Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-06-01

Northolt.

The weather not very favourable, practice flying until noon. In the afternoon 2 a/c took part in a sea rescue. At 15.27 hours the Squadron was taking off for a sweep. Rodeo 66 F/Lt. Trzebinski had an accident when taxying on the perimeter road, his starboard wheel hit a pile of sand not marked on field, thus not seen. 11 a/c flew to Bolthead. Crossed French coast near Dieppe at 15.47 hours, at 25.000 ft. swept north, came out past Treport 15.57 hrs. 15 e/a were sited at 22,000 ft. flying south west into the sun, but were not engaged. The Squadron landed back at 16.58 hours. Orders for a second operation were awaiting them here so they had just time to have a cup of tea and took of again at 18.00 hours and flew to Dangerness, where they were to await orders at 22,000 ft. They were vectored to Dunkirk. There they turned north, then south west and crossed back at Manston, landed back at 19.30 hours. Our two pilots F/Sgt. Brzeski and Maciejowski, were granted commissions.

1942-06-02

Although the weather was fine, the squadron did not take part in any operational flights, as we were more or loss released, being all day at 120 mins. available. Part of our Squadron were at readiness all through the night. Extensive practice flying consisting of formation flying, camera gun, low and cloud flying. The second “4 figure” raid on Essen was a real tonic. I do not think any of our Polish pilots or ground personnel have any sympathy for the Germans.

1942-06-03

The weather is fine and operational flights are for seen. The first operational flight was a Circus 183. The instructions were to fly at sea level and climb hard as they could after 12.18 hours. The squadron took off at 11.45 hours and reached New Haven at 12.06 hours at level. They flew across the channel and then at 12.18 hours climbed as hard as they could and reached the French coast at Treport at a height of 24,000 ft. at 12.50 hours. Circled over the area of Treport twice and then turned homewards. We were part of the diversion wing, in the meantime Hurricane bombers attacked targets in the Boulogne area. Landed back, coming in in perfect formation at 13.15 hours. Sgt. Grobelny who had trouble with the retracting of his undercarriage when flying off for France, made a perfect landing, but owing to the fact that the port oleo leg came off at the end of him run damaged the plane.
The second operation was a Circus 184. The Squadron took off at 15.46 hours and arrived at Shoreham at 16.00 hours. Made rendezvous and proceeded to Le Havre. Crossed coast at Fecamp at 20,000 ft. turned right and swept to Le Havre, making one right hand and one left hand orbit in the mouth of the harbour. Encountered 15 – 20 FW 190s. Although our aircraft as well as the e/a were maneouvring for favourable positions of attack, no combat actually materialised and no ammo. was fired. In the meantime 6 Boston Bombers were bombing the docks in Le Havre. No results of the bombing were observed by our pilots. Set course for Salsey Bill, persued at one point by 4 FW 190s. Crossed Selsey Bill at about 17.00 hours and landed back at 17.15 hours. Visibility hazy, no cloud.

1942-06-04

The weather is very fine and the first take off for the operational flight :Circus 185” took place at 15.48 hours. We were due to rendezvous with 6 Bostons at Eye at 16.18 hours, but failed to do so. We did most the bombers over Boulogne at 16.25 hours where they were bombing at the time. Turned left and flew out past Boulogne harbour at 13,000 ft. and returned past Dangerness to base. Landed back at Northolt a 17.10 hours not having encountered the enemy at all. The second operational flight was Circus 186. The Squadron took off at 19.24 hours and set course for Colchester flying at 500 ft. Flew to Gravelines and reached 26,000 ft. at 20.09 hours. Swept inland to St. Omer and came out past Boulogne on return. Highest point reached was 28,000 ft. When at 26,000 ft. F.O. Koc’s, Solaks, and Kumiega’s engine stopped suddenly. They had to drop to 5,000 ft. before the engines restarted. The Squadron saw 3 – 4 F.W. 190s 3,000 ft. below but no combat was made. Landed back at 20.55 hrs. at home base.

1942-06-05

The weather is still fine and our “busy days” with two sweeps are in full swing. The first operation “Rodeo 71”. Took off at 09.02 hours. Reached Manston at 09.30 hours. The other wings (English from North Weald and Debdon) seen. Came to Calais at 09.42 hours. Flying at the height of 17,000 ft. some A.A. fire which was very accurate was encountered. Our S/Ldr. had a narrow escape from it. Returned via Dunkirk after no encounter with the enemy and landed at 10.28 hours.
The Squadron took off again at 14.42 hours to take part in another Circus 188B. Flew at less than 500 ft. to Salsey Bill and set course for Le Havre, where they arrived at 16,000 to 17,000 ft. at 15.27 hours. 20 FW 190s were seen to the west of them, when we turned into the harbour. Our Squadron turned in a left circle, then right and left again only touching the coast north of Le Havre. They observed an additional number of FW 1290s (six) The A.A. fire was very heavy and wast up to the bombers at 16,000 ft. The 6 Bostons which were escorted were bombing the targets in Le Havre. Bombing results seen to be good. Although our squadron had no combat with the enemy our maneouvring helped 303 Polish Squadron to shoot down there of the enemy machines. Al our a/c landed back at 16.15 hours. Two of our pilots have been posted to fill F/Lt. posts as flight commanders in other Polish Squadrons. We lock forward to the new pilots who will be posted to take their place. Congratulations from Air Vice Marshal Leigh Mallory (dated 6.6.42) A.O.C. No 11 Group : “Many congratulations on our successful battle at Le Havre yesterday. Good luck to the Polish Wing”.

