taken by the E/A and the rear gunner opened fire. A running fight ensued the E/A firing continually and our pilot getting in short bursts as and when he could. At approx. 02.30 hours E/A port engine caught fire and pieces broke away. The aircraft crashed at Colyton, Devon and proved to be a JU.88. Pilot Sgt. Illaszewicz, Observer (Radio) P.O. Lissowski.
03.20 Beaufighter IIF. T3151 crash landed at Predannack owing to an engine cutting as the aircraft prepared to land. The crew were uninjured and reported no interceptions while on patrol.
03.45 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 landed and reported that when flying at 13000ft. an AI contact was obtained of a JU.88 at range of 300 yards. E/A opened fire which passed much below and swung to starboard E/A passed in front of moon just as he got into our pilot’s sights. Our pilot fired a two second burst and as a result saw a very large piece break off the port wing. E/A heeled over to port and our pilot, closing to 80 yards followed the turn and fired a second burst causing the starboard wing to catch fire, but the rear gunner continued to fire. Our pilot turned in from starboard and fired a third short burst. The E/A now spiralled down in flames and finally through a gap in the mist our pilot saw the aircraft to fall and observed concentric ripples on the surface of the sea. His height was then under 4000ft. Pilot. F.O. Andrzejewski. Observer (Radio) Sgt. Kaliszewski. Beaufighter IIF. T3358 landed and reported that when flying at 10000ft. AI. was obtained at max. range with E/A level and 30º to port. After a chase 4 minutes visual was obtained at 400 yards with E/A dead ahead. It was recognised as a JU.88 and our pilot closed to 100 yards. E/A made a sharp turn to starboard and our pilot followed doing a very tight turn and got in a burst of 1 sec. The starboard tank of E/A caught fire immediately and pieces flew of f the wing. E/A dived steeply and our pilot followed down to 4000ft. and saw the E/A crash into the sea. No return fire was experienced. Pilot F/Lt. Neyder, Observer (Radio) Sgt. Wozny.
Day weather conditions were good and flying with Beaufighter aircraft continued. Beaufighter VI. aircraft X8131 and 8134 were delivered to the Unit.
21.55 Beaufighter IIF. T3358 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3367 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.00 Beaufighter IIF.T3048 and T3382 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
Total Flying Hours :- 13.00 Day - 17.10 Night.

1942-05-05

Exeter

00.15 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.35 Beaufighter IIF. T3358 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.00 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
01.10 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 took off from Exeter on operational patrol
01.20 Beaufighter IIF. T3367 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.50 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3048 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.10 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
Day weather conditions were excellent and flying training with Beaufighter aircraft was continued. Night Flying tests of readiness aircraft were also made.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.10 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.15 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.30 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported no interceptions
23.45 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 13.05 Day. - 15.20. Night.

1942-05-06

Exeter

00.20 Beaufighter IIF. R2436 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.30 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.35 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.45 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.00 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were good and training on Beaufighter aircraft continued. Beaufighters VI X7932, 7956 and 8027 were delivered to the Unit. Weather conditions by night were good. Eight aircraft were at [Illegible] readiness.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF. R2436 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF. R2436 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.35 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.40 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours. 21.35. Day. - 12.35. Night.

1942-05-07

Exeter

00.40 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.05 Beaufighter IIF. T3009 landed and reported no interceptions.
Day weather conditions were again good and training with Beaufighter aircraft was carried out. Night flying tests of readiness aircraft were also made. Seven aircraft were at readiness, the Squadron state having been reduced to this figure for the dark period. Beaufighter VI. X8148 was delivered to the Unit, thus completing the re-equipment with Mark VI aircraft. Four Beaufighter IIF. aircraft were delivered to Wrexham for 96 Squadron. A party of Press representatives spent the night on the aerodrome and were shown certain features of the night work on a Night Fighter Aerodrome.
22.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3375 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.05 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF. T3375 landed and reported no interceptions.
22.45 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.00 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.30 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported no interceptions. Beaufighter IIF. R2458 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.40 Day. - 9.50 night.

