Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-05-01

Northolt.

The weather had taken a sharp turn for the worst and flying was cancelled for the morning. The weather improved in the afternoon and the Squdn. took part in an operational flight, Circus 150, bomber escort. The Squdn. took off at 18.40 hours from Northolt. Our 12 a/c were forming lowest squdn. of cover wing, the target being Marquise. Crossed French coast at Boulogne, turned north and started gaining height from 15,000 ft. to 26.000 ft. when warned that a/a were in the vicinity. Contact with the enemy was not made. Returned via Manston to base and landed at 20.10 hours.

1942-05-02

The weather being unsuitable for flying no operational flying took place although the Squdn. was at readiness till 13.00 hours and then released.

1942-05-03

Weather improved and the day was a busy one for the Squdn. The first operational flight was a Rodeo 13. 9 a/c of our Squdn. took off at 10.40 hours. They rendezvoused at Clackton at 6,000 ft. at 11.00 hours. They crossed the French coast at an altitude of 15,000 ft. at 11.27 hrs. near Furens. Swept into France, was far as Cassel. Made two orbits whilst over France. The cloud was 8/10 at 10,000 ft. On the way back the Squdn. was warned by operations that 9 e/a were at 25,000 ft. The Squdn. consequently flew up to 18,000 ft. Operations then told then that the e/a were at 30,000 ft. The Squdn. thus continued to climb reaching 27,000 ft. altitude, but did not encounter the enemy. They left France past Mark. Crossed English coast at Manston and landed back at Northolt at 12.13 hours.
The second sweep was a circus 145. Our Squdn. was part of the diversion wing. 11 a/c took off at 15.20 hours. One a/c had to land immediately as one of the wheels was broken off on take off. The remainder of the Squdn. flew over France reacking a height of 33,000 ft. becoming separated from the wing. Our Squdn. reported e/a at 5,000 ft. above them (7 to 10 e/a). Our Squdn. did not receive W/Comms. Message that the rest of the wing were being attacked and so failed to make contact with the enemy. Orbitted 3 or 4 times over Calais and Le Touquet. Meanwhile 6 Bostons attacked target in Dunkirk. Reported layer of clouds at 10,000 ft. 10/10. Landed back between 16.55 – 17.20 hours.

1942-05-04

Weather fine. This day we took part in only one operational flight, which was a Rodeo 15. Squdn. took off from home base at 15.42 hrs. We were to act as bottom squdn. at 20,000 ft. with other two squdns. respectively at 22,000 ft. and 25,000 ft. Flew past Chatham and crossed French coast at Hardelot. Over France at 18,000 ft. swept inland passing Audrique. Crossed coast on way back north of Dunkerque. Although e/a were reported in vicinity, squdn. did not see any. Landed back at Northolt at 17.05 hours. Weather 8/10 over France at 10,000 ft.

1942-05-05

Another busy day, the weather being fine The first Sweep was a Rodeo 19. 12 of our A/c took off from Northolt at 13.50 hours. French coast was crossed south of Hardelot at 14.31 hours at operational height of 27,000 ft. having been gained at Hastings. Our Squdn. did not encounter any e/a and thus without any engegaments swept round Desvres and came out past Cap. Gris Nez. Landed back at 15.10 hrs. to 15.35 hours.
The second sweep a Rodeo 20 took place later in the afternoon. Our Squdn. was to be middle squdn. at 21,000 ft. and so took off at 17.40 hrs. from Northolt. Although the area in France over which the Squdn. swept was large no e/a were encountered. After having crossed the French coast near Berck at 18.22 hrs. They swept round Desvres crossing back near Boulogne. The visibility was good. Landed back at 19.10 hrs.

1942-05-06

Our new S/Ldr. (S/Ldr. Skalski) is to take over the command officially today. A special parade was arranged at the flights (our dispersals) where quite solemnly the senior Flight Commander handed over the command of the Squadron. The Rodeo 21 was the first operational flight under the leadership of our new S/Ldr. The Squdn. took off at 12.10 hours. We acted as top squdn. at 23,000 ft. Rendezvoused at Clacton at 14,000 ft. Crossed French coast near Mardyck at 27,000 ft. at 12.50 hrs. The Squdn. was over St. Omer at 12.58 hours. and then proceeded to Calais. Flak was seen between Gravelines and Calais which was below then. A layer of fog at 30,000 ft. above our Squdn. Visibility not good.
The 2nd operational flight was a Circus 160A Took off at 17.50 hours as top squdn. We were over Hardelot at 18.32 hours at a height of 21,000 ft. The visibility had improved remarkably becoming almost perfect, so that the Squdn. could see all the Squdns. taking part. 12 Boston bombers were escorted to St. Omer. The Squdn. orbitted round Boulogne and over channel. While flying down sun a group of 20 e/a went by. Our Squdn. did not have time to engage then although we turned and pursued them. Landed in Northolt between 19.25 – 19.30. Three new pilots reported to our Squdn. As they came direct from O.T.Us. they cant be made operational until they have had a certain amount of flying experience with the Squdn.

