Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-04-01

Northolt.

There was a change in the weather. The morning was fine but later changed to dull weather in the afternoon with heavy rain at midday. However it remained fine long enough to allow 18 a/c led by S/Ldr. Ozyra to take off from Exeter at 10.20 hours and they landed at Northolt at 11.25 hours so we are once more a complete squadron. Most of the remainder of the day the pilots spent in adjusting themselves with their new surroundings. All officers of the Squadron met in the Station Intelligence Room at 17.30 hours for an introduction to the Station Commander, G.Capt. Halling – Pott, who gave a short address and then handed over to the Polish Wing Comm. Flying W/C. Rolski who gave a lecture and explained action and points of interest as regards the Station. 76811 F.O. Peicz, T. was posted to the Squadron from No. 308 Squadron for flying duties.

1942-04-02

The weather showed a distinct improvement, it being fine all day. The Squadron was at 30 minutes all day, and the time was taken to improve formation flying, in company with 303 Squdn. And 316 Squadron which together with our Squadron form the Polish Wing at Northolt. Nothing further to report.

1942-04-03

Good Friday, commencing with rain and mist but this cleared later and the remainder of the day was fine with the Squadron at 30 mins. all day. More formation flying and during the day most of the pilots were sent on Sector Recco.

1942-04-04

Fine weather with good visibility which changed to heavy rain in the afternoon, but this proved to be the day on which the Squadron would take part in the first operational flight from this sector. The Squadn., led by S/Ldr. Ozyra, was ordered to act as part escort cover, which was being provided for 12 bombers in a Circus operation. The Wing took off at 09.41 hours and rendevoused with Bombers at 10.03 hrs. then set course for St. Omer. The attack took place at 10.30 hours and although the pilots saw many FW 190 and ME 109, the Squadron was not engaged. 303 and 316 Squdn. and between them claimed 4 destroyed and two probables and on the return of the Wing at 11.15 – 40 hours it was found that three of their aircraft were missing.

1942-04-05

The weather is better today with a light west wind, although there were a few showers during the day. Nothing important to report on the programme for the day the Squadron being at Readiness until 13.00 hours and then released for remainder of day. The Squadron Commander took this opportunity to practice some more formation flying. P. 0744 Szymankiewicz posted to us from No. 316.

1942-04-06

Dull weather but no rain, but with a trong westerly wind blowing all day. The Squadron at Readiness between 13.00 hrs. and 18.00 hrs. and then at 30 mins. for the rest of the day. Easter Monday and nothing further to report. 76811 F/O. Peicz was posted to R.A.F. Northolt N.E. Sick.

1942-04-07

Still plenty of cloud and wind with showers in the early morning with heavy rain from 17.00 hours onwards. The Squdn. was at 30 mins. nearly all day, with “A” Flight at Readiness from 13.00 – 16.30 hours. A number of convoy Patrols were carried out during the day, but the weather deteriorated so badly later, that no other flying was possible.

1942-04-08

Apart from some heavy rain during the afternoon, it was quite a fine day. Instructions were received to take part in a Rodeo (Fighter only) operation. Taking off at 07.30 hours course was set for Bologne, 317 Squdn. being in the centre of the wing. Unfortunately S/Ldr. Ozyra who was leading the Squadron had to return because of R.T. trouble and F/Lt. Duryasz carried on in his absence. Landfall was made at Bologne and turned N.E. and crossed coast again at Calais, landing back at Northolt at 08.45 hours. Very few E/A were seen and these were some distance way. The Wing returned without being engaged.

1942-04-09

The weather has returned to normal again, there being heavy rain and strong wind all day. The Squadron should have taken part in another sweep but this was cancelled as no flying was possible. The Squdn. was at 30 mins. all day.

