Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-06-01

Chilbolton

Very misty day in morning, but clears up and turns out nice. Squadron fly over and land some time about 1800 hours. Immediately the Squadron set out on Sector reconnaissance.
G/Cpt. from Middle Wallop arrives at 2200 hours and has a few words with the pilots and Squadron. Pilots very pleased with reception and welcome.

1941-06-02

Squadron at 30 minutes from dawn. Sector reconnaissance all day. Visit to Middle Wallop to Engineer Officer, Intelligence, Ops. etc. Everyone impressed by co-operation [Illegible] by all Station officials.

1941-06-03

Drizzling and training all morning. A.O.G. A.V.M. Sir Quinton Brand visits Station and speaks to Squadron. Is very concerned that quarters and conditions are O.K.

1941-06-04

Foggy in morning, turning to showers. Convoy work in afternoon.

1941-06-05

Still raining, ground getting mucky. Sgt.s Krzyzagorski and Zielinski posted. F/O. Zbyszynski return from Baginton with Mess Bills. Our farewell party cost us a packet.

1941-06-06

Rain in morning. C in C. Southern Command snooping about in the morning.

1941-06-07

Showers – cine camera gun practice.

1941-06-08

More showers. All this holds up the completion of new kitchen and airmen’s mess. Intermittent flying.

1941-06-09

Pelting with rain. Defence conference. It is decided that the Squadron trains a certain number of men who will take up defensive positions in the event of an emergency. Convoy work.

1941-06-10

Rain – unfit for flying.

1941-06-11

Night flying – 4 machines stand by – no operational flights. Flying school from Andover. Flying School from Andover come over night flying practice compete with flare path, beacon, etc.

1941-06-12

Firing at Chesil Bank. Wing Flight with 118 Squadron. Standing by for night flying.

1941-06-13

Break in weather. Turns out quite nice. Flying as usual.

1941-06-14

Formation flying. Lovely weather. Night flying cancelled.

1941-06-15

Usual flying. Bomber escort flight cancelled. 4 machines go to Wallop for night flying, as the Flying School from Andover has not come and consequently there is no flare path.

1941-06-16

Weather holds. Squadron doing a lot of sunbathing. W/Cdr. Roberts flies with Squadron. S/Ldr. Urbanowicz pays visit in afternoon.

1941-06-17

Firing at Chesil Bank. F/O Szyszka knocks up a record score. Squadron move over to new offices.

1941-06-18

Wing operational flights. Squadron benefitting by these flights.

1941-06-19

Protecting convoys and more formation flying. Stations Headquarters move over to new building. Chilbolton will soon lose all appearance of a satelite station.

1941-06-20

Cine camera gun practice followed by showing of film developed.

1941-06-21

Whole squadron at readiness. Sgnal announcing move of Squadron to Heath Row – 11 Group. Squadron can’t quite make out what is behind this – but if it means chances of scrap all the better.

1941-06-22

F/O.s Zbyszynski and Whitehead go to Heath Row to fix up move, learn that 306 are to go to Heath Row and 308 to Northolt. Heath Row is a Satelite of Northolt. Signal appointing F/Lt. Pisarek as O.C. of Squadron and S/Ldr. Orzechowski and F/Lt. Kosinski posted to Middle Wallop pending disposal. Squadron delighted to hear that they are being sent to the front line.

1941-06-23

S/Ldr. Pisarek takes over. Packing of goods and chattels once again. Informal farewell party in Mess. The Squadron’s short stay at Chilbolton leaves them with the happiest memories. Everyone at Chilbolton, Middle Wallop and Group have been most considerate and the Squadron have had a genuine chance to improve their flying, which should stand them in good stead at Northolt.

1941-06-24

Northolt

Main party leaves Chilbolton at about 11 and arrives at about 13.40 hours at Northolt. Squadron fly over – one Harrow takes some of the mechanics. Already at 17.30 Squadron ordered on a flight to France, protecting bombers. 4 machines go, as rest of machines not ready and original instructions were that the Squadron were not to be Operational until the 27th.

1941-06-25

Sector reconnaissance. Unpacking and settling down in new quarters.

1941-06-26

Medium escort over Belgium an France. Bad weather develops and escort only get as far French Coast. Formation flying in afternoon.

1941-06-27

Sweep with 306 squadron in morning – attacks on aerodrome, military camps, etc. 10 machines take part. F/O. Szyszka and P/O. Surma probably destroy one Me on ground and destroy another. In evening Medium escort over Lille.

1941-06-28

Medium escort over Lille – [Illegible]. Wielgus gets one ME, Sgt. Majchrzyk another. Sgt. Majchrzyk’s film turns out very well and gives good close up of Messerschmidt.

1941-06-29

Sweep over France with 306 Squadron – No encounter. 10 machines take part and all return.

1941-06-30

Bomber escort over Lews (power Station). All return safely.

Squadron Leader,
Officer Commanding, No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron.