Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-03-01

Exeter

Weather cloudy but fine with the squadron at readiness until 13.00 hours and then at 30 minutes for remainder of day. Squadron carried out with flying training. P.1098 F/O Szulc W. was posted to No. 2 Delivery Flight, Colerne. P.1466 F/Lt Brzezinski reposted to Squadron to Command, on the appointment of S/Ldr Szczesny to H.Q. Fighter Command as Liaison Officer for H.Q. 10 Group. 76748 F/Lt. Niemiec reposted to Squadron to Command “A” Flight.

1942-03-02

Bad flying weather with thick mist and poor visibility. The squadron was at 30 minutes all day but no flying was possible, the pilots more or less being left to their own devices. Spitfire VB No. BL.805 was alotted to Squadron from No. 6 M.U. Bridge North and delivered by air.

1942-03-03

Weather still bad and no flying possible. Squadron was at 30 minutes until 13.00 hours and then at readiness. P.1808 P/O Walawski, J. P.0803 P/O Cholewka, M., and 76787 F/O Sadowski, P. were posted to squadron from No. 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth for flying duties.

1942-03-04

More bad weather with heavy rain and mist during the morning, but this inproved later and some flying was possible in the afternoon. The squadron was at readiness until 13.00 hours and then at 30 minutes. 4 aircraft proceeded to Bolthead to operate from there and one of these sections scrambled at 16.05 hours without interception. P.0688 F/O Wisniewski J. ceased to be attached to C.T.U. Woodlands on completion of controllers course.

1942-03-05

The weather showed an inprovement but it rained during the evening, The squadron was at readiness until 13.00 hours and then 30 minutes. One section scrambled from Bolthead at 11.45 hours, but there was no interception. F.1250 F/O Trzebinski was admitted to R.A.F. Hospital, Torquay.

1942-03-06

No flying possible as the weather again deteriorated with low cloud and heavy mist.

1942-03-07

Cold and fine. “B” Flight at readiness until 13.00 hours and “A” Flight from 13.00 hours to dusk. At 09.35 hours While sections (based at Bolthead) were ordered to scramble base. The first aircraft Sgt Sztramko on becoming airborne, had just completed the first circuit when it was attacked by 2 Me 109s which dived on to the drome from the North. Our aircraft was hit and while trying to complete a circuit was forced to make a pancake landing on the drome. The bandits make their escape as the other pilot of the section was unable to hear sector controller owing to low altitude. Sgt. Sztramko only sustained a slight superficial wound in the leg. Not sufficient to stop his flying again. During the morning S/Ldr Szczesny handed over the Squadron to F/Lt Brzezinski, the new Squadron Commander. 6 aircraft were ordered into the air at 14.30 hours to proceeded on a shipping Recco near Cherbourg. Cover was to be provided by No. 303 Squadron, but nothing was sighted and all aircraft returned safely to base. P/O Zbrozek and F/Sgt Koscik proceeded on convoy patrol and were airborne at 15.55 hours. After about 10 minutes smoke was seen to be coming from the engine of Koscik’s aircraft Spitfire VB P.8564. He turned back in a effort to return to base, but he was losing height and crashed at 16.10 hours. There was an explosion and the aircraft went up in flames, the pilot being killed.

1942-03-08

Weather still fine with the squadron at 30 minutes. Instructions were received for the squadron to take part in a composite circus operation, and 12 aircraft proceeded to Redhill, from where they were to operate, at 11.20 hours. In the afternoon they were airborne at 15.25 hours in company with 302 squadron and were joined by 602, 405, 452 squadrons. The squadron flew at 20,000 feet to provide high cover and course was set for Abbeville. 6 bombers were seen in the distance and were escorted home. 11 aircraft returned to Redhill at 16.55 hours very little opposition heaving been met with on the trip. The other aircraft forced landed at West Malling owing to defective boost. The Squadron left Redhill at 17.50 and landed at Exeter 18.50 hours.