1942-05-01

In the Circus 164 todays operational flight the Squdn, was to employ new tactics, i.e. they had to leave the English coast at 500 ft. and gain operational height steeply while crossing the French coast. We were escorting 6 Bostons on in attack on Ostend. Our Squdn. took off at 18.35 hours. Rendezvoused with rest of our wing over Northolt and flew to Deal, where they got at 19.03 hours. The French coast was reached near Mardik and we were over Dunkirk at 23.000 ft. at 19.18 hours. We soon gained 26.000 ft. We did not most the Kinley Wing as had been arranged. Operational warned our Squdn. that 12 e/a were in the vicinity of Hazebrouck at 12.000 ft. This went to show that by climbing steeply we achieved the aim of having the enemy aircraft under us. The Squdn. passed at 10 miles east of Ypres and swept round to Ostend. They saw the Bostons there and plenty of Spitfires from other wings. We climbed to 27.000 ft. to negotiate clouds at 26.000 ft. Without any special events having occurred landed back at 20.15 hours.

1942-05-08

The operation was a Circus 166 our squdn. acting as part of the Wing as target support. Took off from Northolt at 18.25 hours. Set course at 18.30 hours flying low. We gained operational height near St. Valery where the Squdn. arrived at 19.05 hours. Swept round there and came out past Dieppe. Nothing of importance, no communications from operations. The weather misty and hazy. Landed back at 19.40 hours.

1942-05-09

The squdn. took off from Northolt at 13.00 hours to take part in a Circus 168. Crossed French coast and when approaching Sangatte saw the returning wing from St. Omer. On the return flight they encountered heavy A.A. fire at 22.000 ft. near the French coast, which followed them 2 miles out to see. The Squdn. flew at 24.000 ft. As they were approaching the English coast on the way back they were informed by operations that E/A were in the vicinity. The squdn. turned N/E and presently 20 e/a went past them and were gone before the Squdn. had time to take action. Landed back at 14.20 hours . Clouds 26.000 ft. and 9/10.

1942-05-10

The weather deteriorated, so that no flying was possible. This was quite a change after the first 5 weeks in Northolt which were rather busy weeks.

1942-05-11

Weather still bad, no flying whatsoever. Just the day to catch all pilots and ground staff for an a/c decontamination practice. We do not get much chance for such practices when the weather is operational. The exercise was very successful. The ‘gas people’ as well as the pilots and ground staff found it quite interesting.

1942-05-12

The weather keeps bad. No flying.

1942-05-13

Although the pilots appreciated the short rest they start getting restive. Especially the Squadron Leader who would like at least to have some practice flying.

1942-05-14

The weather does not seem to improve at all. Rain, wind and cloudy sky. No flying possible this weather.

1942-05-15

The weather has improved a little. Three of our aircraft venture out for some formation flying practice.

1942-05-16

The weather over the channel still very bad, but it has improved here. The squdn. leader get a release for the Squdn. for training. The flying was thus limited to training only.

1942-05-17

This morning the weather took a turn to the better. The Squdn. was detailed to take part in an operational flight. What a change after a weeks sitting about. The operations is a Ramrod 33. Our Squdn. is to be part of the target support wing, working with Hornchurch and 12 Bostons which were to bomb Boulogne Harbour. Squdn. took off at 10.46 hours and flew at 500 ft. to Beachy Head. Rendezvoused successfully at 11.05 hours. They climbed to French coast crossing at Hardelot at 11.25 hours at 25.000 ft. Swept round passing St. Omer and came out part Cap Gris Nez. Turned south and saw a very big fire in Boulogne and reported 9 ships in harbour. They crossed English coast at Dangeres at 11.51 hours and landed back at 12.25 hours.
In the afternoon the weather deteriorated and in spite of the fact that an operational flight had been planed it was left to the Wing Comm. To decide whether it should take place. He decided to have a sweep and the Squdn. thus took off at 15.48 hours. Our Squdn. was not middle squdn. The course set was through Beachy Head which was crossed at 16.10 hours at 500 ft. and climbed to 21.000 ft. crossing at Hardelot. They had to descend to 15.500 ft. though due to the clouds, which were 10/10. After 10 minutes flying they came to St. Inglerest and saw that in Boulogne the fire had stopped. Only three ships were in harbour. Crossed back between Hawkinge and Dover at 16.45 hours landed back at 16.57 hours. F.O. Pucek while making a perfect 3 points landing appeared to have one of his tyres burst and turned somersault. Remained resting on cockpit cover. The pilot was taken to hospital.

