Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-04-01

Northolt.

With the exception of a patrol over the south coast, totalling 2 hours 30 mins. flying and carried out by one Section of “A” Flight, the days flying, which was limited consequent upon the existence of slightly unfavourable weather conditions, was confined to training. The operational patrol provided nothing to record. F/L. B. Pietocha, the Squadron Medical Officer, proceeded to Edinburgh on attachment to No. 11 A.C.M.B. for duty at the Paderewski Hospital, or Royal Infirmary Edinbrgh.

1943-04-02

Very little improvement was experienced in the state of the weather and in consequence flying was again carried out on a limited scale and was all non-operational. The day was comparatively uninteresting.

1943-04-03

Weather conditions were much improved on this day and practice flying including Air to Air Firing and a Cine Camera Gun exercise were carried out in the forenoon. At 12.35. one Section of “B” Flight carried out an operational patrol over the south coast and channel, the flight concluding at 14.10. and proving without incident. At 15.15. hrs. 9 Spitfires of the squadron flown by S.L. Trzebinski, F/O’s J. Siekierski, J. Szymankiewicz. P. Karnkowski. F/L. S. Stegman, P/O. M. Maciejowski, F/S. Sumara, K. and Sgts. Wlosok – Nawarski and Bartlomiejczyk, C. left base to Carry out a fighter sweep from West of Le Havre to Fecamps. The English coast was left at low level at Shoreham, the squadron climbing from thence onwards until they were 5 miles west of Le Havre at 27,000ft. From here a left turn was made and flight continued in a N.E. direction east of Le Havre. In the meantime No. 316 Squadron had taken off from Northolt to follow the same course as the squadron and at this point Operations informed the Wing of a German Rescue Boat and patrolling aircraft 10 miles North of St. Valery-en-Caux. The Wing Leader ordered the two squadrons to join. The squadron, therefore, orbited Le Havre and having joined forces with No. 315 squadron, reduced height to 17,000ft. and patrolled along the French coast as far as St. Valery-en-Caux. The rescue boat was not sighted and the formation turned towards Etretat, climbing to 24,000ft. and again turned east and dived along the coast out of the sun. The action produced no results and the Wing again climbed westwards and repeated their dive towards St. Valery, but this time continued further east and sighted the German boat about 10 miles N.N.W. of Dieppe. The squadron was instructed to remain at 20,000ft. as top cover, whilst No. 315 Squadron maneuvered to approach out of the sun. Two sections of 4 F.W. 190’s were seen orbiting over the boat in opposite directions at 2,000ft. As soon as No. 315 Squadron approached the e/a. withdrew and the boat made off at full speed towards Dieppe. One section of the e/a. flew towards Dieppe and the other to the east. They were followed by the Wing Leader and one Section of No. 315 Squadron, one F.W. 190 being claimed as destroyed by the Wing Commander. All aircraft of the squadron made an intermidiate landing at Ford before returning to base later in the day. The remainder of the day was uninteresting.

1943-04-04

Very little flying was executed in the forenoon, but at 13.45. hrs. 9 Spitfires of the squadron flown by S/L. J. Trzebinski, F/L. W. Gnys, F/O’s B. Geca, T. Legowski, L. Zakrzewski, P/O. W. Kiedrzynski, and Sgts. Zygarlicki, L, Szymanski, T. and Ciechanowicz, w. took off as part of the Northolt Wing to participate in a “Ramrod” as second withdrawal cover to 70 Fortresses attacking Billencourt. The English coast was crossed between Beachy Head and Newhaven and French landfall made at St. Valery-en-Caux. The Wing proceeding to Rouen where the Fortresses were seen coming from the South – east at heights varying above 25,000ft. The Wing climbed to 27/28,000ft. and turned left to cover the last two boxes of bombers. On an occasion during the turn and one immediately afterwards the bombers formation was attacked by a single F.W. 190, the first attack resulting in one of the Fortresses being left smoking, but able to keep formation, and the second in the destruction of the latter e/a. by a No. 315 Squadron pilot, the enemy pilot being seen to bale out. About 10 miles North of Rouen, the Wing was attacked by 15 F.W.190’s, from above, abeam and behind. The Wing broke formation and combats ensured, during which two F.W. 190’s were seen to collide and one Spitfire to go down without a wing. On crossing the French coast West of St. Valery-en-Caux two further groups of F.W. 190’s. were seen below the bombers flying in the same direction and climbing, but none of these were seen to attack. The Fortresses were escorted to the English coast, when the Wing left them to return to base. One Spitfire flown by F/O. B. Geca failed to return from the operation and no information regarding the possible fate of the pilot or aircraft is available. Patrols over the channel, by a Section of each of “A” and “B” Flights commencing at 19.40 and 20.20 hours respectively and both concluding at 20.55. The patrols, similar to the remainder of the day, were unincidental.