1942-03-09

Weather fine and mild. Squadron at Readiness to 13.00 hours and “B” Flight at readiness from then till dusk. Remainder at 30 minutes. S/Ldr Szczesny proceeded to H.Q. 10 Group a temporary duty. The following Officers reported for flying duty on completion of acourse at 58 O.T.U. P.0803 F/O Chlolewka, M. 76787 F/O Sadowski, P. P.1808 P/O Walawski, J. F/Sgt Maciejowski returned from West Malling, after heaving forced landed there on Sunday. Black Section was ordered to scramble at 11.55 hours. Blue section operating from Bolthead scrambled at 12.35 and Red section at 11.05 There was no interception and aircraft returned to base. Blue, Green Red and Yellow sections proceeded on convoy patrol at various times during the day and all returned without incident.

1942-03-10

Weather bad, with rain and mist in the morning and although the rain ceased about mid-day the mist persisted all day. It was impossible to carry out any flying, but the squadron was at readiness until 13.00 hours. F/Lt Duryasz proceeded to Shrivenham for No. 14 A.A.L.O. course.

1942-03-11

Weather still bad and no flying possible. Squadron at 30 minutes all day with exception of “B” Flight who were at Readiness until 12.00 hours. F/Lt Duryasz returned from Shrivenham for No. 15 A.A.L.O. course. Most of the squadron were released to attend the funeral of 782480 F/Sgt Koscik B. who was buried at Higher Cemetery, Exeter at 10.00 hours.

1942-03-12

Weather still bad and all aircraft grounded for the day, the squadron being at 30 minutes all day except for one section at readiness to 10.00 hours.

1942-03-13

Bad weather continues and the pilots are still unable to do any flying. Two sections were at readiness till. 13.00 hours and rest of squadron at 30 minutes all day.

1942-03-14

The weather improved so that it was possible to carry out any flying necessary. Blue and Red sections were at readiness until 10.00 hours and from then the squadron was at 30 minutes. Instructions were received for the squadron to proceed to Ibsely to relieve the squadron from this sector while absent on operations. 11 aircraft of squadron took off at 12.30 hours and returned from Ibsely at 16.50 hours.

1942-03-15

More rain in the morning clearing to fair weather with low cloud. Although the weather was still bad instructions were received for the squadron accompanied by No. 306 squadron to provide bomber escort to five bombers and to proceed towards the French coast in search of shipping. Both squadron took off from Exeter at 15.40 hours and rendezvoused with bombers over base and course was set on a vector of 200º The ships were seen about 5 to 10 miles from the French Coast in the vicinity of Tregastel but no attack was seen by our pilots owing to the state of the weather i.e. 10/10 cloud at 200 feet. At approx. 16.30 hours the fighters turned for home and when in the vicinity of Falmouth at 17.10 hours where the weather was the some as over the French Coast they steered course for Predannack where they intended to land. On arrival in the vicinity the cloud and mist being so low they searched for 15 minutes in an effort to find the drome, but without success. It was decided to proceed to Bolthead although the pilots were now losing sight of the another owing to the poor visibility. On arrival in the vicinity conditions were very bad the drome being completely covered with thick cloud. In fact one pilot F/O Koc with the aid of instruments flew over the drome at 20 feet but was unable to see it. The pilot although his gauge indicated that he had only 7 gallons of fuel left decided to make for Exeter where he made a successful landing at 18.04 hours. All aircraft were now very short of fuel the result was that they had to crash land in the vicinity of Bolthead. The only other successful landing was made by F/Sgt Brzeski at Newquay. The remaining 10 aircraft all crash landed in the Bolthead area. In the course of landing all 10 aircraft were damaged six being Cat. E., four Cat. B. The Squadron Commander, S/Ldr Brzezinski struck the side of a cliff and was killed instantly. Other casualities were F/Os Kratke and Hrycak slightly injured and admitted to R.A.F. Hospital Torquay and F/Lt Niemiec slightly injured, but not admitted to hospital.