1942-05-08

Exeter

01.15 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
01.20 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.10 Beaufighter IIF. R2458 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.35 Beaufighter IIF. T3382 landed and reported no interceptions.
Day weather conditions were poor with bad visibility and flyin was restricted to night flying tests of readiness aircraft.
22.10 Beaufighter IIF. R2319 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.25 Beaufighters IIF. T3358 and R2452 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.
Total Flying Hours :- 6.40 Day. – 9.50 Night.

1942-05-09

Exeter

00.10 Beaufighter IIF. R2452 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.45 Beaufighter IIF. R2319 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.50 Beaufighter IIF. T3358 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.35 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 and V8157 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
03.15 Beaufighter IIF. V8157 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.20 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were good and flying training with Beaufighter aircraft continued. [Illegible] Two Beaufighterss IIF were ferried to No. 96 Squadron Wrexham. At night, weather deteriorated and soon after midnight flying was stopped. There was no enemy activity in this area. Six aircraft were at readiness, the Squadron state having been reduced to this figure whie the process of re-equipment takes place.
22.15 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.25 Beaufighter IIF. V8157 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 26.30 Day. – 8.30 Night.

1942-05-10

Exeter

00.25 Beaufighter IIF. V8157 landed and reported no interceptions.
00.50 Beaufighter IIF. T3046 landed and reported no interceptions.
Rain fell continuously throughout the day and night, and flying was not possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 1.10 Day. – 1.15. Night.

1942-05-11

Exeter

Conditions of bad visibility obtained during the morning and no flying was possible. This improved later and flying training with Beaufighter aircraft was continued in the afternoon. Night weather conditions were bad and there was no flying of any description.
Total Flying Hours :- 11.50 Day. – NIL. Night.

1942-05-12

Exeter

Rain again fell continuously throughout the day and night and no flying of any description was possible.
Total Flying Hours :- NIL

1942-05-13

Exeter

Poor weather conditions obtained by day and little flying apart from tests of readiness aircraft was possible. Weather deteriorated at night and was non-operational.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.05. Day. – NIL Night.

1942-05-14

Exeter

Day weather conditions were again poor with bad visibility. Restricted flying with Beaufighter VI aircraft was carried out. At night weather conditions were non-operational.
Total Flying Hours :- 7.10 Day. – NIL Night.

1942-05-15

Exeter

Bad visibility in the morning and rain in the afternoon again restricted flying and weather was non-operational at night.
Total Flying Hours :- 3.35 Day. – NIL Night.

1942-05-16

Exeter

Day weather conditions were good and flying training continued. The following Beaufighter IIF aircraft were delivered by our pilots :- T3358 & V8137 to 125 Sqdn, Colerne. T3046,T3044, &R2458 to 96 Sqdn. Wrexham. Weather conditions deteriorated at night and flying was not possible.
Total Flying Hours :- 20.10 Day. – NIL Night.

1942-05-17

Exeter

Rain fell continuously throughout the day and the weather was again non-operational at night.
Total Flying Hours :- 8.45 Day. – NIL Night.

1942-05-18

Exeter

Weather conditions were poor with bad visibility and flying was restricted. Night weather conditions were once again non-operational.
Total Flying Hours. 11.10 Day – NIL Night.

1942-05-19

Exeter

Day weather conditions were good and flying continued. The following Beaufighter IIF aircraft were delivered by our pilots :- R2441 & T3030 to 96 Sqdn. Wrexham. R2452 to 409 Sqdn. Coleby Grange. The A.O.C. in C., Fighter Command visited the Squadron Dispersals and talked with pilots. Better weather conditions obtained at night and some operational flying was possible. Later the weather deteriorated and flying stopped.
22.50 Beaufighter VIF. X8134 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.15 Beaufighter VIF. X8134 landed and reported no interceptions.
23.30 Beaufighter VIF. X8005 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours. 21.55 Day – 0.55. Night.