1943-04-05

Northolt.

At 14.30 hours, 10 aircraft of the squadron, flown by G/Cpt. Pawlikowski, S/L. Trzebinski, F/L. S. Stegman, F/O’s A. Prochnicki, J. Szymankiewicz, C. Jaworowski, F/S’s. Sumara, K. and Wisniewski, W. and Sgts. Bartlomiejczyk, C. and Syperek, K. took off as part of the Northolt Wing which was to provide Second Fighter cover to a force of Fortresses attacking a target at Antwerp. After crossing the English coast the Wing saw the Fortresses approaching from the south, and orbited to await them, joining the last box and following course to Ostend. Three bombers turned back at varying intervals across the channel, the last after a burst of flak from Ostend, accurate for height. Near Bruges, where flak was also experienced, three FW.190’s were observed below and to starboard, but these made no attempt to approach. Later a further six e/a. were sighted below, but these disappeared to the East. Near Sea Van Gent, three FW.190’s attacked the third box of bombers from above and ahead and dived straight through, the results being unobserved. When five miles North of St. Nicholas, 8 e/a. with yellow noses attacked the leading box of bombers and the Fortresses were seen to be returning the fire. Shortly after this the Wing left the bombers and proceeded homewards without incident. Prior and subsequent to this operation flying was limited and there was nothing to report from other departments.

1943-04-06

At 14.35 hrs. 9 Spitfires flown by F/L. W. Gnys, F/O’s A. Cholajda, L. Kondracki, T. Legowski, P/O. M. Maciejowski, F/S. Galllus, P. and Sgts. Ciechanowicz, W. and Wlosok Nawarski, S. took off as part of the Northolt Wing to provide First Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons attacking St. Omer. French landfall was made east of Dunkirk from whence course was set via Cassel, east of St. Omer. A left hand turn near Aire which was continued back past St. Omer to Audincq. The Wing leaving the French coast at a point south of Ambleteuse. No e/a. or flak were seen at any time, nor were the Bamphoons Seen. Apart from the operation there is nothing of importance to record on this day.

1943-04-07

Very strong wind, and poor weather conditions is general, caused a limitation of flying on this day and the day was uninteresting.

