Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-06-01

Heston.

At 04.30. hours, one flight was at readiness and the other at 15 mins. and this state continued until 13.05 hrs. when the squadron was at 30 mins. From 12.40 to 14.20. four Spitfires piloted by P/O.s J. Szymankiewicz, M. Zolcinski, J. Piotrowski, and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. carried out a patrol over a convoy. At 15.00 hrs. the squadron came to readiness and at 15.23. 12 Spitfires, piloted by F/L’s. T. Sawicz, W. Krol, F/O’s. R. Nartowicz, J. Dec, A. Polek, P/O.s. M. Zolcinski, J. Piotrowski, Z. Przygodzki, M. Wyszkowski, A. Cholajda, W. Balon, and Sgt, Gora, T. took off as top squadron of the wing in a fighter sweep and crossed Beachy Head at 500ft. at 15.47. hrs. Course was then set for the French coast which was crossed near Dieppe. Before crossing, a warning was received that S.W. of Dieppe there were 20 bandits at 15,000ft. and they were seen in the far distance heading West. A left turn was made and the Wing flew to Abbeville. Short of that point a further left turn was made, prior to which another warning was received that 20 bandits were flying at 25,000ft, to the South, but these were not seen. After making this turn another warning that numerous enemy aircraft were flying at 20,000ft. behind us to the South was received. These also wee not seen. The operational height was 27,500ft. Course was then set for Beachy Head and the squadron landed at Heston at 16.55. – 17.00. The visibility throughout the flight was good. At 17.55 hrs., 11 Spitfires, piloted by F/L.s. T. Sawicz, W. Krol, F/O.s. S. Stegman, T. Szumowski, J. Radomski, P/O.s. J. Szymankiewicz, Z. Przygodzki, L. Kondracki, W. Kiedrzynski, F/S. Gawlewicz, K. and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. took off as bottom squadron in a fighter sweep. Course of 130 degs. was set, increasing height on way, but Operations ordered them to fly 10 mins. below. After 5 mins. the course was changed to 190 degs. North of Hailsham Operations ordered them to increase height to 20,000ft. and over Beachy Head course was changed to 110 degs. Over Dungeness the squadron orbited twice and a new course of 95 degs. was ordered and height was changed to 23,000ft. and off Dunkirk it vectored 70 degs. and off Ostend 320 degs. Here Operations warned them of 20 e/a. to the East at 25,000ft. heading East, but they were not seen. After making the new 10 miles N.W. of Ostend another warning was received that 15 e/a. were N.E. over 20,000ft. heading West but these were also not seen. The English coast was crossed at Manston and the squadron landed at 19.40 hours, except one which landed earlier at 18.45. owing to engine trouble. The squadron went to 30 mins. available at 20.15 and was eventually released at 21.30 hours.
Today, F/O. Walendowski proceeded on posting to No. 306 Squadron, Kirton in Lindsey for flying duties.

1942-06-02

From 04.30 hours the squadron was at 2 hrs. available. During the day 7 pilots took off in formation flying and practice attacks. In addition 2 Spitfires were flown to Hanwell and the Magister made three trips there and back to fetch these pilots back. The squadron was eventually released at 23.15. with nothing of interest to report.