1942-05-20

Exeter

01.00 Beaufighter VIF. X7952 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
01.50 Beaufighter VIF. X8005 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.25 Beaufighter VIF. X7952 landed and reported no interceptions.
Day weather conditions were fair and flying training continued. Beaufighter VIF. X7956 was damaged when landing. As this aircraft took off the port undercarriage wheel tyre deflated. The aircraft was able to take off and the pilot was warned by wireless of what happened. He landed the aircraft on the starboard wheel but as the aircraft came down on to deflated tyre it swung violently through 180º and the undercarriage collapsed. [Illegible] None of the crew were injured, and the aircraft is repairable by contractors. Weather conditions by night were fair and flying was possible.
22.25 Beaufighter VIF. X8134 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.30 Beaufighter VIF. X7952 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.10 Beaufighter VIF. X7952 landed and reported no interceptions.
Total Flying Hours. 28.05. Day. – 5.30. Night.

1942-05-21

Exeter

01.05 Beaufighter VIF. X8134 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.15 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
01.45 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions by day were poor and visibility was bad. Restricted flying with Beaufighter aircraft was possible during the brighter periods. At night weather was non-operational.
Total Flying Hours: 13.10. Day – 1.35. Night.

1942-05-22

Exeter

Weather conditions by day were good and flying training with Beaufighter VIF aircraft continued throughout the day. Weather was also good at night and both operational and practice flights were made. P.O. Zykun left the Unit on posting to No. 2 Delivery Flight for flying duties.
22.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
22.30 Beaufighter VIF. X7935 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours:- 24.00. Day – 3.10. Night.

1942-05-23

Exeter

00.20 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
00.50 Beaufighter VIF. X7935 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
01.30 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 landed and reported [Illegible] no interceptions.
02.20 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.40 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 landed and reported no interceptions.
Rain fell throughout the day and night and flying was virtually impossible. The Squadron state for the moonlight period is 4 at readiness and three at 30 minutes w.e.f. tonight.
Total Flying Hours :- 0.55. Day. - 6.40 Night.

1942-05-24

Exeter

Weather by day was indifferent and there were periodic showers of rain. Flying was possible and training continued with Beaufighter VIF aircraft. In the late afternoon weather improved and conditions were good for night flying.
22.30 Beaufighter VIF. X8134 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Beaufighter VIF. X7932 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.00 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.45 Beaufighter VIF. X8025 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 23.40 Day. - 3.55 Night.

1942-05-25

Exeter

00.15 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
00.40 Beaufighter VIF. X7932 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8134 and X8025landed and reported no interceptions.
01.35 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.40 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather by day was poor with considerable rainfall, and no flying was possible.
17.45 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 took off from Exeter on day patrol owing to enemy activity in bad weather conditions.
18.05 Beaufighter VIF.X8012 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather improved in the evening and flying was possible. At night good weather conditions obtained and both practice and operational flights were made.
23.00 Beaufighter VIF. X8019 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.05 Beaufighter VIF. X8016 and X8027 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total Flying Hours :- 5.20 Day. - 16.15 Night.

1942-05-26

Exeter

01.30 Beaufighter VIF. X8016 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.35 Beaufighter VIF. X8131 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.15 Beaufighter VIF. X8019 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.35 Beaufighter VIF. X8131 landed and reported no interceptions.
Rain fell continuosly until late afternoon.
16.05 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 took off from Exeter on day operational patrol.
16.50 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 landed and reported no interceptions.
Weather conditions were better in the evening and night flying tests of readiness aircraft were made. Night conditions were good and both practice and operational flights were made.
Total Flying Hours :- 7.55 Day. - 10.15 Night.

1942-05-27

Exeter

00.40 Beaufighters VIF. X7935 and X8131 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.15 Beaufighter VIF. X8131 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.25 Beaufighter VIF. X7935 landed and reported no interceptions.
Rain fell throughout the day but cleared slightly in the evening when night flying tests were made. Very strong winds reaching gale force were prevelant during the night and no flying was possible. One Beaufighter IIF was ferried to No. 60 O.T.U. East Fortune: Auth: H.Q.F.C., thus disposing of all Beaufighter Mark II aircraft on the strength of the Unit.
Total Flying Hours :- 7.05 Day. - 3.20 Night.