1943-04-08

Prior to noon flying was of a non-operational category. At 15.00 hours 9 Spitfires flown by S/L. M. Trzebinski, F/L. W. Gnys, F/O’s s. Litak, A. Cholajda, L. Kondracki, T. Legowski, F/S. Gallus, P. and Sgts. Bartlomiejczyk, C, and Ciechanowicz, W. took off as part of the Northolt Wing, led by W/Cdr. W. Kolaczkowski, to provide the Second Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons carrying out an attack to Caen aerodrome. The Wing flew at low level to Selsey Bill and after 9 mins. flying at sea level began to climb to make French landfall at 24/25,000ft. N.E. of Isigny. From this point they swept, at the same height over Caen, east of Le Havre and Fecamp, returning to Selsey Bill, having encountered neither e/a. or flak. Nothing of further importance occurred until 18.44 hrs. when a second operation was partaken in by 8 Spitfires flown by S/L. J. Trzebinski, F/L. W. Gnys, F/O’s S. Litak, T. Legowski, L. Kondracki. F/S. Gallus, P. and Sgts. Bartlomiejczyk, C. and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. as part of the Northolt Wing, which was to act as a Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons attacking Tricqueville Aerodrome, The squadron flew low to Shoreham and flew for some distance at sea level. 25 miles North of Etretat, Operations ordered increase of height o 30,000ft. and shortly afterwards issued warning of e/a. at 20,000ft. over Rouen. The Wing climbed in wide “S” turns and finally made landfall at Fecamp at 26/27,000ft., then flew South-west to gain position up-sun. North of Le Havre another warning was received by the Wing of e/a. over Fecamp, and shortly afterwards of further e/a. over Tricqueville. After sweeping around Le Havre and North of Tricqueville, without seeing any e/a. the Wing proceeded over Hanfleur, West of Le Havre and then along the coast over Etretat to east of Fecamp, without seeing any e/a. or experiencing any flak. The French coast was left at St. Valery-en-Caux and the English coast crossed near Shoreham, all aircraft landing to base. Nothing further to report on this day.

1943-04-09

Northolt.

The weather being unsuitable for offensive operations, confined the activity of the squadron to practice flying, the greater part of which consisted of Air to Air Firing. Nothing further to report.

1943-04-10

The days aerial activity was devoted, for the greater part, to Air to Ground firing practice, and no operational flying was executed. On the whole, the period lacked incident.

1943-04-11

he squadron on this day was involved in only one operational patrol which was carried out by one section of “A” Flight following instructions to “scramble”, and which concluded after 50 mins. having provided no incident. The remainder of the day was devoted to the execution of a varied practice flying programme and nothing occurred which would merit its recording.

1943-04-12

The unfavourable state of the weather caused a limitation of flying and nothing of comparative interest took place.

1943-04-13

Similar weather conditions to those existing yesterday and the only aerial activity was the delivery of a Spitfire to Hamble for modification and the collection on one in which the modification had been incorporated, from the same place. F/O. R.M. Milne, the British Intelligence Officer met with an unfortunate accident on this date when a fall down the stationary of his billet resulted in his being admitted to Hillingdon County Hospital with suspected serious injuries to the spine.

1943-04-14

An appreciable improvement in weather condition experienced on this day and every advantage was taken to utilize the change. Some practice flying was done in the forenoon and in the afternoon a “scramble” patrol was carried out by a Section of “A” Flight, this commencing at 13.55. and concluding at 15.15.The pilots had nothing to report. At 15.20. 10 Spitfires IX, as part of the Northolt Wing, led by W/C. W. KOLACZKOWSKI, and flown by S/L. J. ZURAKOWSKI. (Sector Gunnery Instructor) and the Squadron ex. Commander) S/L. M. TRZEBINSKI, F/L. S. STEGMAN, F/O. J. SZYMANKIEWICZ, F/O. Z. PRZYGODZKI, F/S. SUMARA, K. SGT. SZYMANSKI, T. SGT. MURKOWSKI, A, SGT. ZYGARLICKI, L. AND SGT. PLENKIEWICZ, A. took off as Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons carrying out an attack on Tricqueville Aerodrome. The Wing crossed the English coast at Shoreham below 500 ft. and flew for ten minutes at sea level, climbing after that until about 10 miles N. of Cap d’Antifer. Warning was received from Operation that e/a. were to the west at 15,000 ft. The Wing turned west, but on receipt of instructions that the e/a were continuing to fly west, they turned back to assume their previous course, crossing the French coast between Cap d’Antifer and Le Havre. At Tricqueville the formation turned round and when about halfway between there and Fecamp were given a course by Operations. 10 miles from the French coast one Spitfire turned to fly back towards France and R/T. Investigation revealed that it was the intention of the pilot to fly along the French coast towards Boulogne and make a short Channel crossing. The Spitfire was ascertained to be a 315 Squadron aircraft. Course was pursued in a turn towards Beachy Head and the Wing then received a vector from Operations who said that there may be e/a. in the area. No e/a were seen, however, and the turn towards BEACHY HEAD was continued flight being made up mid-channel to conclude after the Wing had made one orbit off BOULOGNE, and crossed the English coast at DUNGENESS. A difficult landing was brought to a successful conclusion by F/L. S. STEGMAN, one tyre of whose aircraft burst during the take-off. The officer landed with undercarriage down and was able to avoid his aircraft leaving the runway, but was unable to prevent it from tipping up onto its nose and damaging the propeller. Further, but limited, practice flying was carried out subsequent to the operation but this provided nothing of interest to record.