1942-06-03

At 04.28 hrs. the squadron was at 30 mins. available and this state continued until 12.45. when they came to readiness. During the morning 6 pilots took off on formation flying etc. and at 12.05 hrs. F/O. Stegman, P/O. Jaworowski, and Sgt. Szymanski, took part in an Air/Sea rescue patrol until 13.35. hrs. At 13.30 the state was again 30 mins. available and at 15.00 hrs. the squadron again came to readiness and at 15.35 hrs. 12 Spitfires piloted by F/O’s R. Nartowicz, F. Kozlowski, J. Radomski, S. Stegman, P/O’s. Z. Przygodzki, J. Piorowski, L. Kondracki, K. Samofal, M. Wyszkowski, B. Geca, C. Jaworowski, and Sgt. Gora, T. took off as lowere middle squadron of bombers escort at 16,000ft. and made a rendezvous at Shoreham, on time, and course was set for the target. After flying for 15 mins. at sea level height was increased and when crossing the French coast near Etretat, this was 5,000ft. A right turn was made and they flew along the coast increasing height on way to 18,000ft. until they were about 7 miles S.W. of Le Havre, where 3 M.E.109F’s were seen at about 20,000ft. on port. These approached to attack the squadron. The squadron made a left turn and they squadron commander fired at one of them (the last one) but from extreme range, and another formation of about 7 e/a’s was then seen below and to port at about 14,000ft. After a left turn was made several pilots were slightly behind formation and three pairs of e/a. were seen by the below. Combats ensued during which four pilots fired. Sgt. Gora, T. fired at a F.W.190 which was seen to go down in flame by P/O. Przygodzki, while the F.W.190 attacked by P/O. Wyszkowski was seen spinning down apparently out of control, while greyish smoke poured by it. The other two pilots attacked M.E. 109F’s. but results were not observed. Course was then set with bomber formation for England and the coast crossed at Selsey Bill. Slight A.A. fire was seen from Le Havre, good for direction but below. No bombing was seen. The weather was clear and visibility very good and the squadron eventually landed at 17.20 – 17.25 hrs. The squadron was released at 18.25 hrs.

1942-06-04

Heston.

From 04.29 the squadron was at 30 mins. but from 08.20 hrs. to 13.00 hrs. the squadron was released. At that time “A” Flight came to readiness and at 14.25 “B” Flight followed suit. At 15.35 hrs. 12 Spitfires piloted by F/O’s. R. Nartowicz, J. Dec, A. Polek, P/O’s/ W. Balon, M. Zolcinski, J. Szymankiewicz, L. Kondracki, J. Piotrowski, M. Wyszkowski, A. Cholajda, Sgts. Ciechanowicz, W. and Gora, T. took off as upper middle squadron at 13/14,000ft. in bomber escort. Rendezvous at Redhill was made at 16.00 hrs. No bombers were seen, but fighter squadrons were seen above. The Squadron crossed Rye at 500ft. increasing height over the channel and followed No. 302 Squadron as leader. The French coast was crossed between Le Crotoy and Berck and a right turn was made and course set for the English coast which was crossed at Beachy Head. Nothing of interest was seen. There was a thick haze to 6,000ft. although it was clear above and visibility moderate. The squadron landed at 17.30 hrs. Again at 19.15 hrs. 12 Spitfires, piloted by F/L’s. T. Sawicz, W. Krol, S/L. Bajan, F/O’s. F. Kozlowski, J. Dec. P/O’s. K. Samofal, J. Szymankiewicz, Z. Przygodzki, C. Jaworowski, B. Geca, A. Cholajda and Sgt. Szymanski took off as upper middle squadron of independent high cover wing. Joining up with the Kenley wing the French coast was crossed near Gravelines at 30/31,000ft. They swept towards St. Omer and out at Dunkirk but in spite of several warnings from Operations, saw no e/a. Only marker A.A. shells were seen. The squadron landed at 20.45 hrs. Besides these two operational flights several training flights were carried out. At 23.15. the squadron was released.

