Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-02-01

Demonstration attacks on ground objects by Section of 3.

1942-02-02

Unfit for flying. Posting for F/O. Yeo-Thomas, having fallen out on wayside, eventually turn up and se Squadron says Goodbye t an old friend, who has been over a year in the Unit. F/O. Matthews, untill now supernumerary, becomes Intelligence Officer and Officer i/e Practical Jokes.

1942-02-03

Usual training flights. Introduction of new system by which whole flight gets day off together instead of individually in twos and threes.

1942-02-04

Unfit for flying – talks. Permanent War ranks of F/O. granted for a number of pilots who have previously been granted the Polish equivalent of F/O.

1942-02-05

Training flights as usual. Scramble – section patrol above Point of Air – no encounter.

1942-02-06

Unfit for flying – talks.
Squadron give cocktail party in Officers’ Mess to their billetors and ogher local celebrities.

1942-02-07

Training flights as usual. In afternoo, demonstration in Victoria Baths, Southport of opening up the Dinghy. Demonstration made by F/O. Sobolewski – the wet – all togged up in battle dress and boots.

1942-02-08

Training flights – talks. F.O. Sulerczyski arrives for Controller duties.

1942-02-09

Two Sections go off on patrol – no encounter. S/Ldr. Nowierski’s car crashes on way to Liverpool. He and F/O. Pietruski and Ilinski receive cuts and are taken to Southport Emergency Hospital. F/O. Zuromski is unhurt.

1942-02-10

During night breaches removed from New Spits. VB. Usual training flights. F/O. Sulerczycki goes on a controllers course.

1942-02-11

S/Ldr. Nowierski returns to Unit. Usual training activities. F/O. Dolicher and Sgt. Marek set off on Scramble and intercept a JU 88 over Lancaster flying at height of 20,000 feet – Section handicapped by fact that they are flying Spit IIAs,, as new breaches are not yet fitted in VBs. JU takes evasive action in clouds; which limits line of attack. Port Engine of E/A was smoking. Owing to firing of all ammunition Section eturn.

1942-02-12

training flights and usual activities.

1942-02-13

Training flights. During a dog fight with Sgt. Majchrzyk, F/O. Paley bales out of his machine and lands safely. Pilot afterwards admitted that there was no failure in the machine. He went into ablackout and only came too when he found himself falling with his parachute unopened. F/O. Walendowski posted from r8 O.T.U.

1942-02-14

Traiining flights. Section of four go Kirton Lidsay to practice reinforcing Sector.

1942-02-15

Unfit for flying. F/O. Zakrzewski posted from 58 O.T.U.

1942-02-16

Training flights and usual activities. Great exciterment in Squadron caused by rumour that professor had voluntered his service to Admiralty as a human torpedo.

1942-02-17

Training flights. Two sections patrol convoy. Talks.

1942-02-18

Training flights. 3 Sections scramble. F/O. Kudrewicz force lands in ‘Maggy’. Engine cuts out.

1942-02-19

Unfit for flying. Showing of cine gun films. Two more pilotsarrive from 58 O.T.U. Madej & Kotlarz. F/O. Nowak posted from Northolt.

1942-02-20

Sleeve target flying. 1 Section Scramble. 2 Polish Officers come from c.T.T.B. to advise on how to prepare candidates for trade tests.

1942-02-21

Usual training flights. Sgts. Zielinski & Marecki start on scramble and are directed t Lancaster. When at 14,000 feet they spot JU88 at 18,000 feet, making in Northerly direction. E/A turns west and Section head him off. Zielinski closes in and when at a distance of 400 yards JU opens fire. Zieinski replies. Marecki also gives burst. Then JU gets into cloud patch – on energing Zilinski gives another burst which silences the top gunner. Zieinski has no more ammunition left. Actually one of the cannons jammed – so goes over E/A with intention of cutting off his tail. This prevented Marecki from firing. Owing to noise on R/T Maredki unable to get in communication with Zielinski. JU gets into cloud and makes off.

1942-02-22

Various sections set out in turns to take part in exercise in defence of Fleetwood and Blackpool. Lecture to pilots by W/Cdr. Sheen – talk to Officers and airmen by Officials of Polish Ministry of Information, on illegal organisation in Poland.

1942-02-23

air firing at sleeve target and co-operation exercises with A.A. & searchlights.

1942-02-24

More air firing. Practice interception with Ops.

1942-02-25

Air firing again. Dusk flying. P/O. Mathews takes part in Red X show and shews that his Education in Paris was well spent.

1942-02-26

More air firing and A.A. co-operation flights. 1 Section scramble but no result.

1942-02-27

Uncertain weather. Little flying – new pilots do sector reconnaissance and low flying.

1942-02-28

Usual flying and air firing. So month finishes with unusual aur firing activity due to fact that instead of sending 4 pilots and 2 machines each month to Valley for Air Firing, where ifweather was unfavourable they just idled their time, this now takes place in the Sector whenever weather permits.

Squadron Leader,
Officer Commanding, 308 (Polish) Fighter Squadron.