1942-04-10

Fine weather but cloudy, the Squadron being at Readiness from 16.30 to Dusk and at 30 mins. for the rest of the day. The pilots are beginning to realise that there is a little more excitement in this section. that there was at Exeter, there being more sweeps here in the past few days than there were of the wing which was detailed to carry out another Rodeo operation over France. F/O. Drecki had to turn back because of engine trouble and landed at 18.00 hours. The Squadron crossed the French coast in the Boulogne – Hardelot area and an attack by F.W. 190 and M.E. 109 developed into many dog fights in which five E/A were shot down and 4 probably destroyed and 3 damaged by the Wing. Two of these were claimed by numbers of 317 Squadron. No. 780959 Sgt. Olszewski, E. claiming one M.E. 109 E as destroyed and No. 784731 Sgt. Kolczynski, A. claiming one F.W. as probably destroyed. All our A/C returned safely although there are two missing from the Wing. F.P Slonski discharged from hospital and reported back to the Squadron from R.A.F. Station Northolt.

1942-04-11

Real fair weather at last. The. The Squadron was at Readiness until 13.00 hours and then at 30 mins. No operational flying today and several practices were carried out by the Squadron. Nothing further to report.

1942-04-12

The weather still fine. Squdn. at readiness 12.30 to 17.00 hours and then at 30 mins. for remainder of day. The Squadron took off at 13.00 hrs. as centre of the Wing to provide escort to Bostons the object being to bomb Hazebrock and to bring E/A into combat. Rendezvoused was made over Beachy Head with the bombers and also with fighter a/c from other wings. Nothing was seen till the Squdn. approached the target area and there although this Squdn. was not engaged the other two Squdns. of the wing were. The result being that one pilot was forced to land in enemy territory and was taken prisoner. One pilot was wounded and altogether 3 a/c were lost. Against this claims were made for one e/a destroyed and 1 probably damaged. The wing came home in ones and twos and landed at Base between 15.00 hours and 17.00 hours. All our a/c returned safely.

1942-04-13

Weather fine day and the whole wing was ordered to Readiness at 13.30 hrs. Again ordered to form the centre Squadron of the wing. The Squdn. took off at 14.05 hrs. to take part in a Fighter Sweep over France. Rendezvoused was made over [Illegible] and the French coast was reached in the Le Touquet area. Turning up the coast course was set for St. Inglewert. A great number of Spitfires from other wings were seen over the channel but no E/A were seen, and setting course for base, landed at 15.55 hrs.
76697 F/O. Z. Janicki was posted to No. 116 Squadron, Hendon.

1942-04-14

Weather was good and fighter Command seemed to be taking advantage of it for sweeps over France. The Squdn. was instructed to take part in another “Circus” operation with the wing which was led by the S/Ldr. of No. 303 Squdn and took off at 11.40 hrs. the target being Caen. Flying low rendezvous was made with 12 Bostons over Tangmere and at 12.00 hrs. flew on a course of 170 deg. 303 Squdn. and 316 Squdn. flying at 10,000 and 12,000 ft. respectively and 317 supplying top cover at 14,000 ft. The French coast was crossed at 12.30 hrs. and wheeling left after another 10 mins. flying the Bostons were seen to drop their bombs on factory buildings at Caen. 7 E/A were seen and although they were not angaged by 317 Squdn. the other Squdns. claimed 1 ME 109 destroyed and 1 damaged. All aircraft returned safely and landed at 13.35. In the evening 12 a/c of the Squdn. again took off at 17.40 hrs. as top Squdn. of the wing. This operation was for Fighters only. The French coast was crossed at 18.15 hrs. the intention being to make a sweep passing Fruges and recross the coast at Calais. Nothing was seen until the latter area was reached when 6 FW 190s jumped on the Squdn. Evasion was attempted and although 780959 Sgt. Olszewski, E was warned of the presence of E/A by R/T he appeared to be too late with his evasive tactics and his A/C were observed to have been hit and was seen to dive straight into the see about two miles from Calais. The remainder of the pilots did not get the opportunity to engage the enemy and they all landed at Northolt at 19.05 hrs. without further incident.

