Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-04-01

Northolt.

The opening of today was typical of an exceedingly good Spring morning, with flying conditions ideal. One Flight of the squadron came to readiness at 05.35. whilst the other was at 15 mins. available. In spite of low cloud, which accumulated very rapidly around noon, and rain, 12 aircraft, in company with similar number from 303 squadron took off to rendezvous over Chatham with a formation of bomber aircraft detailed to attack Boulogne. From that point they were to provide forward cover to the target. The operation concluded without opposition and nothing of interest was reported when the squadron landed at base at 14.00 hrs. At 14.50 the state was altered so that both flights were at 30 Mins. available, and practice formation flights and cine camera gun exercises were carried out. At 18.45. P/O. K. Samofal was instructed to take off with a view to shooting down a balloon which had broken away from its moorings and was drifting in a manner dangerous to aircraft using the aerodrome. Its destruction was admirably accomplished. Five pilots partook in dusk flying practices and the squadron was ultimately released at 20.15. F/O. L. Zakrzewski arrived on posting from No. 308 squadron for flying duties, the effective date of posting being 29.3.42. Sgt, Pilot C. Jaworowski and M. Zolcinski were reposted to the squadron on appointment at commissioned rank.

1942-04-02

Weather again fairly good this morning and the squadron continued at 30 minutes available. A wing formation practice, which also included aircraft from Nos. 303 & 317 Squadrons, was participated in by 10 aircraft of the squadron. Four pilots proceeded to Southend to carry out Air to Air Firing practice whilst during the afternoon practice attacks were done by “B” Flight. “B” Flight having been at readiness from 12.50 with “A” Flt. At 30 mins. available, the complete squadron was brought to readiness at 14.45, until one flight went to 30 mins. available at 16.39. At 20.20. without the occurrence of further incident, the squadron was released, with the exception of six pilots who remained at 60 mins. available for night fighter operations, if required. Nothing of operational importance occurred during the night, but several pilots carried out night flying training.

1942-04-03

The commencement of the day, with the squadron at readiness at 05.31. was somewhat spoiled by the existence of mist locally, which tended to hamper the flying programme. At 10.30 one Flight was relieved to 15 mins. available and the visibility had improved considerably, thus facilitating flying. An appreciable amount of training flying was carried out, including Wing formation and squadron formation, whilst Sgt. Pilot Jaworski flew to Shoreham and returned in the Battle. At 13.00 the squadron were at 30 mins. available until 13.20 when one Flight was ordered to 15 mins. available. This state persisted, with nothing of note having transpired until the pilots were released at 20.25.

1942-04-04

Quite good weather conditions at the beginning of the day and the squadron at 30 mins. available from 05.30. At 09.00 the pilots were ordered to readiness and at 09.43. 12 aircraft, inclusive of one flown by W/S. T. Rolski, the Polish Wing Commander Flying, who led the squadron, took off in company with the remainder of the Polish Wing, to rendezvous over Chatham with 12 Bostons. The duty of the wing was to provide escort cover to and from the objective, St. Omer, and after having left the target the squadron was attacked by 8 F.W.190’s which approached from astern and above. Dog fights ensued, was a result of which both W/C. Rolski and Sgt. Szymanski, T. claimed 1 e/a. destroyed and 1 probable. 15 miles N.W. of Calais F/L. T. Sawicz saw a Spitfire and F/W.190 engaged in combat, the battle being brought to a conclusion when the Spitfire spralled down to crash into the sea. Although this point cannot be ascertained, F/L. Sawicz assumed the ill-fated Spitfire to be the one flown by F/O. J. Muszel, who failed to return from the operation. Heavy flak was experienced in the vicinity of the French coast W. of Calais, but this inflicted no casualties. 11 aircraft of the 12 landed at base at 11.20. At 11.00 the squadron was instructed to be at 30 mins. available, a state which persisted until their ultimate release, before which nothing of further interest occurred.