1942-06-06

The days operational flight was a Circus 189. Six Bostons were to be escorted to Le Havre. The Squadron took off at 10.40 hours. We were supposed to meet the bombers at Selsey Bill at 10.57 hrs. The bombers were late and the wing thus proceeded to Le Havre on its own. Arrived over Le Havre and met bombers there at 11.24 hours. 10 ME 109s were seen at 20,000 ft. while we were at 23,000 ft. No combat resulted though some accurate A.A. fire was experienced and heavy haze at 15.000 ft was encountered. The Squadron came out past Dieppe at 11.43 hours reached Beachy Head at 12.04 hrs. They landed back at 12.18 hrs.

1942-06-07

No sweep over France. Some training flying.6 of our a/c patrolled a convoy and 6 a/c had to scramble in the afternoon. A “Feint Rodeo” was the flight of four other pilots, who did not cross French coast and had nothing special to report.

1942-06-08

Our Squadron in the forthcoming operation, which was going to be a Circus 191 was to act as bottom Squadron of Polish wing. The wing itself was the first diversion wing. 12 a/c of our Squadn. Took off at 12.49 hrs. and set course for Newhaven at 12.51 hours. Crossed English coast at 13.08 hours at Newhaven. Gained the height of 17.000 ft. over France and made a great circle inland as far as Abbeville, passed north of Neuchattel and came out past Dieppe. In the coastal region of Dieppe A/A fire at 17,000 ft. was spite heavy. In the meantime 12 Bostons were bombing the docks in Bruges. On way back crossed the English coast near Pewenoey Bay and landed back at 14.25 hours. Cloud 5/10 at 6,000 ft.

1942-06-09

Tuesdays is now as far as possible concentrated to training flying. Our pilots were flying all day, low flying, squadron formation, dog fighting, interception being the main features.

1942-06-10

No operational flying, so training continued. Cloud flying, Air sea firing and formation flying being carried out.

1942-06-11

The weather was not bad but no actual sweep took place. One section which was at readiness had a scramble and a few planes took part in a co[..]t patrol. The weather deteriorated towards the evening and thus at 21.00 hours there was a release. During the morning the pilots had a lecture on “Ground attacks” at the station Intelligence, given by F/Lt. Ramsey.

1942-06-12

The weather deteriorated badly. It was raining with short intervals almost all day. The flying was limited to one a/c test.

1942-06-13

The weather though a little better that the previous day did not allow anything but practice flying. The squadron was released for training at 09.00 hours. Formation flying and practice attacks were carried out. The pilots who came to the office were expressed a wish to get aquainted with a part of the English life almost unknown to them. They would like to visit the criminal court, Parliament etc. Our education officer is trying to arrange something of the kind with the help of our Squadron Intelligence Officer.

1942-06-14

Even the training flying was very limited. The weather had not improved enough for operational flying. The day being “United Nations Day” the whole squadron paraded in the dispersal. In the presence of the W/Comm. Flying, the S/Ldr. and the pilots and personnel, the Adjutant read the order of the day issued by the Chief of the Polish Forces. The American and Polish standards were Flying high crossed over a Spitfire. The simple but [keovity] ceremony made everyone think of the greatness of the nations fighting for freedom and peace.

1942-06-15

The weather bad met improved and flying was almost limited to nothing. There was plenty of hustle and bustle in the squadron. A “move” or at least a partial one was being organised. Owing to some unknown reason the move has postponed.

1942-06-16

Weather conditions allowed practice flying only. Even that was quite limited, the practice carried out was interception.

1942-06-17

Extensive practice flying and firing. Two operational flights. The practice flights were:- dog fighting, high flying, interception. Firing was air to air and sleeve (towed) firing and cine camera gun. The two operational flights were: one convoy patrol off Shoreham, and the other a scramble.

1942-06-18

Weather detiorated, thus flying was very limited. 6 of our pilots took part in Army maneouvres for co-operation with the army. The days was memorable for the squadron. H.R.H. The Duke of Kent came to visit and inspect our squadron. All the pilots lined up outside the dispersal. At 11.30 hours the H.R.H. accompanied by the Station Commander and the W/Comm. fying arrived at our dispersal. The Duke of Kent met all our pilots, shaking hands with each one of them and speaking to them. He also met some of the ground staff. The pilots and everybody also in the dispersal were quite thrilled by the visit. It will be another memory to take home, when we all return to Poland.