1942-04-15

The fine weather was still maintained. There were a few changes in the personnel during the day. Instructions were received for the posting of 76748 A/F/Lt. Niemiec to be posted to R.A.F. Exeter and 794124 F/Sgt. Pilot Gallus, P. to R.A.F. Northolt, both N.E. Sick. In addition 76700 F.O. Kumiega R reported back to the Squdn. for duty on cessation of his attachment to H.Q. No. 11 Gp. For Tactical advanced training course.
As the weather was still favourable it appears that Fighter Command intends to continue these sweeps over enemy occupied territory. The Squdn. took off at 14.30 hrs. led by S/Ldr. Ozyra and they were to be the centre squdn. of the Polish Wing to take part in a Circus Operation Gravelines to be bombed by Hurricane bombers. Crossing the coast at Manston course was set for the target area. The bombs were dropped and the Squdn. flew to Griz Nez and crossed the coast at Dangeres. The pilots did not have any engegement during this operation nor did they see any E/A and all aircraft returned to base and landed at 16.00 hrs.
Later 11 a/c led by S/Ldr. Ozyra again took off at 10.20 hours together with other two Squdns. of the Wing. Another Circus, and they were to act as Target Support at 27,000 ft. The target in this case was the area 20 miles west of St. Omer On reaching this area the S/Comm. Saw 4 FW 190s coming out of the sun to attack one of the English Squdns. and gave chase. The E/A then made off without any engegement taking place. The Squdn. then turned right, flying in line abreast and Sgt. Kolczynski who was on the right rear was attacked by 2 FWs He took violent evasive action and managed to shake off the E/A but by this time the Squdn. had carried on, and finding it impossible to rejoin them he made for home and landed at 19.30 hrs. The rest of the Squdn. landed without further incident at 19.45 hours.

1942-04-16

No break in the weather and what wind there was had dropped. Ideal weather for operations and the Squdn. took off at 10.40 hours to act as part of Escort Wing for bombers in a Ramrod Operation, the target being Le Havre. Rendezvous was made over Tangmere at 11.00 hours with 12 Bostons. The target area was reached at 11.40 hours and bomb bursts were observed in the area. Several M.Es. were observed round Le Havre but the Squdn. was not engaged, although No. 303 claimed one destroyed. A/c returned to base at 12.25 hours.
To provide a little variety instructions were received to take part in a Rodeo Operation and led by S/Ldr. Ozyra, 11 a/c took part in this operation and took off at 17.30 hours. The Squdn. was to lead the wing with S/Ldr. Ozyra acting as leader. Rendezvous was at Dangeres at 20,000 ft. and this was made at 18.02 hours and crossing the English combat 18.09 hours course was set at 11.50for Ambleteuse. Flying at 26,000 ft. after crossing the French coast, the Squadron took direction left and then made for Calais, and reached there 18.20 hrs. 8 FW 190s were observed at 26,000 to the right and in front of the Squdn. These were attacked and the E/A tried to avoid combat by turning sharply to the right. However F/O. Lukaszewicz managed to get in a short burst of cannon fire, and he saw the E/A dive down emitting clouds of black smoke a dog fight ensued but was broken off without any further casualties on either side except for one claimed as probably destroyed by F/O. Lukaszewicz. Iperations then ordered the Squdn. to return and crossing the French coast at 18.30 hrs. all a/c landed at Northolt at 19.10 hours.
Apart from the above events one of the airmen of the Squdn. 784588 A.C.1. Wojda, S. was found dead in the Squdn. Armoury at 12.20 hrs. He had apparently committed suicide by shooting himself with a service rifle. This will probably be confirmed at the Coroners Inquest.

