Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-03-01

Northolt.

The day commenced at 06.48 with the squadron at 30 minutes available. 12 aircraft took off at various times to patrol the channel between Ostend and Manston to assist in the attempted location of two of the squadron pilots, F/Officer J. Gorski and P/Officer T. Dobrut – Dobrucki, who failed to return from an offensive sortie yesterday, and both of when were reputed to have baled out at points in the area undergoing search. Neither of the pilots were found as a result of the operation. Acting Flight Lieutenant S. Skalski, D.F.C. posted from No. 306 Squadron with effect from today’s date for flying duties as a Flight Commander. Unfavourable weather conditions prevented further flying, and the squadron was released at 19.20 hours.

1942-03-02

Northolt.

At 06.46 hours the squadron was brought to 30 minutes available until 12.40 when Blue Section was instructed to come to readiness, but heavy mist in the vicinity of the aerodrome prevented the execution of any flying whatsoever. In accordance with instructions received, preparations were made for night fighter operations but absence if incidents throughout the night made it unnecessary for the section of six pilots taking part to be at any loss than 60 minutes available at any time. An organised night flying training programme was cancelled owing to the continuation of similar weather conditions to those which prevailed during the hours of daylight.

1942-03-03

Northolt.

Blue Section was brought to readiness at 06.35 hours, and remained thus until 13.15 hours when the state of preparedness of whole squadron became 2 hours available. Unsuitable flying conditions due to heavy mist locally, suspended all serial operations, including an Air to Air Firing programme during the day, and the squadron was released at 19.30 hours. Pilot Officers Przygodzki, Balon and Geca and Sgt. Ciechanowicz posted from No. 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.

1942-03-04

Northolt.

The squadron came to 30 minutes available at 06.40. Heavy rain and extremely poor visibility suspended was at 60 minutes available throughout the hours of darkness, circumstances preventing it being necessary to come to readiness at any time during this period.

1942-03-05

Northolt.

The squadron came to 30 minutes available at 06.39. and the Squadron Commander S/L. A. Gabszewicz, took off at 10.05 hours to test weather, and as a result discovered that conditions for flying were most unfavourable. As the day progressed distance of visibility became less, and slight snow was experienced locally. The squadron was released at 10.45 until 13.00 hours, when Yellow section came to readiness until 19.35. Night Flying training activities were cancelled, also due to weather conditions.

1942-03-06

“A” Flight was brought to readiness at 06.37 until 09.50 when the state was changed to one section at readiness and two sections at 15 minutes available. This state was maintained until 13.00 hours when the squadron was put at 30 minutes available. Adverse weather conditions made flying impracticable and the squadron was released at 18.40 with nothing of note to record.

1942-03-07

At 06.34. the squadron were instructed to be at 30 minutes available. At 10.20 it was released until 13.00 when the state again became 30 minutes available. Extreme cold and poor visibility locally prevented al aerial activity and the squadron was released at 19.40. Weather conditions at dusk made the execution of a dusk flying training programme, which had been arranged, impossible.

1942-03-08

Northolt.

A marked improvement in the state of the weather was very noticeable during the morning. The squadron, having been at 30 minutes available since 06.30 undertook, at 09.20, their first flight since the first of the month, when P/O. J. Piotrowski took off to test an aircraft which had returned to the flights after having been serviced. Subsequently, practice formation flying, practice attacks and cine camera gun training was undertaken. “B” Flight was brought to readiness at 13.00. At 14.55. F/O. F. Kozlowski together with one aircraft from each of the other two squadrons at the station, took off for Manston, from which base he was to assist in the provision of additional air/sea rescue facilities for the pilots proceeding on the ensuing operation. At 15.00, 12 aircraft, together with the remainder of the Polish Wing, took off to make rendezvous over Dingie Flats with five Boston aircraft and from thence to provide escort cover, at 16,000 ft. to the target, Comines. Ten M.E. fighters were sighted on the return journey, but these did not proceeded to a sufficiently close range to necessitate engagement. Heavy opposition was experienced from enemy ground defences in areas, but all aircraft returned safely to base. Nothing of interest occurring in the operation to report. “A” Flight were ordered to readiness at 17.30 and the squadron was released at 19.46.