1942-05-28

Exeter

Weather conditions by day were good and flying training with Beaufighter VI aircraft cont inued. In view of the fact that aircraft were to co-operate with the Army on exercise “Pigeon” in the afternoon, one aircraft was sent on a preliminary reconnaissance during the morning.
14.00 Four aircraft were brought to readiness for Army co-operation.
15.15 One Beaufighter VI took off to make mock attack on lorries and motorized artillery. Aircraft landed at 15.30 hours and reported one low level attack on convoy of 50 lorries and motorized artillery on Chudleigh Road; one low level attack on convoy of 20 lorries S.W. of Heartland; four low level attacks on a company on the march on Bovey/Chudleigh road. The only reaction to these last attacks was handwaving.
15.20 One Beaufighter VI took off and made twelve runs up and down Newton Abbot/Exeter road. A concentration of lorries halted at 322004 on high ground was attacked. Six attacks were made and after third attack camouflage nets were hurriedly pulled out. Air-craft landed at 15.50 hours.
17.40 One Beaufighter VI took off and observed a long column stretching from 323105 to the Exeter By-pass and consisting of 3 or 4 platoons, about 12 guns and 20 lorries crossing the bridge at Ide. Several low attacks were made, but there was no reaction whatsoever. Aircraft landed at 17.50 hours.
17.50 One Beaufighter VI took off and observed a long column from 310085 over Countess Wear and along By-pass on to Pinhoe. Several attacks made but no reaction.
18.00 One Beaufighter VI took off and ordered to investigate transport between buildings at Crediton. Little seen there, but a long column sighted from Whiddon Down 120145 to Tedburn St.Mary. Weather conditions deteriorated at night and there was no night flying.
Total Flying Hours :- 18.45 Day. – NIL. Night.

1942-05-29

Exeter

Showery conditions obtained during the morning, but improved later when flying training and tests of readiness aircraft were made. Weather conditions at night were good and both operational and practice flights were made.
22.50 Beaufighter VIF. X7935 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.10 Beaufighter VIF. X8016 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.50 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total flying hours :- 12.40 Day. – 9.40. Night.

1942-05-30

Exeter

01.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8016 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.55 Beaufighter VIF. X7948 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.00 Beaufighter VIF. X7935 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.10 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 landed and reported no interceptions.
02.15 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
02.50 Beaufighter VIF. X8012 landed and reported no interceptions.
03.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8148 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
04.30 Beaufighter VIF. X8148 landed and reported no interceptions.
Rain during the morning restricted flying but conditions improved later and training continued. In the evening, Sir Archibald Sinclair, Secretary of State for Air accompanied by Group Captain Sir Louis Greig visited the Station and saw pilots and Obsrvers (Radio) of this Squadron and talked with them regarding recent activity in this sector. Excellent conditions obtained at night and both operational and practice flights were made.
23.20 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
23.50 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 took off from Exeter on operational patrol.
Total flying hours :- 13.55 Day. – 20.30 Night.

1942-05-31

Exeter

01.40 Beaufighter VIF. X8027 landed and reported no interceptions.
01.55 Beaufighter VIF. X7936 landed and reported no interceptions.
Good Weather conditions were prelevant throughout the day. It is reported that over 1000 of our bomber aircraft last night raided Germany, the main target being Cologne. This is the largest single scale effort so far put out by this country – only 44 bombers failed to return. Day training with Beaufighter VI aircraft continued with night flying tests of readiness aircraft were also made. Conditions at night were also excellent and intensive training was carried out in addition to operational patrols.
23.20 Beaufighters VIF. X7933 and X7952 took off from Exeter on operational patrols.

[Illegible]
[Flight lieutenant, for,]
Wing Commander, Commanding,
No. 307 (Polish) Squadron, RAF.