1942-06-19

Weather unsuitable for flying, thus no flying at all took place. The pilots are getting tired of this hanging about and are looking forward to some nice weather and another “crack” at the Germans.

1942-06-20

Another opportunity for our pilots at last. The weather has improved and an operational flight is going to take place this afternoon. 3 of our a/c including the S/Ldr. flying took off at 14.40 hours. as top centre squdn. of Polish wing. The wing was part of the escort cover together with the Kenley and Hornhurch wings. Rendezvoused over Thorney Island at 15.00 hours to escort 12 Bostons to Le Havre. They flew at sea level and climbed to 16,000 ft. over target area, picking up the bombers after the mission and covered their return, landing back at 16.25 hours. F/Lt. Rutkowski experienced engine trouble and returned to base. 2 Typhoon squadrons as diversion wing appeared for the first time on an operational flight. Weather good, haze to 5.000 ft.

1942-06-21

No operational flying. The Squadron carried out practice formation flying, sector recco., and a.c test limited the flying.

1942-06-22

Plenty of non operational flying all day, crowned by a sweep towards the evening. 11 a/c of our Squadron left Northolt at 20.41 hours to rendezvous with Kenley Wing over West Malling to take part in a Rodeo 76. Rendezvous was made two minutes early. But Kenley wing was seen and the course was set immediately. The English coast was crossed at North Foreland at 21.15 hours under 500 ft. The French coast was crossed al little east of Dunkirk by which time the wing was flying between 23/26,000 ft. The formation flew south of Bergnes and crossed the French coast over a little west of Gravelines. Over Dunkirk moderate A.A. had been experienced which was accurate for height but wide. After crossing the French coast they made an orbit over the sea between Dunkirk and Calais and set course for home. Crossed over Dover at 22.00 hrs. Landed back at Northolt 22.40 hours. Weather: Clouds 4/10 at 20,000 ft. ground mist at 4,000 ft. Visibility good above.

1942-06-23

Flying limited to practice. Air to sea firing carried out. The Squdn. was at 120 mins. available all day.

1942-06-24

Extensive training done. A new pilot has been posted to us. With all that practicing done lately the squadron should make a good show at the next encounter with the enemy.

1942-06-25

The pilots carried on with their training flying.

1942-06-26

No flying until 16.39 hrs. when 13 a/c, including S/Ldr. flying, took off at Northolt to take part in yet another Circus 194. Set course for Selsey Bill where the rendezvous was fixed with Tangmere wing for 16.56 hrs. Flew south at sea level to a point 25 miles west of Le Havre, gaining 16,000 ft. Turned right to a point 5 miles east of Barfleur, which they reached at 20,000 ft. at 17.31 hours. Then flew back to Selsey Bill and base, landing at 18.20 hours. 12 Bostons were bombing Le Havre in the meantime, we being part of the diversion wing. No enemy fighters seen, and no A.A. fire encountered. The weather misty at 12,000 ft. Light cloud.

1942-06-27

Little flying; weather not very good, just good enough for training flights. G.C.I. and Sector recco.

1942-06-28

The flying, except for a patrol over the channel by 5 of our pilots, was limited by practice flights. The squadron was released for training from [22.00] hours till 22.30 hours and them came to 60 mins. available for the whole of the night.

1942-06-29

The weather is fine and it is almost obvious that there is going to be one, if not more, operational flights. In the meantime a few a/c tests are being carried out. Then 10 of our a/c start out on a convoy patrol, from which without encountering the enemy all of them land back safely at base. The Squadron is actually released for training since early morning and is suddenly called to readiness at 15.30 hours. Briefing and 13 of our a/c in cluding the Wing Comm. Flying took off at 15.50 hours to take part in a Circus 195. 12 Bostons were going out to bomb Hazebrook. They set course at 500 ft to Pevencey Bay as low middle squadron in the wing. Rendezvoused with North Weald at 16.12 hours and crossed 5 miles south of St. Inglevert, at 16.31 hours at 20,000 ft and flew east at 22,000 ft. Turned left recrossing coast 10 miles east of Dunkirk. Left hand orbit was then made 5 miles west of Dunkirk. They left France at 16.43 hours and arrived at Manston not having not any EA. Orbitted in left hand turn 10 miles out to sea from Dover and then set course for base, landing at 17.45 hours. No claims or casualties. Weather 5 to 8/10ths cloud over France, haze over channel.

1942-06-30

No flying in the morning. The first party left early in the morning for Croydon. The pilots will fly at 14.00 hours in the afternoon. The maintenance will leave for Croydon next day. As every move does, so does this one, upsets the normal routine, and creating a hustle and bustle.