1942-03-09

The commencement of the day necessitated “B” Flight being at readiness at 06.30 and at 09.05 “A” Flight were brought to the same state of preparedness until 13.10 when the squadron became at 30 minutes available. In the forenoon two co-operation flights were carried out and at 14.20 hours an aircraft flown by P/O. S. Szumowski took off for Hawkinge with the object of providing additional air/sea rescue facilities for pilots engaged in operations over the channel during the afternoon. At 14.30, 12 aircraft, together with a similar number from each of the other two squadrons of the Polish Wing, left the station to make rendezvous over Rye with six Boston aircraft. Top cover escort at 20,000 ft. was provided for the bombers to and from their objective, which was targets in the Mazingarbe area. 9 to 10 M.E. fighters were sighted on the return journey, but were not encountered, and slight flak was experienced over the French coast, but none of the aircraft suffered casualties. F/O. W. Klawe and P/O. J. Radomski reported having seen one bomb burst in the target area. The squadron was released at 19.37 hours. F/O. G. Radwanski was reposted to the squadron after a short spell of non-effectiveness during which he was supernumerary on the strength of S.H.Q. Northolt.

1942-03-10

The squadron were ordered to 30 minutes available at 06.25 but ground mist in the area of the aerodrome suspended flying throughout the day and the squadron were released, without the occurrence of any incident which merited recording, at 19.40.

1942-03-11

Northolt

The opening of this day saw the squadron again at 30 minutes available until 13.00 hours when one section was brought to readiness. No aerial activity was undertaken in view of the poor visibility and rain, and pilots were released after a quiet day at 18.40 hours.

1942-03-12

At 06.23 hours Red section were at readiness, whilst the remaining two sections of the flight were at 15 minutes, and ‘B” Flight at 30 minutes available. At 09.00 hours the state was altered so that “B” Flight became at 30 minutes available, until 13.05 when the entire squadron adopted a similar state. Owing to the adverse flying conditions all pilots were released at 14.30 without one flight, or anything of note, having occurred during the day.

1942-03-13

The morning opened with the weather slightly unsatisfactory for flying and the squadron at 30 minutes available, at which state they remained throughout the course of the whole day. P/O. E.J. Kowalski arrived on posting from R.A.F. Station, Hucknall for interpreted duties though the effective date of posting was stated on the instructions to be 17.3.42. After the mid-day period the weather improved sufficiently to allow flying to be undertaken. At 13.50 one aircraft piloted by F/O. J. Radomski took off for Manston to assist in Air/Sea Rescue operations, should such operations become necessary during the afternoon. At 14.10, 12 Spitfire aircraft as part of the Polish Wing formation took off to rendezvous at Gravesend with 10 Boston aircraft and from there to provide close cover escort to the bomber formation, at 11,000 ft. in an attack on targets in the Hazebroucke area. On the return flight two M.E.’s 109 approached to attack the Bostons and were engaged in combat by one of the squadron pilots, P/O. M. Wyszkowski, with appreciable results, on being claimed a ”confirmed destroyed”. Slight flak was experienced in the vicinity of the French coast, and five miles North of Calais a considerable amount of smoke was seen over the sea, this being presumed by the pilots to have eminated from a number of ships. Midway over the channel an engine of one of the Boston aircraft cut, and the squadron was detailed to protect this aircraft, a duty which they executed until the English coast was safely reached. Several pilots, on landing, reported having seen bomb burst in the target area. The squadron was released, without further incident at 19.45.

1942-03-14

Northolt.

Again the morning proved difficult for flying and the squadron were at 30 minutes available until 13.00 when “B” Flight came to readiness and “A” Flight to 15 minutes available. This state obtained until 13.33. when the complete squadron was ordered to readiness. At 15.10,
4 aircraft took off on a convoy protection patrol and these were followed by four more later, two of which took off at 16.05 and two at 16.55. The patrol, which proceeded without incident, totaled 13 hours 20 minutes. Three further aircraft took part in a rescue patrol, and an airman pilot flew to Tangmere in a Spitfire. At 18.05. the state of preparedness was again amended, “B” Flight going to 15 mins. available, whilst “A” Flight remained at readiness, until their release at 19.50 hrs. 3 pilots took part in a dusk flying and landing programme.

1942-03-15

Quite good weather on the morning of this day, with “B” Flight at readiness at 06.16. and “A” Flight at 15 mins. available, until 08.50. when “A” Flight were also brought to readiness. At 12.00 hrs. “B” Flight were instructed to 15 mins available, whilst “A” Flight remained at readiness. An appreciable amount of training flying was carried out, inclusive of formation flying and practice landings, by pilots who had recently joined the squadron from O.T.U.s. Pilots were released at 19.55 hrs.

1942-03-16

Weather not so favourable locally during the morning, improving very little later, and all the squadron remained at 30 minutes available until released. 9 Training flights including cine camera gun exercises and formation flying, were carried out. P/O. W. Walendowski arrived on posting from No. 308 Squadron, for flying duties. The day concluded with the release of the squadron at 20.00 hrs.