1942-04-05

Northolt

Weather again favourable, but somewhat typical of April, intermittent showers breaking the fine periods. Owing to the coming into effect of double B.S.T. at 02.00 today, duty for day fighter operations did not commence until 06.28 hrs. when the squadron came to 30 mins. available. The traditions of their country were maintained by the squadron personnel when an Easter breakfast participated in by all Officers and airmen off duty, was prepared. Easter Greetings from and to all ranks were freely extended and having been enjoyed by all who took part, the affair was a complete success. At 11.00 hrs. the squadron was released until 13.00 when one Flight came to readiness and the remaining Flight to 30 mins. available. This state was in existence until the release of the pilots at 21.28. No offensive operations were taken part in during the day and defensive operations were not necessary at any time. Dusk flying and landing practices were done by four pilots. P/O. T. Szymankiewicz. left the squadron on posting to No. 317 Squadron for flying duties, his place being taken by F/Sgt. Gallus who arrived on posting from No. 317 Squadron.

1942-04-06

At 05.10. the squadron came to 30 mins. available until 09.25 when one Flight came to readiness. Weather conditions were hardly ideal, but were not sufficiently adverse to prevent flying. At 13.00 the squadron was at 30 mins. available and during the afternoon operational patrols over convoy were carried out by three sections of four aircraft until 18,45 hrs. whilst P/O. K. Samofal flew to Church Stanton in the Battle. None of these patrols contained incident, nor did anything of note occur up to the release of the squadron at 21.25.

1942-04-07

From 06.23 hrs. on this day the squadron was at 2 hrs. available until its release at 17.00 hrs. Low cloud and very heavy showers which feel periodically did not altogether prevent flying and an Air to Air Firing Programme was executed at Southend, whilst several training flights, including sector reconnaissance and navigational flying were carried out locally. Nothing of note to record.

1942-04-08

At 06.21. the squadron commenced by coming to 30 mins. available until 07.00 hrs. when the state changed to readiness. Weather conditions were extremely good and at 07.35. 12 aircraft took off in company with similar numbers from Nos. 303 & 317 squadrons, to participate in the squadron’s first early morning sweep, a fighter offensive over the St. Omer area. On the outward flight the French coast was crossed near Wimereux and recrossed on return between Calais and Gravelines. No enemy aircraft were sighted throughout the operation, but an uncomforable amout of flak was experienced near Calais. This, however, inflicted no casualties and all aircraft returned at 08.50. At 09.20 the squadron returned to 30 mins. available until 13.00 hrs. when one Flight came to readiness and at 15.00 the remaining Flight came to 15 mins. Subsequent to the operation several training flights, including practice attacks, formation and dusk flying, were carried out, whilst having taken off at 11.40, with one airman passenger, to return from Church Stanton in the Battle, P/O. K. Samofal experienced engine trouble and found it necessary to crash-land near Wellington, Somerset. The Battle, as a result, was categorized “E” but neither pilot or passenger suffered injury. The squadron was released at 21.20 hrs.

1942-04-09

Work commenced at 06.19 with one Flight at readiness and the other at 15 mins. until 08.50 when all the squadron were at 15 mins. with the exception of one section which remained at readiness. Weather conditions were most decidedly unfavourable, low cloud and heavy rain having persisted for the greater part of the morning and the squadron was released at 13.00 hrs. nothing of note having occurred.

1942-04-10

Northolt.

At 06.16. the squadron was at 30 mins. until 16.35. when it came to readiness. The weather was good and many practices were carried out in the morning & early afternoon, including formation flying & practice attacks & camera gun practices. At 17.00 hrs. the squadron took off on a fighter sweep in the Boulogne area, rendezvousing over Beachy Head with the Tangmere Wing. The French coast was crossed in the vicinity of Hardelot and South of Boulogne about 25 F.W.’s 190 were seen approaching from the East. The squadron maneuvered into position and attacked the enemy formation out of the sun. As a result of the dog fights which ensued the Squadron Commander, one Flight Commander, F/Lt. Skalski, D.F.C., F/O. T. Szumowski and P/O. M. Wyszkowski all destroyed one a/c. whilst F/O. J. Dec and P/O’s J. Szymankiewicz and A. Cholajda claimed one probable each. One enemy aircraft damaged was claimed by P/O. M. Wyszkowski in addition to his 1 probable, xxxxxxxxxx P/O. J. Szymankiewicz, in addition to his 1 probable, and Sgt. Gora. Subsequent to this fairly profitable engagement the squadron returned, the times of landing at base being somewhat staggered, commencing at 17.55. and finishing at 18.45. owing to the formation being broken up as the result of the combat. Information was received through the medium of Station Daily Routine Orders that the squadron had gained second place in the 11 Group Air Firing Competition, having been proceeded by No. 303 squadron and closely followed by No. 315 (Polis) Squadron, the Polish Wing having thus created a meritorious record. The squadron was released at 21.35.

