Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-10-01

Northolt

The weather was rather cold in the morning, with heavy mist, but this cleared up later and the sun came out. The Squadron practised formation flying. In the afternoon the Wing Commander Flying (W/Cdr. S. Janus) ordered a sweep over France. The route was be via Dungeness, N. of Boulogne, Le Touquet and Berck-Sur-Mer. S/Ldr Nowierski was leading the Squadron, which took a southerly course at 500 ft. Unfortunately the cockpit cover of the Squadron Leader’s aircraft was torn off by the wind, and he was obligated to ask Operations to cancel the sweep. This was done, and the Squadron, instead of returning immediately to base, went for a training flight.

1942-10-02

Northolt

Mist was very heavy in the morning, and flying was out of the question. The Squadron was at 30 minutes’ readiness. A few pilots were given instruction in aircraft recognition in the ante-room at the Mess, the aircraft studied being from the A” List. At noon the weather conditions improved rapidly, and orders came for an operational flight (Circus 221). 48 Fortresses were to bomb Albert, and our Squadron was to form part of the rear cover for them on the return journey. 12 aircraft took off at 15.02 hrs and proceeded at 500 ft to Beacy Head, where the coast was crossed, then to Cayeux and Berck-Sur-Mer. Over Cayeux, at 23,000 ft, 315 Squadron was leading, the other Squadron (302 and 308) being stepped up at intervals of 1,000 ft. The operation went as far as Abbeville, where a fair amount of flak came up. No e/a were seen. The Squadron landed at Northolt at 16.25. During this operation, Grp/Capt. Pawlikowski was flying with 315 Squadron.

1942-10-03

Northolt

There was very heavy mist in the morning and during most of the afternoon. An operation was laid on, but it was cancelled on account of the weather. The mist cleared late in the afternoon, but the only flying was a single test flight.

1942-10-04

Northolt

Still very misty. It was impossible to see across the aerodrome until about 15.00 hrs, when there was a slight improvement. The Squadron was released off the Station at 12.00 hrs. During the morning, an interesting discussion arose at Dispersal about the armament of the Ju.88. Our pilots agree that the reconnaissance Ju.88 is a tough proposition – our experience at Woodvale proved that.

1942-10-05

Northolt

The weather was still very bad, with rain, so there was no flying. Today, our Commanding Officer, S/Ldr M. Wiorkiewicz, left us to take up an appointment at Fighter Command, and his place has been taken by S/Ldr T. Sawicz, formerly a F/Lt at 58. O.T.U. Three new Sergent Pilots also arrived from 58 O.T.U. – Sgts Smidowicz, Lojek & Lewandowski.

1942-10-06

Northolt

There was haze in the morning, clearing later. 8 aircraft of “A” Flight practised formation flying, and “B” Flight sent up 3 for cloud and 1 for local flying. The Squadron practised formation flying to Heston and back. 12 pilots of the Squadron, together with P/O Thomas, Intelligence Officer, left to take up readiness at another station.

1942-10-07

Northolt

No flying today, because of the thick fog. The funeral took place, near Gerrards Cross, of F/O Harding. He was our Intelligence Officer in 1941, and left us to take up flying duties. He was killed in an accident to a Mosquito. Representatives of the Squadron attended the funeral. From today until December 31st, 2nd Lt Szudrawy, of the Polish Army, is attached for the purpose of training Squadron personnel in defence duties.

1942-10-08

Northolt

The weather being rather overcast, there was only training flying today. “A” Flight did local and cloud flying, and some of the aircraft took part in dog-fights at 15,000 ft. “B” Flight practised formation.