1942-04-17

Weather was still fine but the visibility deteriorated in the afternoon bacause of a haze. The Squadron was still being kept busy as they took part in two operational sweeps. Int the first of these Circus 128 the Squadron took off at 09.40 hours led by S/Ldr. Ozyra to provide close escort with Nos. 303 and 316 Squdns. for Hurricane bombers the object being an attack in the Boulogne area. Rendezvous was made at 10.00 hours over Redhill and leaving the coast at Dangeres the French coast was crossed at Wimereux at 10.30 hours and proceeded to Boleugne where heavy flak was encountnered but no oppositions was offered by E/A. The wing then proceeded via St. Omer and Marquise and re-crossing the coast at Calais returned to base at 11.15 hours. there being no incident to report. Ordered to take part in another Circus operation later in the day 10 a/c of the Squdn. led by the S. Commander took off at 15.10 hours. By this time the visibility was beginning to deteriorate. However rendezvous was made with 12 Bostons for which the Wing was to provide escort cover, 317 Squdn. being the top Squdn. at 18,000 feet. The object of the raid being the Powere Stations. at Grande Queville near Rouen. Crossing the coast at St. Valarie at 16,000 ft. the bombers were seen to drop their bombs on the target without being met by any opposition. Turning for home and approaching the English coast the visibility was found to be very poor indeed and it was decided to touch down wherever possible. 7 of the a/c landed at Lymne, 2 at Ford and 1 at Hawkinge. However conditions improved later and after re-fuelling etc. all a/c returned to base by 17.30 hours. 76697 F/O. Z. Janicki being posted to No. 116 Squdn. Hendon on this day.

1942-04-18

The spell of fine weather to be breaking as there appeared to be plenty of cloud variety. However this did not stop the Squdn. taking part in a Ramrod operation. 11 a/c took off at 14.25 as part of the Polish Wing which was to be led by S/Ldr. Ozyra the s. Comm. Rendezvous was made with Hurricane bombers at Tangmere and course was set for Dieppe where the coast was crossed at 15.15 hrs. One of our a/c developed engine trouble and had to turn back and magaged to return safely to base. The Wing flew inland for about 6 minutes and returning crossed the English coast at Hastings and landed at base at 16.05 hours without having seen any other a/c at all.

1942-04-19

The weather is better than yesterday as the cloud seems to have cleared away. In any case there was no operational flying. The Squdn. was at 30 mins. all day with the exception of “A” Flight which had a spell of Readiness from 13.00 to 17.00. There was not much flying during the day, apart from Dusk flying by 4 a/c There was nothing further to report.

1942-04-20

Still fine and dry, but there was a lot of haze making visibility poor. Things seemed to have quietened down a little, and as they were not engaged on anything more important the Squdn. Took the opportunity to do a little Formation flying practice with Camera Gun Training. At 30 mins. all day.

1942-04-21

The weather deteriorated. At 10.10 the haze was so thick that it was impossible to carry out any flying. The Squdn. was released at 15.00 hrs. after being at various periods of availability during the day. Most of the pilots got away from the station by the way of a change.

1942-04-22

The cloud was still hanging about although not quite so bad as yesterday, bur there was more ground mist. The result being that there was very little flying. The inquest was held this morning on A.C.1 Wojda and the Coroner returned a verdict of Suicide whilst of unsound mind which was to be expected. The Squdn. was at Readiness from 13.00 hours to 17.00 hours and then available for the remainder of the day.

1942-04-23

Still poor flying weather although it was dry. There was no flying. The squdn. was at Readiness for varying periods from dawn until 13.00 hrs. and were then available for the rest of the day.
P.0419 F.O. Lagunski was posted for flying duties from No. 316 Squdn. A.C. Wojda was buried this morning at Northwood Cemetery at 12.00 hrs. Everything was done very quietly owing to the circumstances of his death – there being no ceremony of any kind.

