Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-12-01

R.A.F. Station, NORTHOLT.

Sgt. LIPINSKI arrived on posting from 308 Sqdn (ex-OTU pilot without operational experience). No flying at all. Fog.

1941-12-02 - 1941-12-04

Foggy weather. No Flying.

1941-12-05

Flying training only – ZZ approach, cloud flying.

1941-12-06

A.M.
Sqdn took part in a “Rhubarb” operation. Enemy was taken by surprise. Flak was experienced after the first target had been shot up.

1941-12-07

Flying training, dog fighting, formation flying.

1941-12-08

A.M.
Sqdn took part in No. 15 Low Ramrod operation. A number of e/a were seen above, mainly in pairs, with the advantage of height, and the Sqdn was attacked from out of the sun. Combats ensued, and as a result of this engagement 2 Me.109’s were destroyed for the loos of one pilot, who was forced to bale out over the sea when his aircraft caught fire. He was seen to climb into his dinghy, while our aircraft patrolled over him. Base was informed and motor launches put out, but the pilot was not found.

1941-12-09

F/O. ZURAKOWSKI arrived on posting from 58 O.T.U. where he had been employed as instructor. No flying at all.

1941-12-10

Formation flying exercise.

1941-12-11

Training flying, cloud flying, dog fighting, cine-gun firing, and aerobatics.
2 aircraft on scrambled over base.

1941-12-12 - 1941-12-03

Further flying training. New pilots flew for sector reconnaissance.

1941-12-14

Bad weather – no flying.

1941-12-15

A.M.
Formation flying exercises.
P.M.
Operational flight over Channel.

1941-12-16

Training Flying.

1941-12-17

Sqdn had readiness duty All Day AT Martlesham; protection for mine-layers.
F/O. TARKOWSKI arrived on posting from 58 O.T.U. (ex-instructor).

1941-12-18

A.M.
Operational sweep over France – no enemy aircraft sighted.
P.M.
4 aircraft took off on a scramble, to be joined later by a further 7 aircraft. This was a very busy day, including some training flying. 34 sorties were made, covering 41.10 hours flying.

1941-12-19

Air Firing Practice at Bexhill Range cancelled owing to bad weather.

1941-12-20 - 1941-12-22

Foggy weather – no flying.

1941-12-23

Readiness duty only.

1941-12-24

Interception flying exercise in Sqdn formation, with other Sqdns. In the evening the whole Polish Wing celebrated, according to Polish custom, at a special Christmas Eve diner. All Polish ranks and many English guests, including the A.O.C. No. 11 Group, dined together in the big dining hall beside the Christmas Tree. Thanks to our God-Mummies everyone received a small Christmas present.

1941-12-25

Low flying training.

1941-12-26

No flying.

1941-12-27

Night flying training.

1941-12-28

At mid-day operational sweep over France. Bad visibility – cloud over France 6/10. No enemy aircraft sighted. In the afternoon training flying.

1941-12-29

Night readiness duty.

1941-12-30 - 1941-12-01

Foggy weather – no flying.