1942-10-09

Northolt

A very fine and sunny day. Orders came for an operation flight – Circus 224. 108 Fortresses were to bomb the engine works at Fives, near Lille. The Northolt Polish Wing, with two others, formed a diversion, and was to start one hour before the bombers. Our Squadron took off at 07.48 hrs, was joined by 302 and 308, and flew in the direction of Felixtowe, where they met the English Wings at 16,000 ft. From there they took a course to Belgium, crossing the enemy coast 10 miles to the East of Dunkirk. The Northolt Wing, being the middle Wing at a height of 24-26,000 ft, flew in the direction of Dixmuude, but before reaching there, turned towards Ypres, then recrossed the enemy coast close to Mardyck. 302 Squadron, which was leading, entered the clouds and was lost by our Squadron and 308, which both kept to their original heights. S/Ldr Sawicz continued in the direction in which the leading squadron disappeared. At Cap Gris-Nez, our Squadron met with some flak, and with something less familiar – a strange balloon carrying some kind of cylinder and flying at 25,000 ft, which created some sensation. The escort Wing was later attacked by some FW.109’s, but 315 Squadron did not take part in the fight. One of our former pilots, F/O Gil, now with 306 Squadron got a FW.190 as a “probable”. The American Fortresses claimed 30 e/a destroyed. There was also some practice flying – test, sector recco, formation, etc. – by both Flights.

1942-10-10

Northolt

Although the weather was very cloudy (10/10ths), visibility was good, with a strong westerly wind. At 06.20 hrs our Squadron was to take off wit the Polish Wing to cover the return of a Naval operation form the French coast. The flight was cancelled at the last moment, when not only the aircraft but also the pilots were ready to take off. There was quite a lot of training – formation, gun-post attacks and dog-fights – altogether 31 1/2 hours. One of our pilots retraced his undercarriage too quickly after take off, and sliced off the tips of his prop-blades on the runway. He mad a circuit and landed safely.

1942-10-11

Northolt

The weather was very fine in the morning, and there was 4/10ths cloud in the afternoon, with a strong westerly wind. Rodeo 101 was ordered, and the Squadron, under the command of S/Ldr Sawicz, took part in it as leading squadron of the Polish Wing. The Wing was ordered to proceed toward Beachy Berok-Sur-Mer, Abbeville, Le Trepot and return via Beachy Head. Our Wing had to fly at 27,000 – 29,000 ft, and to cover the English Wing which had to fly with us. Orders were given to reduce altitude in the event of smoke-trails appearing; this did actually happen, and the Squadron came down to 25,000 ft. The second Wing came 10 minutes later, as pre-arranged, to rendezvouz, and both Wings proceeded with their given task. At the same time, there were four other operations taking place over France. On the way back, some Me’s were seen far behind at 26-27,000 ft, but there was no encounter. Two other aircraft from this Squadron were employed on rescue duty during this operation, and on the way back, one of them landing at Tangmere with engine trouble. In the morning, the young pilots carried out some flying exercises.

1942-10-12

Northolt

Sunny weather. There was a haze about 10.00 hrs, lasting for about an hour. In the morning, the operation “K.F.”, which had been cancelled on the 10th, took place. The Squadron took off with the Wing at 06.32, to Beachy Head, in ordered to patrol over a Naval operation between 07.15 and 07.45. The altitude prescribed was 3-7,000 ft. This unit flew as middle squadron at 5,000 ft. On return, they landed at Tangmere.

1942-10-13

Northolt

10/10ths cloud, slight wind, with tendency to improve; visibility good. Further improvement in the afternoon, with sunshine. Both flights carried out formation flying, and the u/t pilots gained some more experience.

1942-10-14

Northolt

In the morning, again 10/10ths cloud, with slight haze. Apart from the usual flying training, the pilots were tasted in their skill in the recognition of silhouettes. The results were comparatively good, but it is our aim to improve still further the speed in recognising the various aircraft.