1943-04-15

Weather conditions for flying became ideal in the late morning and some practice flying was carried out. At 13.55, 10 Spitfires IX, including those flown by G/CPT. ROBINSON, the Station Commander, G/SPT. MUMLER, the Polish Station Commander, and W/C. KOLACZKOWSKI, the Wing Commander Flying, took off as part of the Polish Wing which was to provide Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons attacking Tricqueville. The Wing flew at low level to SHOREHAM and from thence at sea level for four minutes after which they began to climb to reach the French coast between ETRETAT and FECAMP at 18,000 ft. The target was reached at 21/24,000ft, a left turn then made to ST. VALERY and course followed along the French coast, Channel crossing being made from DIEPPE to BEACHY HEAD, Neither flak nor e/a were seen at any time. Visibility at all times during the operation was excellent. In addition to the Station and Wing Commander, F/O. A. PROCHNICKI, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, P/O. W. KIEDRZYNSKI, F/S. WISNIEWSKI, W. F/S. GALLUS, P. SGT. BIELICKI, W. AND SGT. WLOSOK-NAWARSKI, S. participated

1943-04-16

Northolt.

A day of extreme activity which commenced at 07.40 when 9 Spitfires flown by S/L. J. TRZEBISNKI, F/L. S. STEGMAN.F/O. J. SIEKIERSKI, F/O. J. SZYMANKIEWICZ, F/O. M. ZOLCINSKI, F/S. SUMARA, K. F/S. WISNIEWSKI, W. and SGT. WLOSOK NAWARSKI, S. formed part of the Northolt Wing led by W/C. W. KOLACZKOWSKI to act as Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons detailed to attack TRICQUEVILLE Aerodrome. SHOREHAM was reached below 500 ft. and the formation flew at sea level for the next ten minutes, beginning after that to climb towards ST. VALERY. When just north of three, Operations warned of 6 e/a. in the ROUEN area and on crossing the coast they received a further warning of 6-9 e/a. over FECAMP. The Wing turned towards FECAMP. but saw no e/a. Course was followed throughout a left hand turn to TRICQUEVILLE, and from thence in a vide left hand turn to ETRETAT. Just inside the French coast two Spitfire Squadrons were seen by the pilots, below the Wing and flying in a N.E. direction. In the ETRETAT area Operations warned of 6 e/a. over ST. VALERY, so the Wing proceeded to that area but sighting no e/a. set course for SHOREHAM. When 20 miles N.W. of ST. VALERY, 2 F.W. 190’s attempted to attack the port section of the squadron. The Wing Leader ordered all aircraft to turn back and some pilots fired at long range at the e/a. as they dived towards France, but without results. The formation turned for SHOREHAM and after the Wing Leader had carried out an attack on a single F.W. 190. which was getting into position to attack No. 315 Squadron, and seen cannon strikes, the Wing crossed the English coast between SHOREHAM and BRIGHTON and landed at base at 09.30.
A second operation took place commencing at 13.30 when 10 Spitfires, the pilots of which were S/L. J. ZURAKOWSKI (Sector Gunnery Instructor) F/L. W. GNYS, F/O. A. PROCHNICKI, F/O. Z. PRZYGODZKI, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, F/O. C. JAWOROWSKI, P/O. T. KARNKOWSKI, SGT. ZYGARLICKI, L, SGT. SZTUKA, S. and SGT. PLENKIEWICZ, A. took off as part of the Northolt Polish Wing to escort a formation of Venturas attacking the chemical works at OSTEND. Rendezvous was made with 11 Venturas below 500 feet at CLACTON from whence the formation flew at sea level for 6 minutes and then proceeded to climb towards the target. Landfall at the Belgian coast was made slightly N.E. of OSTEND and bombing was done in a N. to S. run. Just before reaching the Belgian coast o make exit a warning was received from Operations of e/a. to the north east of OSTEND. No. 303 Squadron carried on with the bombers whilst our formation remained with No. 315 Squadron, the enemy aircraft however, were not sighted. A moderate amount of flak was encountered from the OSTEND area, but no casualties were suffered, although 3 bombers broke formation and turned back for home at varying tomes during the operation. The pilots reported clear weather over France and a haze over the channel.
Little further apart from routine practice occurred until the squadron took off on its third operation on the day when at 17.25. 9 Spitfires took off flown by S/L. M. TRZEBINSKI, F/L. W. GNYS, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, F/O. C. JAWOROWSKI, F/O. J. SIEKIERSKI, F/O. A. PROCHNICKI, F/O. Z. PRZYGODZKI, P/O. T. KARNKOWSKI and SGT. PLENKIEWICZ, A. took off to form part of the Northolt Polish Wing detailed as First Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons carrying out an attack on TRICQUEVILLE aerodrome. Shore was left at below 500 ft. and the Wing started to climb following a course CAP D’ANTIFER to TRICQUEVILLE where they turned left. Operations issued three warnings of e/a. in various areas, but none of these were seen, and the flight continued without incident via BRIGHTON to base. NOTHING of further interest took place.