1942-06-05

One flight was at readiness from 04.25. hrs. and the other at 15 mins. and at 09.00 hrs. 11 Spitfires, piloted by S/L. A. Gabszewicz, F/O’s. R. Nartowicz, J. Dec, P/O’s. A. Cholajda, W. Balon, J. Szymankiewicz, L. Kondracki, J. Piotrowski, M. Wyszkowski, and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. and Gora T. took off as bottom squadron of wing in a fighter sweep at 15,000ft. The English coast was crossed at Manston at 500ft. and the French coast crossed near Calais. Making a left turn they swept to Bourges and out east of Dunkirk. 2 F.W.’s 190 were seen low near St. Omer but were not engaged. Some flak was also seen from Calais and Dunkirk. The squadron eventually landed at 10.45. At 13.00 hrs. the Squadron was released until next take off and at 14.30hrs. 11 Spitfires piloted by F/L. W. Krol, F/O’s. F. Kozlowski, L. Zakrzewski, S. Stegman, P/O’s. K. Samofal, Z. Przygodski, C. Jaworowski, M. Zolcinski, F/S’s. Gallus P. Galewicz, K. and Sgt. Szymanski, T. took off as lover middle squadron of escort cover wing. Rendezvous was made with 6 Bostons over Selsey Bill and course set for the target. 10 miles W. of Le Havre a left turn was made. After the bombers had made their run over the target they dived for home and the wing turned right. 5F.W.’s 190 dived on the squadron out of the sun and dog fight ensued. F/L. Krol destroyed 1 F.W.190 and P/O. Samofal probably destroyed another, while F/O. Stegman had a prolonged battle with several e/a. with inconclusive results. The squadron landed at 16.20 hrs. 3 Flights to and from Northolt were made and also one to and from Tangmere and the Magister was also flown to and from Redhill. Today notification arrived of the posting of S/L. A. Gabszewicz to the Polish Inspectorate General. F/Lt. T. Sawicz to No. 58 O.T.U. for Instructor Duties, and F/L. Zurakowski from No. 306 Squadron Kirton –in-Lindsey, to fill Squadron Commander post, all w.e.f. 4.6.42. Notification also arrived of the appointment of F/O. R. Nartowicz to the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant to fill Flight Commander vacancy vacaged by F/L. Sawicz, and the detachment from Polish Inspectorate General of S/L. A. Gabszewicz to H.Q. No. 11 Group, as Polish Liaison Officer also w.e.f. 4.6.42. The new Squadron Commander arrived on the date.

1942-06-06

Heston.

Weather still very good and at 04.29. the squadron was at 30 mins. P/O. J. Szymankiewicz. flew to Redhill and back in the Magister, during the morning. At 10.30 hrs. 11 Spitfires piloted by F/L. W. Krol, F/L. R. Nartowicz, F/O’s. S. Stegman, F. Kozlowski, P/O’s. C. Jaworowski, M. Zolcinski, K. Samofal, Z. Przygodzki, F/S’s. Gallus, P. Gawlewicz, K. and Sgt. Szymanski, took off as top squadron. Rendezvous was made at Selsey Bill with the Tangmere Wing at 500ft. They flew to West of Le Havre, then turned left and swept along the coast past Fecamp and Dieppe. The only e/a. seen were 8 F.W.’s.190 and 2 M.E.’s.109F. far below, but no engagement took place. After landing at Tangmere the squadron returned to base at 13.05. hrs. At 12.20 the squadron was released off Station, as soon as the machines landed from the operational flight. During the afternoon two pilots took part in high altitude flying and practice homing and other local flying took place. P/O. Litak flew to Kirton-in-Lindsey in the Magister and stayed the night. S/L. Gabszewicz and F/L. Sawicz left for their new posts and S/L. Zurakowski took over command of the squadron. Notification was received today that Sgt. Kiedrzynski had been granted a commission as a Pilot Officer in the Polish Air Force, w.e.f. 1.6.42.

1942-06-07

The squadron was released all day but many training flights were carried out. In the afternoon 12 pilots took part in a practice formation flight lasting just above 1 hour. P/O. Litak returned from Kirton-in-Lindsey in the Magister and later P/O. Zolcinski flew in it locally for an hour and a quarter.

1942-06-08

Heston.