1942-03-17

Northolt.

Weather notable good again during today and the squadron at two hours available, a state which existed throughout the day, except for a short period when one section was brought to readiness. 11 training flights were undertaken, these including formation flying and practice diving attacks. As the afternoon progressed the weather became less favourable and the squadron was released at 19.52. hrs. A dusk and night flying training programme scheduled to commence at 18.40 having been cancelled. F/O. E. Virpsha left to join A.C.T.C. Hucknall for interpreter duties.

1942-03-18

Today commenced with “A” Flight at readiness and “B” Flight at 15 minutes until 08.45. when one section was detailed to be at readiness and the remainder of the squadron at 15 mins. available. Rain and mist prevailed for the greater part of the forenoon, but the weather cleared sufficienly to allow flying later. 32 training flights were carried out including 8 on Army Co-operation and several formation flights and cine camera gun exercises.

1942-03-19

Weather conditions again adverse for flying in the forenoon. The squadron was at 30 mins. during the day and an Air to Air Firing programme which was scheduled to commence in the morning was, of necessity, cancelled. Later in the day, due to an improvement in the flying conditions, the squadron participated in a practice Wing Scramble, subsequent to which other training flying, including 4 Army Co-operation Flights, were carried out. Nothing of interest to report.

1942-03-20

Today the squadron came to readiness at 06.05 hours until 13.00 hrs. when the state became one section at readiness, two sections at 15 mins. and the remainder at 30 mins. available. In consequence of extremely poor visibility which continued all day, aerial activity was suspended. Sgt. Pilot Kiedrzynski, W. after a period of non-effectiveness, during which he remained supernumerary on the strength of the station, was reposted with effect from taday’s date. Squadron released at 19.55.

1942-03-21

At 06.02 on the morning of this day one section of the squadron was at readiness, whilst the remainder were at 15 mins. This state persisted until 13.00 when the squadron was ordered to 30 minutes available. At 14.00 in view of the fact that it was more or less impossible to fly in the condition of weather prevailing, the squadron was released.

1942-03-22

Northolt.

A continuation of yesterdays weather conditions was the most notable factor of the day and after being at a state of 30 mins available from 06.00 the squadron was released at 11.35. no flying having been attempted.

1942-03-23

Weather considerably better on this morning and the squadron came to 30 mins at 05.58. An appreciable number of aircraft test flights were carried out during the morning and at 13.00 hrs. “A” Flight were brought to readiness and “B” Flight to 15 mins available. At 14.30 hours. P/O. T. Szymankiewicz, together with two other pilots of the Wing, took off for Hawkinge where he was to assist the rescue craft should they be heeded during the afternoon. At 14.40, as part of the wing formation, the squadron took off with the object of taking part in a fighter offensive over the St. Omer area. Making rendezvous with the Biggin Hill Wing over Hyde Park at 15.01 hrs. thus giving the participants in London’s Warship Week the privilege of knowing what two Wings of aircraft flying in formation look like, a course was set for St. Omer via Mansten and Dunkirk. No opposition from either ground or air defenses was encountered throughout the whole flight, and all aircraft landed at base with the exception of one, which after landing at Eastchurch, returned to base later in the evening. A night flying training programme scheduled to commence at 19.15. was cancelled and the squadron was released at 20.05 hours.

1942-03-24

With one section at readiness and the remainder at 15 mins. the squadron’s day commenced at 05.56. At 13.00 hours the state became two hours available for all squadron, until instructions for release were received at 20.04. In spite of brilliant sunshine, extremely poor ground visibility in the vicinity of the aerodrome prevented all-flying activities and nothing of interest took place.

1942-03-25

The day started with a continuation of yesterdays conditions of visibility and the squadron at 30 mins. from 05.33. At noon the haze began to clear and flying became possible. An aircraft flown by Sgt. Pilot Szymanski proceeded to Manston at 14.45 hrs. to participate, if [………………………………………………………………………………………………….
315 squadrons and led by the Polish Wing Commander Flying, with the object or carrying]
out an offensive sweep over the St. Omer area. No opposition was offered by the enemye’s
air or ground defences, although several M.E. aircraft were sighted, but too far away to merit attempted combat. 10 aircraft returned safely to base, whilst one which had landed at Manston due to anticipated petrol shortage, returned later in the evening. The Squadron was released at 20.00 hrs.