1942-03-16

Weather still bad with low cloud all day, but in any case no flying could be carried out owing to all aircraft being unserviceable with the exception of two. However this was an opportunity to allow some of the pilots to nurse some of their bruises. A casualty signal was received during the day stating that a Belgium pilot flying Spitfire VB BL.463 As one of our replacements had crashed at Leweedon Hill, Dorset, and was killed. 794124 F/Sgt Gallus P. reported for flying duties on posting from No. 87 Squadron, Charmy Down, and sent to ‘A” Flight.

1942-03-17

No change in the weather. One section at readiness from 09.30 hours. Replacement aircraft Spitfire VB BL. 627, BL. 690, BL. 860, AB.925 and AD.397 delivered by air from 37 M.U. Notification was received BL. 927 had landed at Colerne because of the weather. F/Lt Knappe, the squadron M.O. proceeded to Church Stanton on Temporary Duty.

1942-03-18

Still no change in the weather, Three sections were at readiness from 06.20 – 19.50 hours. There were three scrambles during the day at 12.30, 13.35 and 15.00 hours without interception. There was no other flying and no more aircraft were delivered to the squadron.

1942-03-19

Showery weather changing to mist with bright intervals the squadron being at readiness all day from 06.40 until dusk. Spitfire CB AA.762 was re-alloted to the squadron from 43 Group Deposit account after repair by A.S.T. Exeter. F/Sgt Brzeski landed at 11.30 hours having returned by air from Newquay. He was unable to make the journey earlier in the week because of the weather. Flying training was carried out during the day and the guns of the replacement aircraft were tested. P.1466 A/S/Ldr. Brzezinski was buried at Higher Cemetery, Exeter. The party left the airport at 09.30 hours in heavy rain, but on arrival at the cemetery it had cleared up. The funeral was attended by the Station Commander. Group Captain Edward-Jones and many representative from the other squadrons and also by representatives of the Polish Army supported by many of the squadron personnel that could be spared.

1942-03-20

Fine weather and sunshine, the squadron being at 20 minutes all day, this giving more opportunities to carry out flying training for the newer pilots and also to carry on with the testing of the new aircraft. in order to make then operationally serviceable. More replacement aircraft arrived during the day bringing the total to 15 Spitfires, VB. BL.801 from 24 M.U. and A.B. 332, A.R. 340, A.R. 410 from 38 M.U. were all ferried by No. 2 Delivery Flight. In addition No. B.L. 927 from 37 M.U. arrived from Colerne, the pilot landed there previously because of the weather. Instructions were received for the reposting of A/F/Lt. P/ Ozyra to Command the Squadron and also for A/F/Lt Duryasz from operations to command “B” Flight Training Battle R. 7399 which had been held on squadron strength since it’s formation without being much use was transferred to No. 58 O.T.U., Aston Down.

1942-03-21

The weather is still fine with a slight haze, the squadron being at 30 minutes all day with the exception of Red section which was at readiness until 13.00 hours. More flying training and the opportunity was taken to carry out same air to air firing, the towing aircraft being supplied by G.R.U. Exeter.

1942-03-22

The weather all day with same mist in the morning which cleared later. One section was at readiness from 13.00 hours until dusk and the rest of the squadron was at 30 minutes all day. F/Os P.0213 Drecki W. and P.0711 Lanowski W. were attacked to H.Q. 77 Division, Tavistock for Army co-operation. There was no operational flying. F/O Malinowski proceeded to Northolt to arrange about the movement of equipment on the prospective interchanging of stations of Nos. 308, 315 and 317 Squadrons.