The squadron was released until 12.00 hrs. but at 11.35. one flight came to readiness followed by the other at 12.00 hrs. During the morning aircraft tests were carried out by 2 pilots and one pilot took part in air to sea firing practice. At 12.40, 12 Spitfires piloted by S/L. Zurakowski, F/O’s. F. Kozlowski, J. Dec, L. Zakrzewski, P/O’s. M. Zolcinski, L. Kondracki, A. Cholajda, M. Wyszkowski, W. Balon, F/S. Gallus, P. and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. and Gora T. took off as top squadron of wing. Rendezvous was made at Newhaven on time and after flying for 14 minutes at sea level the French coast was crossed at 18,000ft. On reaching Abbeville a right turn was made and course set for Neufchatel, thence out at Dieppe. Here slight A.A. fire was encountered, good for height but not for direction. Off the French coast we turned right for a short distance then course set for the English coast, which was crossed at Beachy Head. Visibility was good throughout. The squadron landed at 14.30 hrs. Another pilot took part in Air to Sea Firing during the afternoon and three aircraft tests were carried out. At 18.23, the squadron came to readiness, at 19.10, one flight was put back to 15 mins., at 20.14. the squadron came to readiness again and at 20.30. one flight was again put back to 15 mins. During this time 6 pilots, F/O. F. Kozlowski, P/O’s. M. Zolcinski, K. Samofal, L. Kondracki, F/S. Gallus, P. and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. took part in “Scrambles”. They were up for 15 to 30 mins. but no e/a. were seen. The squadron was eventually released at 23.16.

1942-06-09

At 04.26. one section was at readiness and the rest of the squadron was at 2 hrs. available. This state continued until 13.00 hrs. when the whole squadron was at 2 hrs. available and remained thus until 23.16 when they were released. During the day 3 pilots took part in Air to Air firing practice and 2 pilots in Air to Sea firing. Many other training flight took place including low flying, practice attacks, and formation flying. P/O. J. Szymankiewicz, also returned from Church Stanton in the Magister early in the warning. Nothing of importance to report.

1942-06-10

From 04.25. the squadron was at 30 mins. until 09.45. when the squadron was released until 17.00 hrs. At that time the squadron was released off station. During the day many training flights were carried out including a camera gun practice in which 6 pilots took part and the some number of pilots carried out practice attacks. The day closed with nothing of importance to report.

1942-06-11

Heston.

From 04.26. the squadron was at 30 mins. available and this state remained until 09.45. when they were released for training. Many training flights were made during the day, including formation flying, cloud flying, practice attacks, cine camera gun, practice navigation and G.C.I. During squadron formation flying two pilots collided in the air, but both managed to land their aircraft safely, one at Heston and one other at Redhill. Damage was done to one mainplace on each machine and was categorized as AC in each case. Today F/O. E. Christman, the Squadron Engineer Officer proceeded to No. 2 P.D.C. Wilmslow, on attachment pending embarkation, and F/O. M. Piasecki proceeded on posting to No. 58 O.T.U. for Engineer Duties.

1942-06-12

From 04.25. the squadron was at 30 mins. available until 08.45. when it was altered to 60 mins. This state continued until 13.00 hrs. when one flight was at 30 mins. and one section of the other flight was at readiness with 2 sections at 15 mins. until the squadron was released at 23.20. For the first time this month the weather was unfit for flying and not a single flight was carried out during the day. Nothing of interest to report.

1942-06-13

One Flight was at Readiness and the other at 15 minutes available from 04.25 on this morning. This state remained unchanged until 13.00 hours when, after two aircraft had become airborne as the result of receipt of instructions for one Section to “scramble”, the squadron were released for training. Little flying was done owing to the existence of unfavourable weather conditions, and the day closed with nothing of importance, in connection with flying, having occurred, the pilots being released at 17.00 hours. P/Officer B. Geca left the squadron on posting to No. 164 Squadron for flying duties, whilst F/Officer E. J. Kowalski, who had previously been a flying member of this squadron, and Sergeant Lipiec, K. were posted to the squadron with effect from this date, also for flying duties.