1942-03-26

With the squadron at 30 mins. from 05.51, poor visibility locally prevented all flying in the forenoon. The weather cleared slightly later in the day and flying was resumed. “B” Flight came to readiness at 13.00 hrs. whilst “A” Flight remained at 15 mins available until 14.30 when he same flight was ordered to 30 mins. This state existed until 15.30 when all the squadron were at 15 mins available. An Air to Air Firing programme in which 4 pilots took part took place at Southend. At 17.40. the squadron having been brought to readiness in the interim, “A” Flight were instructed to scramble for rescue operations, the object being for them to provide fighter cover for two Lysander aircraft and a rescue launch which were employed on a search for two pilots of the Kenley Wing who had baled out over the sea. Á” Flight returned after “B” Flight had taken off to relieve them of the patrol and “B” Flight having had to refuel once at Tangmere, landed at the same station where they remained for the night. On landing they reported that the patrol had been carried out without incident and that the missing pilots had not been located. The squadron was released at 20.04 hrs.

1942-03-27

Northolt.

“A” Flight came to readiness 05.48 on a morning which was one of the clearest for some time past. “B” Flight returned to base at 10.05 and were brought to readiness, whilst “A” Flight went to 15 mins. available. An Air to Air Firing training programme was carried out in the morning at Southend, result being quite satisfactory. At 14.35, 12 aircraft, together with a similar number from the remainder of the squadrons forming the Polish Wing, took off to provide rear cover support for the formation carrying out an attack on the Ostend Power Station. During the return flight at a point approximately 10 miles from Ostend, 16 enemy aircraft were seen, in position above and behind the squadron, climbing to attack. The squadron turned sharply and encountered the enemy, which were recognised as F.W. 190, attacks being delivered by S/L. A. Gabszewicz and W/O. J. Piotrowski and Sgt. Zolcinski. As a result, credit for a probable was claimed by the Squadron Leader, whilst the other two pilots claimed one damaged. All aircraft returned safely, to be released at 20.09 hrs.

1942-03-28

With the squadron at 30 mins available from 05.46. the greatest possible advantage was taken of today’s ideal flying conditions, 61 non-operational flights of all descriptions having been undertaken. Nothing of importance to record. Squadron released at 20.40.

1942-03-29

The day was again commenced with the squadron at 30 mins available, until 12.57. when “B” Flight came to readiness and “A” Flight to 15 mins. The weather conditions, although brilliant sunshine prevailed, were hardly so suitable for flying as those of yesterday, there existing possibility of landing being impaired by a ground haze. Several training flights were carried out, however, and at 16.25 “A” Flight took the place of “B” Flight at readiness. By 18.00, ground visibility in the area of the aerodrome was little more than 200 yards, and no flying at this time was taking place. Three of the squadron’s new Pilots, P/O’s Przygodzki, F/O. Walendowski and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, having taken off on a training flight, were forced down by weather conditions at Lympe. At 18.15 they took off from that station in an attempt to return to base, found visibility much too poor to allow them to land at base and they proceeded once again to land at Lympe, in the course of which, the port wheel of the aircraft flown by P/O. Przygodzki encountered a patch of soft ground, thus causing the port oleo leg to collapse. The aircraft was not damaged extensively and the pilot sustained no injuries. The squadron was released at 20.12. Sgt. Pilot Bubes T. posted to No. 81 Squadron for flying duties.

[1942-03-30]

[…………………………………………………………………………………………………]
At 13.00 hrs. whilst the state of preparedness changed to squadron at 30 mins. available […] ground visibility still toned to obstruct flying activities and the squadron was not able to carry out its first flight, which was a local flight in the Magister, until 15.20. F/L. Sawicz took off to test weather in a Spitfire and subsequently several training formation flights were carried out, until 19.00 when the squadron was released. 4 pilots took part in a dusk flying and landing practice.

1942-03-31

Rain and low cloud, a striking contrast to the clearness of the skies on the previous few days, prevailed during the earlier part of the morning, but visibility at ground level was much better than it had been at this period of the forenoon for some considerable period. These conditions persisted throughout the entire day and in consequence very little flying was attempted, most of what was accomplished being done over base in the Magister. One Section of the squadron which had been at 30 mins since 05.40 was brought to readiness at 13.00 hrs. whilst the remainder continued at 30 mins available. The squadron commander, S/L. A. Gabszewicz, took off to carry out a dusk flight at 19.33. landing at 20.20. The state was amended at 19.35 to 60 mins. available at which the squadron remained throughout the night for fighter night operations. Nothing of interest materialised.

[Illegible]
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 316 Squadron.