1942-10-15

Northolt

During the night, weather was very stormy and wet, but in the morning, unexpectedly, the sky cleared and the weather became bright and sunny. During the morning, some flying exercises were carried out, and at mid-day, Circus 227 was ordered. Our job was to cover 12 bombers, striking at Le Havre. The Wing formed up over Northolt, and proceeded towards Selsey Bill at 400 ft. There, the meeting with the bombers took place, but they flew in such loose formation that it was difficult to provide them with adequate cover. Near the French coast, the operation gained height and went over the target, and the Bostons released their bombs. Heavy but inaccurate flak was experienced; first it was too low, and later it reached the correct height, but was well to the rear of the formation. On the return trip, the Bostons flew at full throttle, and Spits had their work cut out to keep up with them, with the result that when the Squadron reached the English coast, it was necessary to land at Tangmere to refuel. Some pilots landed at other aerodromes, and when the last one reached Northolt, very late, he was asked about the weather in Scotland! He took a very poor view of the question, to the great amusement of the rest. Simultaneously, 3 aircraft of the Squadron were employed on Air/Sea Rescue duty.

1942-10-16

Northolt

In the morning, again sunny weather, with promise of another “show”. The prophecy was right, and at mid-day a Circus over Le Havre was ordered. The Squadron, under the command of S/Ldr Sawicz, provided top cover of the Wing, which was escorting 6 Boston bombers. The Wing flew at 400 ft to Selsey Bill, where the meeting with the bombers took place, proceeding then together towards the target, flying low. After 17 minutes of low flying, the formation, started to climb, but at 4,000 – 5,000 ft they ran into heavy cloud, which extended to 9,000 ft, making bombing impossible; so the whole operation returned to base, the Bostons with their bombs. In the afternoon some flying training was carried out.

1942-10-17

Northolt

Cloud was 10/10ths, with promise of improvement, which however did not materialise. Both flights carried out formation flying, but there was no operational activity.

1942-10-18

Northolt

A similar day, with the same routine. In the afternoon, everyone was shocked and depressed by an unfortunate accident to a Wellington of a Czech squadron, which crashed when approaching to land, and caught fire. All 15 occupants were killed, as well as six civilians who were trapped by the unexpected fall of the aircraft on the road.

1942-10-19

Northolt

Haze and cloud in the morning. Later the weather improved, and there was even some sunshine in the afternoon. “B” Flight was engaged in G.C.I. co-operation, and in the evening assumed night readiness. No operational work.

1942-10-20

Northolt

In the morning, very foggy, so that, as pilots put it, even the birds were walking on the aerodrome! It rained in the afternoon, and there was no flying at all.

1942-10-21

Northolt

Unexpectedly bright in the morning, with cold N.W. wind. This gave rise to hopes of a show, and one did in fact take place at mid-day. Circus 228 was carried, and the Polish Wing had to act as rear support on the return of twelve Fortresses from bombing of Cherbourg. The squadron was under the command of S/Ldr Sawicz and flew as leading squadron. Before we took off, we had a visit Dispersal from Mr. Morgenthaw, Secretary of the United States Treasury, who signed the guest book and left a souvenire a U.S. Dollar with his signature. He was watching the Polish Air Force with great interest. Consequently, the boys did their best, taking off and forming up in exceptional good time, so that the whole Wing gained a few moments in which to “parade” in perfect formation before proceeding towards Selsey Bill. Over Cherbourg, the Wing approached from Barfleur, and then the twelve Fortresses were sighted approaching from the North. The had been shot up by flak, but not crippled. The Wing turned to the right and join ed them as they were leaving the French coast. As the close escort was far behind and above, the Wing moved up as close cover. Operations announced 15 a/e, but only three F.W.190’s were seen, which accompanied the formation for a long time at a great height, but did not dare to attack. The Wing proceeded three other aircraft for Air/Sea Rescue duties. In the afternoon, there was still more flying, but only training – high flying, attacks and formation. F/O Gerlicz was posted today from 306 Squadron as supernumerary Adjutant.