1942-04-24

The weather improved again. most of the cloud having cleared away, but there was a fairly strong easterly wind. 12 A/C led by S/Ldr. Ozyra took off at 13.50 hrs. together with No. 303 for another Circus. Rendezvous was made with 316 Squdn. and the Wing then proceeded to Dangeres where contact was made with the Biggin Hill wing at 14.42 hrs. at 14,000 ft. The formation then proceeded to Ambleteuse 317 being centre Squdn. at 25,000 ft. From Ambleteuse the Wing proceeded to St. Omer and Gravelines and crossing the coast near Calais made for base, landing at 15.30 hrs.

1942-04-25

Weather still was find and the Squdn. had another busy day, taking part in another two operational sweeps. In the first of these 11 a/c led by F/Lt. Duryasz were airborne at 09.40 hrs. and joining up with 303, and 316 Squdns. set course for Deal where they crossed the coast, 317 being top Squdn. at 27,000 ft. the French coast being crossed between Calais and Gravelines at 10.25 hours. Proceeding to Hazebrouk 316 Squdn. made contact with E/A and they destroyed 3 F.W. 190s and damaged 2 without loss. The remainder of the Wing proceeded towards Dunkirk where heavy Flak was encountered. Approaching Dunkirk 6 FWs were seen ahead and below and although several pilots of the Squdn. opened fire the enemy escaped as the haze was too great. Another FW 190 was seen being attacked by a Spitfire but it dived away and F/Sgt. Brzeski immediately gave chase And firing a number of short bursts he saw the enemy E/A roll over and dive away. He followed it down and saw it crash into the sea. 3 other pilots fired bursts at an E/A this was also seen to go into the sea. There was no other activity and the Squdn. returned to base at 11.20 hrs. all a/c returned safely.

1942-04-26

Weather fine and Squdn took part in 2 operational sweeps Circus 138, A/C took off at 09.55 hours. They set course for Deal as middle Squdn. When operational heights was approached icing and trails occurred and forced squdn to fly at 25,000 ft. On reaching Gravelines they turned right and and noticed [3] F.W. 190s above then manoevring for attack. One of they enemy A/C dived down on port beam of F/Lt. Duryasz. He and F/O. Slomski and P/O. Kumiega broke off from rest of formation to engage the enemy. They fixed 1, 2, and 2 bursts respectively. The distance varying from 600 – 200 yrds. The nearest distance being in F/O Slomski case. Our pilots would have finished the FW together if it would not have been for the other 3 FWs who had been waiting and now began to attack them. F.O. Slomski broke away from the diving FW. F.O. Kumiega followed the E/A down to 14,000 ft. and just managed to evade violently 2 FW attacking which shot past. The reports however having seen plenty of black smoke pouring out of the FW and the e/a dived steeply. As a result of this operation our F/O. Slomski claimed 1 FW 190 destroyed. Our casualties nil. Squdn. landed in Northolt.
The second operational flight of our Squdn. was a Ramrod 28. 12 a/c took off from Northolt at 13.45 hrs. 317 to act as bottom Squdn. of cover wing at 18,000 – 19,000 ft. Rendezvous with 12 Bostons to be escorted was at Shoreham. Course was set to Le Havre. So as to ‘come in’ into the harbour from the left course was altered a little to the right, when in sight of French coast. During the run 4 enemy A/C were seen in contact with the lowere cover. Result were not observed The formation on 360 deg. course crossed coast north of Le Havre. The bombers attacked the target only owing to the sun and haze our Squdn. could not see the bombs bursting to the S.W. 317 landed back at Northolt at 15.15 hrs. not having had a chance to engage the enemy. Flak was observed some 5,000 ft. above our bombers, which although heavy was not accurate. Our casualties were Nil.