1942-04-11

At 06.14. the squadron was at 30 mins. available and this state was maintained until 12.55. when one flight was at readiness and the other at 15 mins. Very little flying took place during the day owing to the poor state of visibility, only four training flights being undertaken. The squadron was eventually released at 21.34.

1942-04-12

At 06.12 hrs. one flight was at readiness and the other at 15 mins. and this state was maintained until 15.55 hrs. when the squadron was at 30 mins. until released at 19.40. During the day an appreciable amount of training flying was executed this including a practice scramble in which 6 aircraft took part and several co-operation flights. At 12.40 the squadron took of in company with the remainder of the Polish Wing to act as target support wing in a Circus 112 operation. Good rendezvous was made over Beachy Head and the French coast was crossed between Hardelot and Le Touquet. A little to the North of Cassel the Wing was attacked by a formation of 5 – 6 F.W.’s .190 and dog fights ensued. During the engagement, his aircraft having presumably having been hit, F/O. B. Buchwald announced over the R/T that he was experiencing engine trouble and would have to land. His landing was not observed by the remainder of the Wing, so the available information apart from that he landed in enemy territory is somewhat negligible. Sgt. Pilot T. Szymanski, seeing a F.W.190 attacking the Squadron Commander, prevented what might have proved a difficult situation, by promptly intervening and destroying the enemy. 11 aircraft of the 12 which took off landed at base at 14.30.

1942-04-13

Fairly good weather prevailed at the opening of the day and continued throughout its full course. With the squadron at 30 mins. available since 06.10 very little flying was carried out during the morning. At 13.30 the state altered to readiness in preparation for the afternoon’s operation, and at 14.10, 11 aircraft took off to participate in a fighter sweep over the French coast. The[..] was patrolled between Le Touquet and Cap Grisnez but with the exception of about 9 enemy aircraft which were sighted at 28,000 ft. between Calais and Cap Gisnez, but too far distant to merit attempted combat, nothing of interest was seen. All aircraft returned safely from the operation to return to 30 mins. available at 16/00 until released at 17.35.

1942-04-14

Northolt

Again fairly good weather to open the day and the squadron at 2 hrs. available at 06.07. The time having been carefully arranged previously and without the squadron being brought to readiness 12 aircraft took off at 11.40. hours to partake in, as part of the escort cover, a further offensive over enemy territory. After having rendezvoused over Tangmere the formation set course for the objective, Caen and experienced an outward flight which was without incident. Bomb bursts were observed by the pilots in the target area and the return flight commenced. Apart from having sighted 6 M.E’s 109 which made no attempt to provide opposition the pilots had nothing of interest to report for this journey. F/O. T. Szumowski proceeded to Tangmere in a Spitfire to provide additional Air/sea rescue facilities, should any of the aircraft taking part in the offensive find it necessary to come down into the sea. At 14.10, 1 Flight came to readiness whilst the other remained at 30 mins. and at 17.00 the whole squadron was brought to readiness in preparation for a second offensive on the enemy. This was the first day on which the squadron was detailed for a second flight over enemy or enemy occupied territory and at 17.40 hrs. the squadron, as part of the Polish wing, took off to rendezvous over Gatwick with the 10 Group wing, which was not, however, seen until the aircraft were over the channel. The French coast was crossed at Le Touquet and some aimless flak was experienced. Nothing of importance materialized as a result of the offensive and a casualties were suffered, despite intensive and accurate flak which was experienced near Calais. The squadron returned to base at 19.10. During this operation F/O. Kozlowski and F/O. Zakrzewski, in two Spitfires, patrolled the channel in readiness to assist in rescue operations should these become necessary. They returned at 19.15 hrs. with nothing of interest to report and the squadron was released at 21.40.