1942-06-14

After the squadron had been at 30 minutes available from 04.25 on this day, a state of “released for training” existed subsequent to 10.15 hours until 18.35 when the pilots were released. The state of the weather was once more responsible for the accomplishment of very little flying, this having been limited to a cine camera gun exercise and a low flying practise taken part in by four and two pilots respectively. Nothing occurred which would merit it’s placing on record.

1942-06-15

The squadron was again released for training at 10.25 hours today after having been at 30 minutes 04.24 hours. Weather conditions interfered with the execution of flying in the forenoon, but an improvement in the afternoon rendered flying at least practicable. With one Flight at Readiness and one at 15 minutes from 13.00 hours, operational flying, in the form of patrols over convoy, was was carried out by four sections of two aircraft which took off at various times between 13.30 and 21.15, the total operational flying for the day being 10 hours 30 minutes. A squadron formation flight took place commencing at 17.00 hours, and extending over a period of one hour fifteen minutes, and four aircraft test flights were done. The pilots were released at 23,20. P/O. L. A. Kondracki was posted to No. 315 Squadron for flying duties with effect from this date. Information was received from Group Headquarters to the effect that 21 aircraft, 25 pilots, 60 ground personnel and a specified quantity of equipment from this squadron, together with a similar contingent from each of the other squadrons serving in the Northolt Sector, were to move from Heston to Croydon on 17-6-42. The Squadron Commander, S/Ldr. J. Zurakowski, in company with the Adjutant, F/Officer B. Krupa, proceeded to R.A.F. Station, Northolt, during the day to obtain the precise details of the move, these, insofar as they concerned the Northolt Sector, being in the sole possession of the Officer Commanding that station, G/Capt. J.R. Hallings – Pott. The necessary preparations for the move were in a state of completion by the evening but last minute instructions revealed that it was necessary to hold the complete proceedings in abeyance pending further instructions.

1942-06-16

At 04.22 one Section was at Readiness whilst the remainder of the squadron was at 120 minutes available. The state remained thus throughout the day, and much advantage was taken of a speel or appreciably good weather to carry out a considerable programme of training flying, this including formation flying, low flying practice and cine camera gun exercises. No part was taken in operations of any description during the day, and the squadron was released at 21.35 hours. P/Officer A. Prochnicki joined the squadron on posting for flying duties.

1942-06-17

Heston.

At 10.30, having been at 30 minutes available from 04.22, the complete squadron was released for training pending the issue of further notification regarding a state of preparedness. Cine camera gun exercises, practise attacks, sector reconnaisances and aircraft tests took place, but apart from this non-operational flying the day lacked incident. After one Flight had been brought to Readiness at 17.55, an instruction which was countermanded at 18.05, the squadron was released at 18.25.

1942-06-18

Today, again the greater part of the morning was reserved for training flying, the squadron being released at 09.30 after having been at 30 minutes available from 04.23 hours. Slightly unfavourable weather conditions prevented the execution of as extensive a training programme as had been carried out during the past two days. At 13.00 hours the state became one Flight at Readiness and one at 15 minutes available, and remained thus throughout the day until the pilots were released at 22.20, nothing of interest having occurred.

1942-06-19

One Section of the Squadron came to Readiness, and the remainder to 15 minutes available, at 04.24. The date fluctuated slightly during the morning, and became settled to squadron at 30 minutes available at 13.00 hours. At 14.45 pilots were released until further notice, and at 17.00 hours they were released off the station, and advantage was taken of an early evening. Only two non-operational flights occurred during the day, and nothing of further interest happened.

1942-06-20

Heston.