1942-03-23

More fine weather with some cloud in the morning “A” Flight was at readiness from 12.15 hours until dusk and two sections of ‘B” Flight from 10.00 until 15.20 hours. Rest of squadron at 30 minutes. Blue section carried out convoy patrols at 11.00 to 12.40 hours and 13.30 to 15.00 hours and Green section 11.55 to 13.35. There were no incidents. Spitfire VB BL. 802 and AD. 361 were delivered to squadron by air. Nothing further to report.

1942-03-24

Weather still fine. “A” Flight and two sections “B” Flight at readiness from 13.00 hours till dusk, remainder at 30 minutes. F/Lt Knappe the squadron M.O. reported back to squadron after attachment to Church Stanton. A parade was held in the afternoon during which the D.F.C. was presented to the Wing Commander (Flying) Exeter. W/C Witorzec) by the A.O.C. No. 10 Group. The D.F.C. was awarded to the Wing Commander for his good work while commander of No. 302 Squadron. Red and Yellow Sections scrambled at 13.45 hours at 6,000 feet and blue and green sections at 14.55 hours. There was no interception. Spitfire VB AR. 329 was delivered from 38 M.U. This brings the total of aircraft to Twenty.

1942-03-25

Another fine day and no cloud. “A” Flight and 2 sections of “B” Flight were at readiness all day till dusk. Information was received that a bomber had come down in the channel and blue and green sections were ordered into the air to assist in the search and also to protect the Lysander aircraft of the Air Sea Rescue Service. Our pilots completed their period by 10.00 hours without having seen anything Nothing further to report.

1942-03-26

The weather is still fine with some haze. 2 sections were at readiness from 13.00 hours till 15.30 with the remainder of the squadron at 30 minutes all day till dusk. Green section carried out a convoy patrol from 07.10 till 08.55 hours and there was no other operational flying during the day. A rehearsal was carried out at 15.00 hours of No. 10 Group Tactical Exercise No. 28 whereby one flight of 6 aircraft together with 247, 263, 302 and 317 squadrons were to take part in a demonstration of the tactics employed by a fighter squadron attacking soldiers, transport columns and tanks. The demonstration being held at Tavistock.

1942-03-27

Fine weather with sime cloud.”A” Flight being at readiness from 13.00 hours till dusk. “B” Flight having two sections at readiness from 16.45 to dusk the remainder being at 30 minutes. Red section proceeded on convoy patrol from 17.00 hours till 18.35 and Yellow section from 17.55 till 18.25. There were no incidents and no other operational flying during the day. Six aircraft took off at 14.55 hours to take part in No. 10 Group Tactical Exercise, the task alloted to 317 squadron being the ground straffing of a column of lorries. This was successfully carried out and the aircraft returned to base at 15.35 hours.

1942-03-28

The weather was dull and cloudy but this cleared to fine weather later. “A” Flight was at readiness from 13.00 to 17.00 hours and one section of “B” Flight at readiness from 18.30 till dusk. The Squadron was at 30 minutes for the remainder of the day. Everyone was preparing for the move on Tuesday and in addition a farewell party was held in the mess in the evening. Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Trenchard paid a visit to the station and addressed the mess for lunch before which he spoke to all numbers in support of the bombing policy. There was no flying during the day.

1942-03-30

Dull and cloudy again with poor visibility. No flying being carried out. “A” Flight was released and “B” Flight was 30 minutes all day. Although there was no flying there was plenty of activity as all sons had to be prepared and loaded into rail containers ready to move. However this was successful completed by the evening, and everyone is hoping for a fine day to-morrow.

1942-03-31

The hopes of the squadron were not realised as the weather was still cloudy and dull with poor visibility with later turned to rain. The main party travelling by rail entrained and left Exeter at 10.10 hours. The time of departure being altered at the last minute the original time being 08.20 hours. Everyone was hopping that the weather would clear in order that the aircraft would be able to take off so as to complete the move. However the weather remained the same all day, and on arrival of the rail party at Northolt at 16.00 hours it was learned that the aircraft would have to remain at Exeter for another day until the weather improved.