1942-04-15

Once again extremely good weather persisted and it seemed obvious that advantage would be taken of it for further operations. One flight was at readiness from 06.05. with the other at 30 mins. until 13.00 hrs. when both flights were at 30 mins. available. At 14.00 the squadron was brought to readiness and an appreciably busy afternoon commenced when the squadron took off at 14.30 with instructions to patrol Ashford with the rest of the Wing. From Ashford they were vectored to Manston and from there to 20 miles N.W. of Gravelines, from where they patrolled the French coast to Cap Grisnez. A number of unidentified aircraft were sighted in the distance over Ostend but apart from these the whole flight proved uneventful and all aircraft landed safely at 16.05. After a short respite until 18.40, the Polish Wing, inclusive of the squadron, set out as target support wing to 8 Hurricane Bombers. Rendezvous was made over Gatwick and course set for the target. Near Boulogne 15 F.W.190’s were observed well ahead and climbing, but no combat resulted. Later in the flight, F/L T. Sawicz attacked a F.W.190 but from extreme range and the result was not observed. Apart from the Flight Commander’s efforts the folight was uneventful and all aircraft had returned at 20.10, the pilots being released at 21.42 having been at 30 mins. since 20.25. Information was received on this day that the squadron was to move to R.A.F. Heston on the 22nd of the month. F/Sgt. Galus, P. had recently joined the squadron was admitted to R.A.F. Hospital, Cosford, with effect from this date and was consequently posted to the strength of R.A.F. Station, Northoltm supernumery (N.E. sick).

1942-04-16

At 06.05. the squadron was at 30 mins. available. Weather conditions were ideal and again
[………………………………………………………………………………………………..] from Nos. 303 & 307 squadrons and one 316 Sqdn aircraft flown by W/C. T. Rolski, the object being to provide close escort for 12 Bostons detailed to carry out an attack on the Power Station at Le Havre. Rendezvous was made with other Wings and the Bombers over Tangmere and course was set for the objective. S.W. of Le Havre about 4 M.E. 109’s were seen, one of these it was observed, falling victim to a 303 sqdn. Spitfire. Bombs were seen to fall directly on the target and in areas a considerable amount of accurate opposition was afforded by the enemy ground defences. No casualties, however, were suffered and all aircraft had landed at base at 12.35. At 17.32. another offensive started when the squadron again as portion of the wing took part in a “Rodeo” operation. Landfall was made at Wimereux and the Wimereux, Marquise, Cap Grisnez area was patrolled at 27,000 ft. On the second orbit, 12 F.W. 190’s were sighted well ahead and climbing and F/L. S. Skalski, “B” Flt. Commander, who was leading the squadron gave orders to turn left to facilitate advantage of the sun, but on going in to attack the enemy aircraft were seen to dive away and no contact was made. The orbit was completed and a course set for home. Reaching Hythe the squadron made for Hawkinge and during the flight about 40 e/a. were sighted patrolling over the French coast. Almost immediately after leaving Hawkinge for base, the squadron was instructed by operations to return there, an instruction which was soon afterwards countermanded and 11 aircraft had landed at 19.15. F/O. Zakrzewski, who had fired at one of the F.W.’s seen earlier in the operation having landed at Manston. He returned to Northolt later in the evening. Previous to this offensive the squadron had been released from 12.50 to 16.00. when they were ordered to 30 mins. available, until 17.20 when they were ordered to readiness. The pilots were released at 21.44. F/O. G. Radwanski who had not completely recovered from the effects of his accident on 13.3.42. was posted to R.A.F. Station, Northolt (N.E.)

1942-04-17

Northolt.

