Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-10-01

NORTHOLT

An operational flight (sweep) over France. Recalled when approaching English coast. The sweep took place later at mid-day but no enemy aircraft were encountered. For the first time the squadron assumed night readiness duty, four - pilots being detailed for this.

1941-10-02

NORTHOLT

Squadron acted as return escort cover on Circus 104. No encounter developed.

1941-10-03

NORTHOLT

Offensive sweep over France without meeting enemy aircraft

1941-10-04 – 05

NORTHOLT

Readiness duty only – no flying owing to bad weather

1941-10-06

NORTHOLT

Training Flight only. Formation flying exercises

1941-10-07

F/O. Narkiewicz, Intelligence Officer since the formation of Squadron, was posted to R.A.F. Farnborough for research duties. No flying – bad weather.

1941-10-08

NORTHOLT

Four aircraft took off for Rhubarb but were recalled owing to too high cloud ceiling
Formation Flying exercises

1941-10-09 – 1941-10-11

NORTHOLT

Training flights only

1941-10-12

NORTHOLT

Wing provided top escort cover on Circus 107 and this squadron acted as top squadron. Some encounter developed. Squadron flew down to 5000 ft to support other Spitfires attacked by enemy aircraft. F/O Olszewski, P/o Stembrowicz and Sgt. Lipiec arrived on posting from 306 Squadron. These pilots had no operational experience and although they arrived from operational Squadron will be treated as pilots under training.

1941-10-13

NORTHOLT

Wing provided escort cover on Circus 108a and the squadron acted as the bottom Squadron. Enemy aircraft avoided encounter

1941-10-14

NORTHOLT

Bad weather – training flights only.

1941-10-15

NORTHOLT

Interception exercises with 308 & 303 Squadrons

1941-10-16

F/Lt. Laszkiewicz, Operations Room Officer, was posted to 316 Squadron, F/O Kownacki and P/O S[Illegible]ikowski (Supernumerary) were posted to F.T.S. Hucknall. Training flying only.

1941-10-17

NORTHOLT

Two section were recalled from Rhubarb operations owing to unsuitable weather conditions for this type of operation. Interceptions exercises with 303 Squadron.

1941-10-18

NORTHOLT

Bad weather. Readiness duty only.

1941-10-19

NORTHOLT

Formation flying and dog fight practice
Rhubarb operation – again recalled – our Section when near French Coast.

1941-10-20

NORTHOLT

Formation Flying and interception exercises.

1941-10-21

NORTHOLT

Offensive sweep over France. Squadron flew between 303 & 308 Squadrons. When over France Squadron was warned by base of 40 enemy aircraft approaching. Six enemy aircraft were seen below so Squadron dived to attack them in spite of the approaching enemy which outnumbered us.
A series of dog fights ensued, some pilots were pursued by five to six the enemy. As a result of the combat a splendid achievement was obtained by the destruction of 4 aircraft, 4 probables and one damaged without loss to the Squadron. Three of our aircraft were slightly damaged by gunfire but all landed safely in England.

1941-10-22

NORTHOLT

Wing formation flying.

1941-10-23

NORTHOLT

Training flying, filmed for News. Visited by representative of B.B.C. who made a recording about the successful sweep of previous day.

1941-10-24

NORTHOLT

Offensive sweep over France, Squadron acted as top Squadron. When over enemy territory Squadron was attacked by enemy aircraft, dog fights ensued and as a result two xxxxx enemy aircraft were destroyed and two probably destroyed. One of our aircraft was hit by cannon shell in cockpit. Pilot was seriously wounded but fortunately was able to fly to England where he crash landed as a result of engine failure.

1941-10-25

NORTHOLT

Readiness duty and flying training only.

1941-10-26

NORTHOLT

No flying bad weather.

1941-10-27

NORTHOLT

Navigation flying exercises

1941-10-28

NORTHOLT

C and C of Polish Forces, General Sikorsky, visited the Station and decorated Pilots of the Wing with the Polish Cross “Virtuti Militari” and “Krzyz XXX Walecznych”. Pilots were decorated in the presence of distinguished guests. Afterwards held a “March Past” and General Sikorsky took the salute.

1941-10-29

NORTHOLT

Interception exercises with 303 Squadron., and “Scramble”. F/O Skrzypecki arrived on posting for Intelligence duties.

1941-10-30

NORTHOLT

Training Flying only.

1941-10-31

NORTHOLT

A Scramble without making contact with enemy. Day and night readiness.