1943-04-17

Northolt.

At 07.30 hours one Section of “A” Flight was instructed to ‘scramble” and at 11.35. a similar duty was carried out by a Section of ”B” Flight, the patrols which involved 2 hours and 3 hours flying respectively, being reported by the pilots as being completely without incident. At 14.25. 10 Spitfires IX flown by G/CPT. ROBINSON, W/C. KOLACZKOWSKI, F/O. J. SZYMANKIEWICZ, F/O. S. LITAK, F/O. M. ŻÓŁCIŃSKI, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, F/O. T. LEGOWSKI, F/O. SCHMIDT (No. 315 Squadron) SGT. GRZYWACZ, F. and SGT. CIECHANOWICZ, W. took off in company with No. 315 Squadron to act as Second Fighter Echelon to 12 Venturas carrying out an attack on ABBEVILLE Marshalling Yards. Channel crossing began at NORTH FORELAND and MARDYCK was reached at 15.04. course being continued to 15 miles south of the latter place, when Operations gave a course of 210 degrees. When over MONTREUIL area at 15.13. 10-12 unidentified aircraft were seen 20 miles west of BERCK flying N.W. At the same time seven condensation trails were seen between CAYEUX and LE TREPORT. The Wing were informed by Operations that the Hornchurch Wing was engaged over Berck, but when the Wing arrived, no e/a were seen. From BERCK the Wing flew along the coast to LE TOUQUET and turned south and were again informed that the Hornchurch Wing were engaged over LE CROTOY. Course was set for LE CROTOY, but still no e/a. were seen. One orbit was made over the area without result and Operations then instructed a return to base. The English coast was crossed west of FOLKESTONE. The weather during the whole of the flight was excellent.
A second operation commenced at 17.40, when 8 Spitfires flown by S/L. J. TRZEBINSKI, F/O. C. JAWOROWSKI, F/O. J. SZYMANKIEWICZ, F/O. S. LITAK, F/S. WISNIEWSKI, W. F/S. SUMARA, K. SGT. WLOSOK-NAWARSKI, S. and SGT. BARTLOMIEJCZYK, C, took off as part of the Polish Wing to provide escort cover to 12 Venturas carrying out an attack on CAEN MARSHALLING YARDS. The Wing flew with bombers and escort over SELSEY BILL and flew at sea level for about sixteen minutes, beginning then to climb for he target. After receiving a warning from Operations that e/a. were approaching from the N.E. the bombers and escort crossed the French coast West of CAEN whilst the wing crossed east of the town. The Wing turned right and when crossing near OUISTREHAM received a warning from Operations that 12 E/A. were at 20,000ft. behind them. These were not seen. Pilots of the squadron saw 4 e/a. (type not known) over LE HAVRE and these turned away. When approaching 40 miles from English coast a pilot with parachute was seen to drop into the sea. The Wing therefore left the bombers and orbited the parachute and “Mayday” was given. The Squadron left No. 315 Squadron to orbit the parachute further and information was later received that the pilot was rescued by a Walrus. Nothing of further importance to record.

