Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1941-07-01

Colerne.

F/O. A. Gabszewicz flew to Northolt in a Hurricane.

1941-07-02

F/O. Gorski, F/O. Dec and two air men flew to, and returned from Warmwell. F/O. Gabszewicz came back from Northolt.

1941-07-03

The Squadron flew to Exeter for reinforcing purposes. On the return journey 9 aircraft which had left Exeter landed at Weston Zeyland owing to unfavourable flying conditions. 8 patrols, totalling 17 hours 50 minutes were carried out.

1941-07-04

The Squadron flew from Exeter and Weston Zeyland. One patrol of 2 hours 10 minutes was made.

1941-07-05

F/L. Nosowicz flew to Pembrey in the Battle.

1941-07-06

F/L. Nosowicz returned from Pembrey in the Battle.

1941-07-07

The Squadron flew to Warmwell in the morning and returning in the evening. 9 Patrols totalling 15 hours 25 minutes were carried out. F/O. Gozdecki while taxying on take-off released the undercarriage safety locking device, and on turning to starboard to put his aircraft into the wind felt it listing to the port. No immediately moved his undercarriage selector lever to down position thinking he could prevent the undercarriage from retracting but found this impossible and shut off his engine. The airscrew, starboard main plane and part of the undercarriage were slightly damaged.

1941-07-09

The Squadron flew to and from Ibsley. 6 patrols totalling 13 hours 10 minutes were carried out.

1941-07-10

The Squadron flew to Friston in connection with offensive operation by Bomber Command. Nothing of interest was seen and all aircraft returned safely to base. During the flight to Friston an airmen pilot noticed loss of oil pressure 10 minutes after take-off. H was able to continue however and reported at Friston where a test was made and pressure found to be 60 lbs per sq. inch se had decided to return. During the return flight pressure again dropped and the pilot was forced to land the machine at Alten Barnes. No damage was sustained.

1941-07-11

The Squadron carried out three patrols totalling 8 hours 40 minutes.

1941-07-14

Colerne.

F/O. Kozlowski delivered a Hurricane I at Cowley. P/O. Buchwald flew to and from Ibsley in the Battle. At 14.15 hours, 1 miles N.W. of Lynton, F/O. Klawe saw one Heinkel 111flying S.S.W. at 16 – 17,000 feet. He attacked the enemy aircraft from astern and above giving it 6 bursts in 4 attacks at range of 150 yards closing to 50 yards. Smoke poured from both engines and the enemy aircraft dived into clouds at 9,000 feet. F/O. Klawe could not follow him down owing to ammunition being exhausted and petrol running low. 5 patrols totalling 12 hours 20 minutes were carried out. P/O. Buchwald flew to and from Fairwood Common in the Battle.

1941-07-15

The Squadron carried out 4 patrols totalling 5 hours 10 minutes.

1941-07-16

One Flight flew to Warmwell and one Flight to Middle Wallop. Both returned to base in the evening.

1941-07-17

The Squadron flew to Warmwell and were then ordered to Exeter whence it returned in the evening. 11 patrols totalling 26 hours 20 minutes were carried out.

1941-07-19

A/F/Lt. Nosowicz re-posted to the Squadron to fill F/O or P/O Flying vacancy, while F/Lt. Baranski is appointed to fill Operations Room Officer vacancy. F/O. Gabszewicz is re-posted to fill F/Lt. Flight Commander vacancy.

1941-07-20

F/O. Nartowicz flew to and from Northolt in the Battle.

1941-07-22

He Squadron co-operated in 10 Group Tactical Exercise No. 4.

1941-07-24

The Squadron took part in “Sunrise” operation when following combats took place. 20 Miles North of Ushant, while covering the withdrawal of the Hampdens, one ME.109E was observed flying below 2 Spitfires. S/L. Frey attacked from astern and above while F/O. Gabszewicz made a beam attack. The enemy aircraft climbed slightly then dived steeply with smoke pouring from it. An airman pilot of 17 (Polis) Squadron saw the pilot of ME.109E bale out. Five minuted later F/O. Gabszewicz saw another ME.109E on the tail of a Hurricane. Attacking from astern and above he gave it a 1 ½ second burst whereupon the enemy aircraft turned to port and dived.

1941-07-25

The Squadron flew to Exeter for reinforcing purpose and returned in the evening. 3 patrols totalling 7 hours 15 minutes, were carried out.

1941-07-29

The Squadron flew to Exeter and carried out 13 protective patrols totalling 18 hours 5 minutes. F/O. Gozdecki flew to and from Hucknall in the Squadron Magister.

1941-07-30

Colerne.

7 hours, Or 3 Patrols, were flown by the Squadron on shopping protection.

1941-07-31

Colerne.

4 Patrols, totalling 11 hours, were carried out. In connection with the transfer of the Squadron to Church Station, an advance party of 33 airmen accompanied by F/O. Milne and F/O. Krupa proceeded by road from Colerne to the new station.

[Illegible]
for Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 315 (Polish) Squadron.