The squadron started the day by being at 30 mins. available at 06.00 hrs. Weather conditions remained fairly good and the day on the whole proved once again fairly busy, At 09.45. the squadron together with No. 303 & 317 squadrons took off to carry out a fighter sweep at 28,000 ft. over enemy occupied territory. After making rendezvous at Redhill at 10.00 hrs. they proceeded to make for their objective making landfall at Wimerux, from where they turned left to Marquise and orbited this area. Marquise was left and the formation proceeded to Cap Grisnez turning right at his point to West of St. Omer. 7 e/a. were seen flying at about 20,000 feet. over Cap Grisnez when the formation recrossed the French coast between Cap Grisnez and Calais but no contact was made. Opposition was offered by the enemy anti-aircraft defenses the range being extremely good but no casualties were suffered and all aircraft had landed at base at 11.25. to be prepared for a second offensive, which commenced at 15.11. after the squadron had been brought to readiness at 14.45. On the second operation rendezvous was made over Beachy Head with 12 Bostons, the squadron flying as part of the escort cover Wing. Course was set for the objective, the Power Station at Grand Quevilly, near Rouen, and approaching from South to North the bombers were seen to obtain direct hits. Slight flak was encountered near Rouen but no e/a. were seen. Four aircraft landed at base at 16.51. whilst the remaining 8 having made an intermediate landing at Shoreham owing to petrol shortage, landed at 17.45. During the operation additional Air/Sea rescue dacilities were to be provided by two Spitfires flown by F/L. Baranski & P/O. Balon. At 18.20 one Flight was instructed to remain at readiness whilst the other became at 15 mins. until their release at 21.46.

1942-04-18

Northolt.

Work commenced on this day with one Flight at readiness and one at 15 mins. available. until 13.05 when all the squadron was at 30 mins. During the morning the state of the weather having somewhat depreciated, the only flight carried out was an aircraft test flight, the pilot being F/O. Nartowicz. In the afternoon every effort was made to take advantage of a slight improvement in weather when the squadron as part of the Polish Wing took off to rendezvous at Tangmere with No. 10 Group and Tangmere Wings and from there carry out an offensive over enemy occupied territory. The other wings, however, were not seen at the point of rendezvous and course was set for Dieppe. During the flight the Wing was warned of the presence of enemy aircraft but these were not seen. The formation continued the flight as far as Neufchatel and then turned and flew homeward, crossing the English coast between Hastings and Rye. The pilots reported having experienced extremely bad weather during the trip having flown between two layers of cloud throughout the whole distance. Squadron Movement Order No. 4 was compiled, completed and distributed on this date and prelininary preparations for the move were rapidly taking place. The pilots were released at 16.35. and advantage was taken by all of a long evening off.

1942-04-19

The state of preparedness today was all squadron at 30 mins. available from 05.55. to 21.34. when the pilots were released. No operational flying was undertaken but the squadron benefited by the respite and took part in an Air to Air Firing programme at Southend. F/O. W. Klawe was had completed a tour of more than 200 hrs. operational flying, left the squadron for No. 58 O.T.U. for a period of rest. It was learned that F/O. S. Stegman who left the squadron for flying duties. The day closed without incident.

1942-04-20

Squadron at 30 mins. available from 05.34. until 12.55. Weather conditions were not so favorable a haze over the aerodrome obstructing landing facilities and no flying was attempted until 17.15. hours when F/L. Skalski undertook some local flying and F/L. Baranski and P/O. Cholajda took off to test Spitfire aircraft. The Squadron Commander S/L. A. Gabszewicz flew to and from Heston in the Magister, primarily to observe the general conditions there. AT 12.55. one Flight was at readiness whilst the rest of the squadron were at 15 minutes and 21.15. one section were at readiness and the other at 30 mins. Duty terminated for the day at 21.50. The advance party with F/O. B. Krupa i/c left Northolt for Heston at 10.00 hrs. F/O. S. Lipa was posted to the squadron, supernumerary, for Engineer Officer Duties.

1942-04-21

Northolt.

One section was at readiness at 05.50 whilst the other were at 60 mins. available. At 13.00 the section at readiness went to 60 mins. available and at 15.10 all pilots were released. No flying was done as visibility was extremely bad although weather conditions otherwise were fairly and the day closed with nothing to report.

1942-04-22

Visibility was slightly better this morning although the haze was rather thick when the squadron commenced duty at 05.49, at 30 mins. available. No flying was undertaken until the aircraft left Northolt for Heston, on movement, at 12.10 hrs. The main Party proceeded to Heston and at that station were rapidly and efficiently installed into Servicing, Dispersal and sleeping accommodation, the later being in former private houses, now requisitioned by the R.A.F. and covering the greater part of the boundary of one corner of the aerodrome. Owing to the fact that details regarding the movement of equipment and clearance of the squadron had been adequately dealt with before the Main Party left Northolt, the Rear Party was able to proceed to Heston later in the day. The day closed without further flying when the pilots were released.