1943-04-18

The forenoon period was devoted to practice flying at 13.05 9 Spitfires flown by S/L. J. TRZEBINSKI, F/L. S. STEGMAN, F/O. T. LEGOWSKI, F/O. Z. PRZYGODZKI, P/O. M. MACIEJOWSKI, P/O. T. KARNKOWSKI, SGT. ZYGARLICKI, L. SGT. MURKOWSKI, A. SGT. PLENKIEWICZ, A. took off as part of the Polish Wing to act as Escort Cover and Free Lance Wing to 12 Venturas attacking shipping in DIEPPE HARBOUR. Rendezvous was made at BEACHY HEAD and the Wing Crossed the French coast east of DIEPPE, whilst the bombers crossed to the West. Heavy, intense and directionally accurate flak was directed at the wing, but this was bursting below. Several warnings of the presence of enemy aircraft were issued by Operations, but though search was made in the directions indicated, no e/a. at all were sighted. Weather during the operations was fine. Condensation trails at 30,000ft. Routine practice flying was carried out until 17.50 when 9 Spitfires flown by F/L. W. GNYS, F/L. S. STEGMAN, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, F/O. A. PROCHNICKI, F/S. GALLUS, F. SGT. SYPEREK, K. SGT. CIECHANOWICZ, W. SGT. WLOSOK-NAWARSKI, S. and SGT. GRZYWACZ, F. took off as part of the Northolt Wing to provide Second Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons – target CONTRAI AERODROME. Course was followed by CANTERBURY, GRAVELINES, north of BETHUNE and out at HARDELOT, on a right turn to CAP GRIZ NEZ and DUNGENESS. The operation, as was the remainder of the day, was unincidental.
F/O.J. TRUCK was posted to the squadron, supernumerary, from No. 317 Squadron for Engineer Officer duties.

1943-04-19

Weather on this day in the early part of the forenoon, was appreciably good and at 07.40 hours 10 Spitfires flown by G/CPT. ROBINSON (Station Commander) S/L. J. TRZEBINSKI, F/L. W. GNYS, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, F/O. T. LEGOWSKI, P/O. M. MACIEJOWSKI, P/O. T. KARNKOWSKI, SGT. MURKOWSKI, A. SGT. GRZYWACZ and SGT. PLENKIWICZ, A. took off in company with No. 315 Squadron to act as Fighter Echelon to 4 Bomphoons attacking the YAINVILLE POWER STATION. Leaving the English coast at SHOREHAM, the Wing crossed the French coast at ETRETAT and from thence flew south experiencing some flak from LE HAVRE, accurate for height but behind. Warnings of the proximity of e/a. were received on several occasions but none of these were seen. Weather thoughout the operation was described by the pilots as being excellent above cloud.

1943-04-20

Northolt.

