Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-09-01

NORTHOLT

Two operational flights were recalled owing to bad weather conditions. F/O. Czaykowski assumed command of “B” Flight vice F/Lt. Mickiewicz who was reported ‘Missing’ on 29/8/41.

1941-09-02

NORTHOLT

Further re-eqpment with Spitfire Vb took place, Test flying of new aircraft.

1941-09-03

NORTHOLT

Training flying only.

1941-09-04

NORTHOLT

Offensive sweep over France as Forward Support Wing for Circus 93. No encounter with enemy aircraft. Sgt. pilot Czezowski arrived on posting from 303 Squadron, Speke.

1941-09-05-06

NORTHOLT

Bad weather. No flying. Readiness duty only.

1941-09-07

NORTHOLT

Training flying only. Four pilots carried out night flying exercises.

1941-09-08

NORTHOLT

Today an unfortunate accident occurred. A Spitfire aircraft caught fire on the ground, and was completely wrecked, despite all endeavours of the Fire Brigade. Only one cannon and two machine guns were saved by the armourers. In the evening a celebration of first Squadron victory, achieved a month ago, was held. The whole Squadron, including officers, paraded before the Commanding Officer, who in a short speech pointed out that this splendid achievement was the result of the efforts of the whole Squadron. To mark the occasion several airmen, both British and Polish, were reclassified in their respective British or Polish ranks.

1941-09-09

NORTHOLT

No flying. F/O. Groszewski was posted to No. 61 O.T.U. Heston for instructor duties.

1941-09-10-12

NORTHOLT

Training flying only, and readiness duty.

1941-09-13

NORTHOLT

One section of four aircraft protected Hudson aircraft.

1941-09-14-15

NORTHOLT

Training flying only.

1941-09-16

NORTHOLT

Offensive sweep over France. Enemy aircraft were encountered and in the resultant dog- fight 3 Me.109F’s were destroyed, 1 Me.109E probably destroyed and 1 Me109E damaged. One of our pilots was missing. During the take off for this sweep one aircraft, owing to lack of space, killed two Home Guards on the edge of the aerodrome and failed to take off.

1941-09-17

NORTHOLT

Squadron provided Escort Cover on Circus 95. One Me.109 damaged. Heavy and accurate A.A. fire was encountered. One Spitfire of the escorting was seen to be shot down.

1941-09-18

NORTHOLT

Squadron acted as top escort cover on Circus 97. Five Me.109’s were attacked but avoided combat.

1941-09-19

NORTHOLT

Readiness duty only. Projected Rhubard operation was cancelled. P/o. Sxulc, P/O. Zajac and P/O. Stefankiewicz arrived on posting from 303 squadron, but they have not yet any operational experience.

1941-09-20

NORTHOLT

Firing exercises on Dengie Flats.
Squadron acted as top escort cover on Circus 100/e. No enemy aircraft encountered.

1941-09-21

NORTHOLT

Wing provided top escort cover on Circus 101 and this Squadron acted as botton Squadron. When over France several combats developed and as a result, 3 F.W.190 & 1 Me.109E were destroyed; 1 Me.109 probably destroyed. The Squadron was unfortunate enough to lose S/Ldr. Pietraszkiewicz who, after destroying 2 enemy aircraft, force landed in France. The Squadron also lost another pilot who landed in the Channel. An Air/Sea rescue launch located the aircraft but the pilot was not found.

1941-09-22

NORTHOLT

About midday Squadron took off on Circus operation but owing to bad weather was recalled from Red Hill. F/Lt. Szczesniewski (O.C. “A” Flight) assumed of the Squadron and F/O. Falkowski replaced him as O.C. “A” Flight.

1941-09-23 – 25

NORTHOLT

Hazy weather. No flying. Readiness duty only. S/Ldr. Szczesniewski and F/Lt. Mickiewicz received for the second time the Polish Cross for gallantry; and F/Lt. Falkowski, F/O. Grudzinski, P/O. Gil, Sgt. Chudek and Sgt. Krieger received the same award for the first time.

1941-09-26

NORTHOLT

Training flying and Link Trainer exercises and Z.Z. landing exercises. P/O. Szulc proceeded on posting to 317 Squadron and F/O. Grzech arrived from 316 Squadron.

1941-09-27

NORTHOLT

[Duzing] midday the Squadron, after re-fuelling at Rec Hill, took off as bottom Squadron of the Wing, which acted as top escort cover wing on Circus 103a. Some dog-fights ensued and 1 F.W.190 was destroyed.

1941-09-28

NORTHOLT

Readiness duty only.

1941-09-29 -30

NORTHOLT

Formation flying, interception and dog-fight exercises.