1942-04-23

Weather conditions were again not too good and the squadron’s day commenced at 05.48 when the pilots were at 30 mins. and concluded at 13.00 hrs. when the squadron were released. No flying was undertaken. The ground crews were busily engaged upon settling in at the new station and preparing their respective departmental accommodation ready for work. Nothing of interest to record.

1942-04-24

Heston

A slight improvement in the weather conditions on this day with one Flight at readiness and the other at 15 mins available. until 17.00 hrs. At 13.50. 12 aircraft tool off as top squadron at 27,000 ft. to rendezvous over Dungeness from which point the formation set course for the French coast, making landfall near Boulogne and flying from there to East of St. Omer, from thence turning right and recrossing the French coast between Mardyck and Gravelines. One orbit was made over this portion of the coast and course was then set for N.W. of Boulogne. 4 M.E. 109’s were sighted at 15,000 ft. 12 miles from Cap Grisnez coming East and turning the South. F/L. Skalski “B” Flt Commander opened fire at one with cannon from 250 yards, but the result was not observed. The attack was not followed up owing to the fact that one of the Flt. Commander’s guns jammed and engine trouble developed. The squadron then set course for home crossing the English coast at Dungeness and all aircraft landed safely at base. An operation scheduled to commence at 16.40 was cancelled after 10 minutes flying and no further operations were participated in on this date. Nothing further of interest occurred during the remainder of the day. Both Flights were at 30 mins. available at 18.00 and at 19.15 went to 60 mins. until released at 21.58.

1942-04-25

Appreciably good weather at commencement of day and squadron at 30 mins from 05.44. At 09.30 a state of readiness existed and at 09.40 11 Spitfire took off as part of target support wing – bottom squadron. The English coast was left at Deal and the operational height of 22,000 ft. was achieved during the flight over the channel. Crossing the French coast between Calais and Dunkirk and from thence proceeded to Hazebrouck, where 12 F.W. 190’s were sighted flying in line abreast and 5,000ft. below. The squadron dived out of the sun to attack and S/L. A. Gabszewicz and P/O. M. Wyszkowski each destroyed one of the enemy formation, whilst F/O. J. Dec and P/O. Z. Przygodzki shared the destruction of a third and P/O. Cholajda and F/O. J. Radomski both claimed a “damaged”. This extremely good record was obtained without less and the squadron returned, each enjoying a great degree of satisfaction, at 12.00 hrs. From 12.00 to 13.20 , when the squadron came to readiness a state of 30 mins. available obtained and at 13.35. 11 aircraft took off again to participate in offensive operations. Flying as middle squadron in the Northolt High Cover Wing. Rendezvous was made at Shoreham at 14.00 with 11 Bostons. The squadron made the operational height of 22.000ft. on the way out and it was estimated that landfall was made S.W. of Fecamp. From here they flew S.W. and the bombers made a S. – N. run. West of Le Havre 3 M.E.109’s were sighted behind and slightly below and the squadron turned to starboard to attack. 2 of the e/a. dived away, but F/L. S. Skalski was able to give a long burst at the third, which he saw diving away streaming white smoke. This e/a was claimed as damaged. No further e/a. were seen at 10/10ths. cloud prevented the observation of the results obtained by the bombers. All aircraft landed at base. After this operation the state was 30 mins. until the pilots were released at 16.40.

1942-04-26

Heston.

