Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-12-01

NORTHOLT

Unfit for flying. Air firing again cancelled. “Lwowska Fala” concert party make a return visit to Northolt. A.V.M. Ujejski and other big shots turn up for concert. Later are entertained in Officers Mess.

1941-12-02

NORTHOLT

Foggy weather – Squadron in readiness.

1941-12-03

NORTHOLT

More fog – unfit for flying.

1941-12-04

NORTHOLT

Same again. Polish advances come through. S/Ldr. Pisarek promoted to Major (S/Ldr). Most of the P/O.s get their F/O.s but from English point of view (Treasury) they are still P/O. Play up Sir Horace.

1941-12-05

NORTHOLT

Training flights – Z.Z. landings.

1941-12-06

NORTHOLT

Training flights – flying in clouds.

1941-12-07

NORTHOLT

In morning six machines set out for Martlesham Heath for Air Firing. SGT. MICKIEWICZ lands on wet patch, which has not been railed off and machine tips up. In afternoon “Rhubarb” for four machines. Section turns back when over channel owing to unfavourable weather for such work.

1941-12-08

NORTHOLT

Wing protects return of Hurri-bombers and patrol channel. M.E.s sighted at 15,000 feet. No encounter.

1941-12-09

NORTHOLT

In morning Squadron at readiness, then later released for training.

1941-12-10

NORTHOLT

Unfit for flying. S/Ldr. Pisarek hands over Squadron to S/Ldr. Wesolowski. Advance party leave for Woodvale.

1941-12-11

NORTHOLT

A.O.C. comes over to say goodbye. Thanks pilots for their fine work. During the stay at Northolt, Squadron Destroyed 56, damaged 11 and got 14 probables.

1941-12-12

NORTHOLT

Move to Woodvale by train – journey lasts whole day – we arrive in darkness and learn the worst. G/Cpt. Pawlikowski “the Peacemaker” tells the pilots that conditions are worse in Rusia or Tobruk – but they at least draw field allowances.

1941-12-13

WOODVALE

S/Ldr. Wesolowski goes to Speke to complain of heavy conditions at Woodvale.
6 machines brought from Speke. Mechanics get cracking. Pilots making own arrangements for living out.

1941-12-14

WOODVALE

Machines are tested and inspected. Squadron gets permission to billet officers and pilots. General relief. Complete collapse of revolution.

1941-12-15

WOODVALE

Squadron in readiness. More machine arrive from Speke. Sector reconnaissance carried out.

1941-12-16

WOODVALE

Readiness – training flights.

1941-12-17

WOODVALE

Practice interception over Preston in the morning. In afternoon one section doing convoy patrol. Two pilots arrive from O.T.U. Many more to follow for training, prior to being sent on to the two Polish Wing.

1941-12-18

WOODVALE

Unfit for flying – usual readiness.

1941-12-19

WOODVALE

Training flights – Sector reconnaissance.

1941-12-20

WOODVALE

Unfit for flying.

1941-12-21

WOODVALE

New pilots go to Squires Gate to carry out practice flights as runways at Woodvale are not yet ready – the ‘drome is not safe for inexperienced pilots. P/O. Krawczynski killed – machine buried nose deep in send by Ribble estuary. Complete mystery.

1941-12-22

WOODVALE

Training flights. Are firing interrupted owing to low ceiling.

1941-12-23

WOODVALE

In afternoon 3 Sections patrol over Convoys. Court of Inquiry into Krawczynski’s death.

1941-12-24

WOODVALE

Unfit for flying. Talk of flying discipline by W/Cdr. discipline.
Xmas Eve supper in Polish style – commencing with breaking of wafer breads and exchange of good wishes. Very pleasant evening. S/Ldr. Pisarek attends and also S/Ldr. Markwick.

1941-12-25

WOODVALE

Xmas – Mass in hangar celebrated by Polish Padre from Blackpool.
Usual Xmas lunch. In evening Xmas dinner at Officers Mess.

1941-12-26

WOODVALE

Two machines sent to Squires Gate foe eventual night flying. None took place.

1941-12-27

WOODVALE

Talks in morning on co-operation with searchlights. Crews of three machines attached to Squires Gate for servicing machines sent for night flying.

1941-12-28

WOODVALE

Training flights. Target flying – machines turn back owing to bad weather.

1941-12-29

WOODVALE

Talks on night flying regulationsat Squires Gate. Whole bunch of new pilots arrive. 6 Officers and 8 Sgts.

1941-12-30

WOODVALE

Unfit for flying. More talks. Arrangements being made to send away most of new pilots as impossible to train them at Woodvale.

1941-12-31

WOODVALE

Unfit for flying. P/O. Matthews arrives for Intelligence duties.

[Illegible] F/O
for Squadron Leader,
Officer Commanding, 308 Polish Fighter Squadron.