Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-12-01

SNAILWELL.

Four Shipping Recce. sorties carried out along DUTCH coast.
F/O. MINISZEWSKI in a/c AM.119 “H” proceeded to R.A.F. Station, COLTISHALL and acted as Polish Controller.

1943-12-02

SNAILWELL.

Operations cancelled owing to bad weather. Weather – foggy and some rain.

1943-12-03

SNAILWELL.

Operations cancelled owing to bad weather. Weather – foggy and some rain.
F/L. RETINGER (GD) posted to R.A.F. Station SNAILWELL supy. n/e sick.

1943-12-04

SNAILWELL.

Eight aircraft carried out Operation HAUNCH in TERSCHELLING area.
F/L. LEWANDOWSKI in a/c AG.628”M” proceeded to R.A.F. Station COLTISHALL and acted as Polish Controller.

THETFORD AREA.

One aircraft took photos of smoke screen in connection with trials for War Office Chemical Research Dept.

SNAILWELL.

16.50. On the eve of the celebration of the Squadron Anniversary all personnel of the Unit and No. 3118 (P) Servicing Echelon paraded and were addressed by S/L. PIOTROWSKI. The roll was called for personnel killed in action and after prayers for the deceased the parade was dismissed.

1943-12-05

SNAILWELL.

W/C. PISTL and W/C. PIOTROWSKI visited the Unit and attended the celebration of the anniversary of the commencement of operational flying by the pilots of the Unit.
09.45. After Mass in the Maintennance Hangar all officers and airmen of the Unit and Echelon paraded and were addressed by S/L. PIOTROWSKI who afterwards presented Squadron badges to all qualified personnel. The parade then Marched Past and the salute was taken by W/C. PISTL (1st C.O. of Unit) W/C. W.J. PIOTROWSKI (2nd C.O. of Unit) and S/L. M.PIOTROWSKI (present C.O. of Unit.)
14.00. A football match 309 Sqdn & 3118 v. R.A.F. Snailwell resulted in a draw – 3 goals each.
19.30. A concert and dance was arranged in the N.A.A.F.I. Restaurant for the airmen, which the officers attended until 2200 hours. A party was then held in the Officers’ Mess.
No flying owing to fog.

1943-12-06

SNAILWELL.

No flying owing to fog.
Six Polish Army Officers arrived for 14 day course A.L. Section.

1943-12-07

SNAILWELL.

No flying owing to fog.
Three Polish Army Officers arrived to attend A.L.Os. course.

1943-12-08

SNAILWELL.

No flying owing to fog.
One Polish Army Officer arrived to attend A.L.Os. course.

1943-12-09

SNAILWELL.

No flying during morning owing to fog which cleared after noon.

1943-12-10

SNAILWELL.

Eight Shipping Recce. sorties carried out along DUTCH coast. One sortie unsuccessful.

1943-12-12

SNAILWELL.

F/L. ZELIGOWSKI (GD) proceeded to SOUTHPORT for Aircraft Recognition Course No. 60.

1943-12-13

SNAILWELL.

Operations cancelled owing to bad weather.

1943-12-14

SNAILWELL.

No flying owing to fog – operations cancelled.

1943-12-15

SNAILWELL.

Operations cancelled. Weather – misty clearing later.

1943-12-16

SNAILWELL.

Eight aircraft set out on Shipping Recces. along DUTCH coast. Sorties unsuccessful owing to bad weather.
F/O. KRAKOWSKI in a/c AP.249”T” proceeded to COLTISHALL as Polish Controller.

1943-12-19

SNAILWELL.

A.L. Course concluded and Army Officers returned to their Units.

1943-12-20

SNAILWELL.

Eight Shipping Recce. sorties carried out along DUTCH coast.
COL. HEINRICH, W. and LT. STASISCZCK, K. arrived to attend one weeks course in A/L. Section.

1943-12-21

SNAILWELL.

Seven aircraft carried out Operation HAUNCH in TERSCHELLING area.

1943-12-22

SNAILWELL.

Eight Shipping Recce. sorties carried out along DUTCH coast.
F/O. SAWICKI in a/c AP.240 “G” proceeded to R.A.F. Station COLTISHALL and acted as Polish Controller.

1943-12-23

SNAILWELL.

Eight Shipping Recce. sorties carried out along DUTCH coast.
F/O. STRUSINSKI in a/c AL.964 “N” proceeded to R.A.F. Station COLTISHALL and acted as Polish Controller.
F/L. ZELIGOWSKI (GD) returned to unit on completion of Aircraft Recognition Course.

1943-12-27

RISBY, NR. BURY ST. EDMUNDS

14.10. F/O. E.L. RAJEWSKI killed when his a/c Mustang AP.240 “G” crashed and caught fire after engaging in mock dog fight with U.S.A.A.F. Lightning aircraft.

1943-12-29

SNAILWELL.

F/O. KARASZEWSKI (GD) proceeded to R.A.F. Regt. Depot GRANTHAM to attend Officers Combatant Course.

1943-12-30

SNAILWELL.

The service funeral with Air Force honours of F/O. RAJEWSKI took place at NEWMARKET cemetery. S/L. M. PIOTROWSKI attended as chief mourner. W/C LEWKOWICZ, T. from Polish Inspectorate General H.Q., W/C. WITORZENC, S. from H.Q. A.D.G.B. and W/C. PIOTROWSKI, W.J. from H.Q. Polish Armoured Division also attended.
Eight Shipping Recce. sorties carried out along DUTCH coast.
F/O. BEYER in a/c AL.964 “N” proceeded to COLTISHALL and act as Polish Controller.

1943-12-31

SNAILWELL.

Operation HAUNCH ordered but cancelled at 0745 hours.

[Illegible]
Squadron Leader.
Commanding, No. 309 (P) Squadron.