Squadron at 30 mins. available at 05.43. and the weather still remarkably good. At 09.30 the pilots came to readiness and at 09.57. 12 aircraft took off as part of rear support Wing, flying as top squadron at 29,000ft. Condensation trails, however, made it necessary for the squadron to come down to 26,000ft. at which height they crossed the English coast at approximately 10.36. and set course for Dunkirk. During the flight over the channel a formation of Spitfires was seen to starboard, flying outwards. At Dunkirk a right turn was made and about 20 F.W.190’s in 2 box formation were seen 2,000ft. higher approaching from the South and making a lot of condensation trails. The right tunr was continued and the F.W.’s also turned to the right with the result that no contact was made. Later Sgt. Sumara found himself being attacked by 4 F.W.190’s and evasive action was necessary and instead of landing at base with the rest of the squadron at 11.50 he landed at Manston and returned later. From his report to the Intelligence Officer it was obvious that Sgt. Sumara was of the definite opinion that the F.W.190 can neither out-fly or out-dive a Spitfire. The flight was done in weather conditions which were not too good, thick xxx haze making visibility rather poor. The state again changed at 11.50 to squadron at 30 mins. and existed thus until 13.00 when one Flight came to readiness the other coming to readiness at 14.00. having remained at 30 mins. available in the meantime. At 14.08 the squadron left Heston to partake in another offensive operation, when 11 aircraft took off to form part of escort cover Wing to a formation of bombers. Flying as bottom squadron at 15-16,000 ft. rendezvous was made on time at Clacton at 6,000ft. operational height being gained en route to the target. The escort Wing was late, but joined the formation over the channel and the French coast was crossed at the specified point at 15.05 hrs. the flight being continued from thence to Hazebrouck, where to bombers in a South to North run deposited their load on the target. One of the pilots saw bursts on the railway junction. The squadron recrossed the French coast West of Dunkirk, where slight flak, good for height but slightly to the left was encountered. A vessel of some 1000 tons […………….
……………………………………………………..] all aircraft had returned to base by 15.58. At 16.30 one Flight was at 15 mins. and at 21.30 the remaining flight having been at readiness, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx left one section on duty whilst the remainder were released. This section was released at 22.00, whilst the other Flight was released at 21.00 hrs. the day closing without further incident. Mention was made on the wireless and in the press of the squadron’s efforts of yesterday.

1942-04-27

Heston.

Weather fairly good again today with one Flight at 15 mins. at 09.00. and the other commencing duty at 09.20 at readiness. At 10.38, 12 Spitfires took off to rendezvous over West Malling at 11.00 hrs. With the squadron flying middle at 25-26,000ft. the formation crossed the English coast at Dover and then the French coast a little West of Gravelines. Breaking away from the main formation the squadron flew to Cassel, there making a right turn, recrossing the French coast between Ambleteuse and Boulogne. 3 M.E.109’s were seen to port in the distance and a little below, when crossing the coast on the outward flight and one unidentified a/c. was seen over Boulogne heading East at about 28,000ft. Setting course for Dungeness about 15 miles from the English coast they turned right and flying parallel to the coast crossed at Dover. 11 aircraft landed at Heston at 12.07 and one landed at West Malling, returning to base later. Slight haze experienced over England to midway over Channel, after which weather and visibility were fairly good for the remainder of the outward flight. All squadron was again at readiness at 14.20 and left Heston once more a little afterwards to take part in the day’s second offensive. This This they were to do as of escort cover Wing flying as top squadron at 25,000ft. Rendezvous was made at Southend with the bomber formation at 11,000ft. and course was set for the French coast which was crossed about 10 miles East of Dunkirk. 10 miles N.E. of Lille 10-12 F.W.190’s were seen coming cut of the sun to attack the bombers. The Wing Leader ordered the remainder of the Polish Wing to attack whilst the squadron remained on top as cover. After the attack the F.W’s came out on the port side of the formation in a climb. The Squadron Commander, S/L. A. Gabszewicz, then gave order for the squadron to attack, he himself attacking one e/a. from above and astern, breaking away only when he saw flames issuing from both sides of the engine of F.W. Several other pilots fired but the results were unobserved. A. left turn was made and the Belgian coast was crossed West of Ostend. Turning left again the squadron flew down the coast as far as Mardyck, where the bomber formation was seen coming out, two of them straggling. These the squadron escorted as far as Manston and though the times of landing were somewhat staggered all aircraft landed safely at base. The pilots on landing reported having seen red bursts near Ypres and experienced intensive flak over Lille. At 18.45. the squadron was released.