1942-04-27

In the first operational flight of the day which was a Rodeo 3 nothing of importance to report. 11 a/c of our Squdn. took off at 10.40 hrs. from Northolt. The rendezvous was set for 11.00 hrs. at West Malling. From there at 16,000 ft. via Dover our Squdn. flew to Gravelines reaching operational height (25,000 ft.) at 11.21 hrs. Went on as far as Cassel where they turned and set course for home base, landing at 12.15 hrs. Weather fine but hazy as the day before. The second operational flight which was a “Circus 171” was a better one for our Squdn. as it gave our pilots on opportunity to attack the enemy. 12 of our a/c took off from Northolt at 17.40 hours as central of the Wing. Flying at 18,000 ft. crossed Southern to 10 miles East of Dunkirk escorting 12 Bostons bombers. The target was Lille. Our Squdn. attacked a group of 8 FW 190. F/O. Sadowski in the enemy dog fights claimed one E/A probably destroyed. 8 of our A/C landed back in Northolt one at Hawkinge, at 3 at Manston. Weather was fine but still hazy.

1942-04-28

In spite of the fact that we lost one of our pilots in the operation, this sweep over France was quite a memorable one for our Squdn. as we inficted on the enemy the loss of 3 a/c destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and 2 damaged. The operation “Circus 144” Squdn. took off at 10.30 hrs. from Northolt to escort o Bostons for an attack on St. Omer. We flew at 19,000 ft. Course set via Eastchurch and Dover. The weather deteriorated over channel forcing the Squdn. to fly at 23.000 ft. When nearing St. Omer a group of 6 FW were seen in a gap in the clouds approaching from the left. Our Squdn. engaged the E/A and dog fighting developed. F/Lt. Duryasz saw his enemy go into a spin and F/O. Sadowski later saw it in flames. Sgt. Kolczynski fired at a FW. He saw black smoke pouring from the E/A and also saw the pilot bale out. F/O. Koc fired 2 - 3 bursts and saw his E/A go down on fire. F/O. Solak who did not manage to see weather his enemy A/C was definitely destroyed after the dog fight claimed one as probably destroyed. F.O. Walawski and F.O. Mencel saw 2 E/A go down with white smoke pouring cut of them after two weeks. Both claimed one each damaged. On the way P.O. Borusiewicz was attacked by the E/A and was last seen diving towards channel. He failed to return and was listed as missing. 11 A/C landed in Northolt between 12.00 and 12.20 hrs. Claims. F/LT. Duryasz 1 KW 190 destroyed. F/O. Koc 1 FW 190 destroyed. Sgt. Kolczynski 1 FW 190 destroyed. F/O. Mencel 1 damaged F/O. Walawski 1 damaged

1942-04-29

Circus 145. Escort of 6 Bostons for an attack on Dunkirk. Squdn. was part of diversion wing. Took off from Northolt at 15.15 hrs. Rendezvous at Kenley at, 4000 ft. at 15.30 hours. Although F.O. Koc had a victory in that he shot down one E/A and probably destroyed another, the Squdn. Leader, S/Ldr. Ozyra was lost. 7 FW 190s were attacking our Squdn. F.O. Koc in the ensuing flight shot down one. Then he attacked another. The second enemy pilot dived immediately when attacked but F.O. Koc followed him down [Illegible] him. He only left him when the E\A appeared to be out of control. Nobody say what happened to S/Ldr. Ozyra or his a/c but as he failed to return to base he was listed as missing. The Squdn. landed back at Northolt between 16.40 hrs and 17.15 hrs.

1942-04-30

Although the Squdn. took part in 2 sweeps again nothing happened of any importance. The operational flight No. 1 was a “circus 148” Our Squdn formed middle squdn. of escort cover wing. Rendezvous with Bostons to be escorted to Le Havre at Tangmere was at 11.00 hrs. 12 a/c took off from Northolt at 10.35 hrs. Landed back at Northolt at 12.20 hrs. Nothing of importance to report. Weather quite good with some cloud.
Second operational flight, Circus 147 Squdn. took off at 18.33 hrs from Northolt to be top squdn. of escort [Illegible]. Target was near Ableville. Came back by Beachyhead. Fligtht uneventful. Weather good. Landed back at 20.02 hrs.