1942-05-18

Weather unsuitable for flying, squdn. pinned to the ground.

1942-05-19

Although the weather over the channel still bad the weather here has improved enough for training flights. The Squdn. Leader does not let such opportunities pass and extensive practice was done i.e. camera gun, interception and sector reconnaissance.

1942-05-20

Flying is result of the weather is still limited to practice. Even extensive practices cannot be done. One of our a/c had a tyre burst, as a result of the bad landing ground. This occurred when landing.

1942-05-21

Flying still limited to a/c tests as the weather is still bad.

1942-05-22

Weather a little better. Practice flying in the morning. Two a/c had a scramble in the afternoon. While they were flying the weather deteriorated, very heavy clouds. The first a/c landed but there was no sign of the second, flown by a new and young pilot Sgt. Hanzelka. After two hours of suspense he landed back safely.

1942-05-23

Slight, further improvement of the weather. Flying still limited to practice.
After the busy time we had in April it see[ms] like agos since the last operational flight. Our enemy aircraft bag suffers too.

1942-05-24

The weather bad not improved enough for operational flying. Practice flying [be a] pilots in training.

1942-05-25

Sultry weather but good enough for extensive practice flying. Our pilots are busy with Air to sea firing, formation flying and low attack, it is good but not just “it”.

1942-05-26

Weather still unsuitable for operational flying: Practice flying in the morning. On section which was at Readiness in the afternoon had a scramble.

1942-05-27

Weather improved if only a little. The Wing. Comm. Flying instituted a practice Rodeo. Our Squdn. as part of the wing took off at 10.45 hours. Crossed the English coast at Southend at sea level and climbed to 24.000 ft. at the French coast. Turned at Nardique o the right and swept by Bour bourville, Juines and case out past Hardelot turning to Dangereners. Weather clear over channel 10/10 over France at 6.000 – 10.000 ft. F.O. Szymankiewicz turned back at French coast and landed back at Hawkinge due to engine trouble. The squdn. landed back at 12.15 hours.

1942-05-28

The weather has again deteriorated and no flying was undertaken. At 13.00 hours the whole station had a “release”.

1942-05-29

The weather improved enough for practice flying. Extensive formation, camera gun, practice flying.

1942-05-30

The weather was not very favourable for operational flying in the morning. The pilots were including in practice flying. Formation, altitude, and a/c test. In the afternoon all pilots were gathered for an address by the S/Ldr. The Squdn. Leader who is not a man of many words kept wery strictly to the subjects discussed and everybody was impressed by his speech. He inspires confidence. The questions discussed were (1) Help for pilots from our squdn who are prisoners of war. (2) Behaviour of the pilots (especially the young ones) when visiting other stations. (3) Low flying attacks in France; targets and their importance. (4) Training of young pilots: low flying local reconnaissance. (5) Boost, oil, petrol and revolutions checking. (6) The squdn. flying as part of the wing: discipline. (7) The necessity of identifying bombers before the attack. (8) Air pockets: what to do and what not to do. After the speech the S/Ldr. very understandingly answered questions put by the pilots. The days was nearing its and when [Illegible] land [Illegible] calling for the Wing/Comm. Flying and S/Ldr. Skalski to come to the ops. room. Not many minutes later our Squdn. as part of the wing were circling round the drome getting ready for another sweep over France. In a beautiful formation as if taking part in a parade the whole wing consisting of 4 squdns. set course for France. The squdn. took off at 20.25 hours flying at 25.000 feet. Operational height was not reached because of the weather. Set course at 20.27 hrs. and crossed English coast at Rye and crossed French coast at St. Inglerest at 18.000 ft. Swept to St. Omer and returned via Hardelot crossing back at 21.17 hrs. 10 e/a were sighted near Hardelot, but were not engaged. Weather two layers 10/10 cloud over France, one of haze at 17.000 ft. the other at about 26.000 ft. They landed back at 21.50 hours.

1942-05-31

The flying was all practice, but for 4 a/c who took part in an Air Sea Rescue operation. The morale of the pilots and the rest of the Squdn. has leaped, thanks to the news f the scores of bombers which were over Germany during the night.
Goodbye party for F/Lt. Duryasz, our Flight Commander, in the dispersal, who is going to ba an instructor in an O.T.U.