1942-10-22

Northolt

Once more, cloud was 10/10ths in the morning, but visibility good, so that a considerable amount of flying training was possible. Both flights carried out low flying exercises and formation. P/O Thomas, British Intelligence Officer, was suddenly posted to Fighter Command.

1942-10-23

Northolt

Similar weather, but slight showers. However, visibility was good, so some flying exercises were carried out by both flights. Today, the funeral of the 15 Czech airman killed in the Wellington took place at Northwood Cemetery, and about 100 Polish airman from this Station were delegated to form a guard of honour.

1942-10-24

Northolt

Still 10/10ths cloud, but with tendency to improvement. There was a lot of flying training, including squadron formation, attacks and dog-fights. No operational activity.

1942-10-25

Northolt

In the morning, hazy and cold. Cloud was 7/10ths. At mid-day, an operation was ordered, to escort 12 Boston bombers, flying at 10,000 ft, to bomb Le Havre. The Squadro, under the command of S/Ldr Sawicz, took off with the Polish Wing and proceeded at 500 ft towards Selsesy Bill, where, owing to bad weather conditions, Operation ordered them to return to base. In the afternoon, the Squadron carried out some flying exercises, and later did dusk and night flying training.

1942-10-26

Northolt

A rainy day, with slight haze and poor visibility, There was night readiness, but no flying at all. Sgt Jankowski rejoined the Squadron, after being employed for about 3 months in English fighter squadrons. 3 other pilots, P/O Widziszewski, Sgt Lisowski and F/O Sokolowski, were posted to English squadrons, the first two to 602 and the last-named to 501.

1942-10-27

Northolt

Ground haze restricted visibility, but later the weather improved slightly. At 13.25, P/O Jaworski and Sgt Gaczol scrambled over base for a defensive patrol, but were soon recalled. The Squadron did formation exercises and other training. A new party of u/t pilots arrived from 58 O.T.U. They were P/O Wiza, Sgt Bedkowski, Sgt Ostrowski, Sgt Flegier and Sgt Fudala. Some of them had some small flying experience in Poland, others have been entirely “brought up” to the air while in England.

1942-10-28

Northolt

In the morning the birds were walking again, so naturally we could not fly. F/O Stembrowicz rejoined the squadron, having left his appendix in Southport.

1942-10-29

Northolt

Still hazy weather and no flying.

1942-10-30

Northolt

Weather unchanged. The dull routine of bad weather, confined usually to Link Trainer exercises, was relieved by a very interesting lecture for the pilots on how to behave in the event of their becoming Jerry’s prisoners, and how he interrogates, trying to get valuable information. For comparison, we are told how here interrogate German prisoners.

1942-10-31

Northolt

The weather showed slight improvement, though cloud still 9/10ths; but visibility was good, so after a few days’ rest, the pilots were glad to be able to do some flying training. At 15.10 hours, two Sections were detailed for a “Rhubarb” Operation. The first (F/O Drybański and F/O Wyrozemski) proceeded to the French coast and then flew parallel to a railway line running from Le Havre to Yvetot. They passé Yvetot and turned left towards Dieppe. There they noticed a goods train travelling towards them. They made a circle and attacked the locomotive from the side. Steam blew up from it. F/O Drybanski made a second circle and gave another long burst. The engine and first two wagons were completely covered by the resulting escape of steam. Further on the way, they met some A.A. positions and shot them up. When approaching one of them, German soldiers, apparently mistaking the fighters for their own, waved to them. They were not given a chance to fire back at our planes. The Section passed Dieppe on the port side. The second Section made landfall at Le Crotoy and flew Southwards. Crossing the coast, they shot up an A.A. position, but deeper into France there was no cloud at all, making conditions too dangerous for a “Rhubarb”, so that they turned towards Le Trepot, using banks of the R. Bresle as cover. Over Le Trepot, the met heavy flak, and replied with their cannon and m.g. They then returned to base. 3 other a/c of this unit were employed on A/S Rescue duty.