The weather was appreciably good and advantage was taken of conditions to carry out a reasonably extensive programe of practice flying, this confined for the greater part to Cine Camera Gun and Air to Air Firing exercises. At 18.10. 10 aircraft of the squadron flown by G/CPT. MUMLER, S/L. M. TRZEBINSKI, F/L. W. GNYS, F/O. J. SIEKIERSKI, F/O. L. ZAKRZEWSKI, F/O. T. LEGOWSKI, F/O. Z. PRZYGODZKI, F/O. M. ZOLCINSKI, F/O. A.F. PROCHNICKI, and SGT. ZYGARLICKI, L. took off as part of the Northolt Wing which was to fly as First Fighter Echelon to 8 Bomphoons carrying out an attack on TRICQUEVILLE Aerodrome. The Wing crossed at SELSEY BILL and made French landfall approximately 10 miles West of BAYEUX, making a deep penetration to 10-15 miles South of the town, when Operations warned of to presence of e/a. 10 miles N.E. of Caen. The Wing flew to BERNAY gradually climbing to 26,000ft. and left crossed the French coast just E. of Fecamp. When just over the coast 6 aircraft were seen to the fore flying in line abreast at 27/28,oooft. The Wing turned slightly to port and climbing up sun to 28/29,000ft. recognized aircraft as F.W.190’s. After maneuvering into position 315 Squadron went in to attack, destroying one F.W. and damaging another. The English coast was crossed at BEACHY HEAD without further incident.

1943-04-21

Fairly good weather which depreciated in the afternoon. Some practice flying was carried out and an offensive operation upon which eleven Spitfires IX embarked at 16.40 was cancelled when the aircraft were airborne and the flight became a squadron formation exercise, which covered a period of some seventy minutes. During the remainder of the day, nothing occurred which would merit its recording.

1943-04-22

The whole of the days flying which was somewhat limited owing to a depreciation in weather conditions was devoted to cine camera gun exercises. The day on the whole lacked incident.

1943-04-23

A still further depreciation in the state of the weather caused the suspension of all flying with the exception of a local flight done by S/L. COMPTON of H.Q. No. 11 Group.

1943-04-24

The weather conditions showed very little improvement and flying was again subjected to limitation. Three patrols, following the issue of instructions by Operations to ‘scramble” were carried out at 17.15. 18.50, and 19.35. by first a section of “A” Flight, and second and third by sections of “B” Flight. The pilots had nothing to report at the conclusion of the patrols. Nothing of further interest occurred.

1943-04-25

Northolt.

The unfavourable weather conditions continued and as a result aerial activity was again suspended. During the morning a Polish custom was observed when all available Officers and men dined together at a celebration which took place in No. 1 Hangar at Northolt. The festivity was attended by both the British and Polish Station Commanders. Nothing of further interest to record.

1943-04-26

Some improvement was shown in the state of the weather and flying was resumed, being however, confined to training, the majority of this being formation and cine camera gun exercises, otherwise nothing of interest occurred.

1943-04-27

A much more active day which was still confined to practice flying. Sgt. Pilot Ciechanowicz, W. as Section Leader took off at 18.25. hours to carry out a Cine Camera Gun exercise with SGT. PILOT GIERCZYCKI, F. and SGT. PILOT PLENKIEWICZ, A. Whilst proceeding to re-assume formation on completion of the exercise at 18.55 hours the aircraft flown by SGTS. GIERCZYCKI and PLENKIEWICZ collided air and crashed, both pilots sustaining fatal injuries. Nothing further to report.

1943-04-28

Poor weather conditions caused a limitation of flying, but this included an operational patrol carried out by a section of “A” Flight, involving 20 mins. flying and proving without incident. F/O. W. FIGIEL joined the squadron on posting from No. 8 Air Gunnery School, supernumerary for Administrative duties.

1943-04-29

Local weather conditions, in comparision with those of yesterday showed some considerable improvement and a fairly extensive training programme was carried out, this consisting in the greater part, to Air to Air Firing at Shoreham. Two operational patrols, by Sections of “B” Flight were carried out following receipt of instructions to “Scramble”. Neither of the patrols, which involved 5 hours 5 minutes flying, proved incidental. Nothing further to record.

1943-04-30

The day opened with a downfall of fine rain, and a local ground haze which rendered the distance of visibility considerably less than 150 yards. These conditions continued throughout the day, and in consequence, no flying was carried out and the period lacked incident.

[Illegible] F/O.
For Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 316 Squadron.