The operational state of the squadron remained at 30 minutes available throughout the whole of the day from 04.20 to 17.50 when the pilots were released. A marked improvement in the weather condition facilitated the resumption of operational flying, and, following a morning which had been utilised primarily for the testing of aircraft, 12 Spitfires, flown by S/L. J, Zurakowski, F/L’s. R. Nartowicz and W. Krol, G/O’s. S. Stegman and T. Szumowski, P/O’s. W. Kiedrzynski, M. Wyszkowski, W. Balon and C. Zolcinski, F/Sgts. Gallus, P. and Sumara, K. and Sgt. Wisniewski, W. took off at 14.35 hours to take part in a Cirrus 193 operation. The squadron was to fly as bottom squadron of target support Wing, and, subsequent to the take-off, they proceeded to Thorney Island which was crossed at a height below 500 feet, and from thence on a course of 175 degrees, maintaining the same height for approximately 20 minutes. Height following this was increased, first to 14,000 feet, and then to 18,000 feet, at which height a turn to port was made at a point 25 miles West of Le Havre. A second left turn was made at Cap D’Antifer at which place the second echelon was seen coming out at Etretat. The English coast, on the return journey, was crossed at Newhaven and all aircraft had landed at base by 16.30. The pilots reported having seen bombs burst in the target area these seeming to straddle a line N.E. of Bassin Vauban. Moderate flak was experienced from the Le Havre district, this being directed at the bombers, but no e/a. were seen. F/O. Dec and Sgts. Gora T. and Lipiec K. took part in an air/sea rescue patrol which was also unincidential.

1942-06-21

Most of this day was employed to carry out an extensive programme of training. The squadron having been at 30 mins. from 04.24. were released at 11.00. specifically for training purposes and practice attacks, cine camera gun exercises and an air firing programme were carried out. The squadron were not again brought to readiness or available during the day and pilots were released from duty at 28.40 hrs. nothing of interest having occurred.

1942-06-22

Ideal weather conditions apparent throughout the whole of this day. The squadron came to 30 mins. available at 04.24 and one flight came to readiness and the other to 15 mins. at 13.00 a state which continued until 23.00. Some training flying was done during the forenoon and S/L. A. Gabszewicz the squadron’s late commander, did a circular trip on duty via Kenley, Ford, Tangmere, Kenley, Croydon and return to Heston in a Spitfire. A Rodeo operation, participated in by S/L. J. Zurakowski, F/O’s. J. Dec, A. Polec, L. Zakrzewski, J. Piotrowski, P/O’s. J. Szymankiewicz, W. Balon, and M. Wyszkowski, F/Sgts. Gawlewicz, K. and Sumara, K. and Sgts. Wisniewski and Ciechanowicz, was the primary feature of the day. This commenced at 20.50. hrs. and the squadron detailed to fly as bottom squadron of their wing, made good rendezvous below 500ft. at West Malling. Course was set for North Foreland still below 500ft. and following an increase in height to 23,000ft. during the flight across the channel, landfall was made near Boxyde. The Wing flew deeper than the scheduled route going South of Furness, South of Bergues and out West of Gravelines. At this point a right turn was made and the squadron circled off the French coast between here and Furness and then course was set for home. Moderate flak was encountered at Dunkirk, good for height but in front, and nothing of further interest was seen . 10 a/c. landed at base and 2 at Horsham St. Faith, and the day closed with release of the pilots at 23.40.

1942-06-23

Heston.

The state of preparedness for the whole squadron throughout the day was 120 mins. available, with the exception of a short period during the forenoon when one section was at readiness. Very little flying was carried out and the day was comparatively uneventful. Pilots were released at 23.24 hrs.

1942-06-24

The day commenced with the squadron at 30 minutes available, and it fluctuated rather eratically during the course of the day, but for the greater part of the period after 09.10, the pilots were released from the station. Several aircraft were tested subsequent to servicing, practise attacks, aerobatics and cine camera gun exercises were carried out, but apart from this programme of non-operational flying, the day lacked incident.