1942-04-28

The squadron was at 2 hrs. available for the greater part of the day and only one operation was carried out, this being when 11 aircraft took off at 10.38 to act as part of escort cover Wing. Rendezvous was made on time at Eastchurch and course set for the objective, but about 10 miles from the French coast the formation ran into thick fog with the result that sections were unable to see their neighbours and contact was lost momentarily. These conditions persisted until shortly before the French coast was reached at Sangatte, where the weather cleared and contact was regained. When ten miles inside France the formation was informed by Operations that about 20 E/a. were approaching the target area and about 10 e/a. were seen in the distance, at about 21,000ft. to the North. No contact was made. A left turn was made over the target and the rear support wing was seen, Recrossing the French coast, near Calais, slight flak was experienced at about 10-12,000ft. but no casualties were suffered. All aircraft returned to base. The weather apart from the fog patch was fairly good throughout the flight. During the afternoon part was taken in a practice attack on Army formations in the Wayton, Cholsey, Blewbury, Wallingford and and South Stoke areas. All these Army co-operation flights, participated in by two formations of 4 and 5 aircraft, proceeded and concluded satisfactorily. the squadron was released at 18.15.

1942-04-29

Duty for the pilots did not commence on this date until 10.00 hrs. when the squadron came to [……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………] one operation today, this commencing at 15.18 when 12 aircraft took off as middle squadron at 27,000ft. of top wing, in a diversionary sweep. Rendezvous was made over Kenley and the English coast was crossed at Dungeness, course being set for Hardelot, where landfall was made at 15.59 hrs. Soon after passing this point S/L. A. Gabszewicz observed a F.W.190 flying from South to North just in front. As it crossed his sights he got in a long burst. At this moment, however, he saw 4 other F.W.190’s approaching from above and to starboard and on ordering the squadron to right wheel, saw about 15 more of the same type of enemy flying at 30,000ft. with an intention to attack the aerodrome squadron. Owing to the right turn the enemy formation overshot and dived past and were fired at by several of the pilots. Sgt. Pilot Sumara K. claiming one destroyed, which was observed to go down in flames, and Sgt. Kiedrzynski damaged one. P/O. B. Geca’s aircraft was hit in the port wing by machine gun fire but was not seriously damaged. Continuing the right turn, the squadron made a wide orbit off Le Touquet for 5 mins. in the sun, to cover the withdraval of No. 303 squadron which was West of Boulogne. After hearing that 303 was over Dungeness and that they were alone the squadron made course for home, during the flight over the channel seeing several e/a. flying above and behind at about 30,000ft. All the squadron returned safely to base. Nothing further of interested occurred until the squadron was released at 22.05.

1942-04-30

Heston.

One Flight at readiness and one at 15 mins. at 05.34. on this date. Weather again reasonably good and the wind slightly less pronounced. A further operation commenced when at 10.40, 10 Spitfires took off as top squadron at 23,000ft. in as escort cover wing. Making rendezvous at Tangmere the formation set course for Le Havre, operational height being gained very near to the target and the speed of the bombers being too low. S.W. of Le Havre, a left turn was made and Le Havre passed on the starboard. Moderate A.A. fire was directed at the bombers from Le Havre and South of the Seine estuary several e/a. were seen flying very low. When setting course for home the target support wing was seen flying to schedule and the English coast was crossed without incident. One pilot found it necessary to land his aircraft at Ford, whilst the remainder landed at base at 12.20. At 13.00 the squadron was at 30 minutes available. F/L. W. K. Sankey, the ex-Adjutant of the squadron paid a visit to Heston during the afternoon and was hospiably welcomed. The squadron took part in a further operation which commenced in the early evening, when 10 aircraft took off to act as bottom squadron, flying at 23,000ft. of a target support Wing. No sigh was seen of the Tangmere Wing, with which rendezvous should have been made at Shoreham, and course was set for Beachy Head. Over Brighton the Tangmere Wing contacted out formation. The French coast was crossed S.W. of Le Treport and the scheduled route was followed to just short of Abbeville. The Tangmere Wing turned earlier and making a complete circle came out of the sun and made as if to attack our formation, but dived away at the last moment and was not seen again. Recrossing the French coast near Le Crotay the squadron flew to mid-channel, where S/L. Gabszewicz, having lost sight of the bomber formation, asked for their position. He was informed that they were behind and proceeded to orbit in order that contact could be made with them again, but on being told a little later that they were O.K. the squadron set course for home, 9 aircraft landing at Heston and one which turned back from mid-way over the channel on the outward journey landed at Tangmere. Nothing of interest was seen during the flight. The remainder of the day locked incident and the pilots were released at 21.30 hrs.

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