1942-06-25

Once again today the greater part of the day was given up wholly to training, the day lacked incident. Once again today the greater part of the day was given up wholly to training, the squadron, having come to 30 minutes available at 04.25, being released for training for the remainder of the day, from 10-40. During the forenoon the squadron was honoured by a visit of Air Commodore H.R.H. the Duke of Kent. The visit was informal and there was no ceremonial, but His Royal Highness met all officers and pilots outside “A” Flight Dispersal, shook hands with each one individually, and held a short but pleasant conversation with each. He walked through “A” Flight dispersal point, signed the squadron diary and proceeded to inspect the Polish Rest Room and Church which had been organized and furnished entirely by the Squadron. His visit was much appreciated by all concerned. Some training flying was done during the day, and all pilots were released from station at 18.30.

1942-06-26

Both flights were at 30 mins. available at 04.25 on this day and were released for training at 07.45, one Flight coming to readiness at 13.00. and the remaining one to 15 mins available. Some training and aircraft test flights were done during the forenoon and a similar programme continued throughout the afternoon. P/O. B. Balon, F/S. Gawlewicz, K, and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. took part in an air/sea rescue patrol all three pilots landing with nothing to report. The squadron was released at 23.25 the day having been comparatively unincidental.

1942-06-27

One flight came to readiness and one to 15 mins. available at 04.26. on this morning and the state remained thus until 13.00 hrs. when the squadron were at 30 mins. A fairly extensive programme of non-operational flying was carried out, but apart from this the day provided no interesting occurrences. The pilots were released at 16.05.

1942-06-28

The squadron came to 30 mins. available at 04.27 and at 09.50 were released on station for the remainder of the day. One flight was brought to readiness at 10.00 hrs. and the state remained thus until 18.10. when the squadron was again released. No operational flying took place during the day but some practice attacks, cine camera gun exercises and cloud flying were done. The day closed with nothing of interest having occurred. F/O. F. Kozlowski was attached to No. 11 Group for advanced Tactical Training.

1942-06-29

Heston.

Both flights at 30 mins. available from 04.27 hours, until 13.00 hrs. when one flight came to readiness. Some non-operational flying was accomplished during the morning and during the afternoon the squadron took part in a Circus 195 Operation, 12 Spitfires flown by F/L. R. Nartowicz, F/O’s. J. Dec, A. Polek, B. Kowalski, T. Szumowski, P/O’s. K. Samofal, C. Zolcinski, E. Legowski, a. Cholajda, W. Kiedrzynski, F/S. Sumara and Sgt. Wisniewski, taking off at 15.49 to fly as upper middle squadron of the wing. Good rendezvous was made at Pavensey Bay with the other Wing taking part and following two mins, flying at sea level the formation increased height to 23/24,000ft. The French coast was crossed at St. Inglevert, a left turn made and the coast recrossed East of Gravelines. The squadron circled off the coast and observed the bomber formation leaving France and after ascertaining that the latter formation had made a safe withdrawal, course was set for home. Over Canterbury, Operations issued a warning that e/a. were present at a height of 15,000ft. at a point 10 miles S.W. Course was set for the area and the vicinity orbited but only one unidentified aircraft was seen in the far distance. The pilots on landing had nothing of interest to report, and all were released at 18.00 hrs. Extensive preparations were in progress on this day for the movement of the squadron aircraft and a stipulated number of ground crews to Croydon in accordance with H.Q. No. 11 Group signal 0.383. dated 22.6.42. This movement originally scheduled to take place on 16.6.42. was held in obeyance on that date, and further instruction required it brought into effect on 30.6.42. The purpose of the move remained a close secret, the relative details being only in the possession of the personnel whose duties required them.

1942-06-30

The state of preparedness was squadron at 120 mins from 04.28. hrs. until 13.00 when on section came to readiness and remained thus until released. At 06.30 hrs. the requisite number of ground personnel together with reserve pilots left Heston for Croydon and the remainder of the pilots left with all the serviceable aircraft at 14.30 hrs. Apart from aircraft test flights and the flight from Heston to Croydon no other flying took place during the day.

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