Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1942-07-01

CROYDON

The Squadron has it first day in Croydon, but no flying is carried out, partly at least owing to the weather.

1942-07-02

The weather improved and extensive training flying was done. The squadron as a whole was released at 17.00 hours.

1942-07-03

Flying was very limited indeed. 1 aircraft test and one of our pilots came to Northolt.

1942-07-04

No flying whatsoever. The squadron was at readiness till 22.45 hours.

1942-07-05

The Squadron was released for training part of the day and squadron formation flying was carried out.

1942-07-06

6 aircraft formation flying, the squadron being released for training for the biggest part of the day.

1942-07-07

The squadron is going back to NORTHOLT. No flying until 15.10 hours when the squadron took off to fly back and landed at NORTHOLT at 15.25 hours. The Squadron was at 30 minutes available until 22.20 hours. Landing at Northolt in single formation, in echelon, one after another Sgt. Kuryllowicz owing to a miscalculation on his own part touched the runway at a spot which is under construction. Although he landed further on the runway one of his oleo legs broke off, most probably owing to the first impact, and the wing was damaged.

1942-07-08

The weather is not very good. The squadron is released for training in the late morning. Local flying & Interception carried out. In the afternoon the squadron was at readiness from 17.00 hrs. until 22.24 hours and then released. 2 of our pilots took off for G.C.I. practice in the afternoon. One developed trouble and had to land on another drome. No some back by train to Northolt.

1942-07-09

The weather was improved a little. The only flying was squadron formation. The squadron was at Readiness and 15 minutes available until 17.00 hours, when the station was released as a whole. The squadron having been one of the many units taking part in the “mysterious” gathering at Croydon, received a signal from A.V.M. Leigh Mallory (A.O.C. 11 Group) dated 7.7.42 as follows. The abandonment of your task without action causes me as I know it does all of you the greatest disappointment. I wish to thank each one of you for your patience and hard work during the past week. I know that when the day comes you will be ready to strike and strike hard. “Leigh Mallory. Anyone who has read or heard about the atrocities committed by the Germans in Poland can imagine how eager everyone here is to strike at the Germans and make then pay for every bit of injustice they have committed.

1942-07-10

From early morning it could be foressen that there would be no flying. The weather had deteriorated and it was raining practically all day, with short intervals. The squadron was at 30 minutes available until 09.30 hrs., then changed to 60 minutes available until 13.00 hours only to be released altogether for the rest of the day.

1942-07-11

The weather has improved. The only flying though was practice low flying in which ten of our aircraft took part. The squadron was at 30 minutes available in the morning and 60 minutes available in the afternoon. Release of station followed at 18.10 hours.

1942-07-12

The weather had further improved, but it is impossible to foretell whether operational flights will take place. In the morning the two flights practiced squadron formation flying. At 13.00 hrs. one flight was called to readiness and at 13.26 hours the squadron took off for yet another sweep (Feint Rodeo). The W/Cdr. flying one of our machines. The squadron proceed to Dungeness under 500 feet, where rendezvous was made with Tangmere Wing on time at 13.50 hours. The formation flew climbing to a point about 5 miles North of Mardyck but owing to cloud were unable to identify their positions and to follow the Tangmere Wing. Our Wing climbed to a height of 19-22,000 feet before reaching turning point and kept at some height till crossing the English Coast. The enemy was not encountered and all our aircraft landed back at 15.00 hours. The weather over the channel 9/10th. cloud at 7/9000 feet. When the squadron was expected back it was already known that they were to go out on a second sweep in the first half of the late afternoon. The second sweep was going to be a circus 198. G/Cpt. Pawlikowski and W/Cdr. Janus were to fly with the wing. The squadron left Northolt at 18.35 hours and flew to Selsey Bill under 500 feet. Rendezvous was made on time with the Tangmere Wing at 19.00 hours. The formation flew at sea level until 16 minutes out over the English coast and then began to climb. The French coast was crossed at Etretat at 19.25 hours with our wing at operational height. On the way from Etretat over St. Valery the Wing was warned twice by Operations of enemy aircraft to the south, but they were not seen. Further warnings of enemy aircraft were received from Operations on the way back at mid-channel, but again no enemy aircraft were seen. The English coast was crossed near Ford and our squadron landed back at 20.20 hours. English coast and most of the channel had 8/10th. cloud at 3-9,000 feet, thin on top. Visibility over the French coast was good.

1942-07-13

The first sweep a Rodeo was scheduled for 09.15 hours. English coast was crossed at Beachy Head (The Polish Wing only) at 09.40 hours and after 4 minutes flying at sea level started to climb reaching Treport at the height of 21,000 feet at 09.52 hours. Orbited round Abbeville, A.A. fire was encountered reaching 19,000 feet which was neither heavy nor accurate. The aircraft re-crossed the French Coast on the way back at 10.05 hours near Berk sur Mer. When over the middle of the channel Operations warned the wing of bandits on the right hand (North of our wing). After three minutes the Wing was informed by Operations that the aircraft were friendly ones actually. Turned to Dungeness and landed back at 10.42 hours. Weather 4/10ths over France visibility fair, light clouds at 25,000 feet. The second Sweep a “Circus 199” was to take place in the afternoon The squadron took off at 14.10 hours, crossed Hailsham at 14.25 hours, being target support wing for 12 Bostons, which were going to bomb Boulogne Railway Station. Crossed French coast at Le Touquet and turned left not getting ops order to turn right, where enemy aircraft were attacking the Biggin Hill Wing, which received several casualties. Crossed back at Boulogne seeing distant flak. Bombing results were not seen. Weather good over the Channel and France.

1942-07-14

The Squadron was at 120 minutes available all day long. No operational flying although weather here was quite good. The practice flying consisted of formation G.C.I., and Interception.

1942-07-15

The weather was pretty good. The Squadron was at readiness from 11.40 hours. At 13.15 hours 6 of our aircraft from “A” Flight were scrambled, being led by F/O Lukaszewicz. They were vectored by Operations which brought then out into the channel off Dungeness and down towards Boulogne. Near Boulogne the aircraft were turned back and saw two speed boats about 12 miles off the English coast and another four speedboats were seen near the Boulogne area, at the same time it was seen that 5 F.W.s. 190 were making attacks on these boats from out of cloud. The Flight attacked the F.W.s and five of our pilots fired in the short engagement. 1 F.W. was shot down into the sea by F/O Szymankiewicz and F/O Mencel, a second F.W. was probably destroyed by F/O Zbrozek and a third damaged by F/O Lukaszewicz. Soon after the attack our flight was ordered back to base. One of the speed boats was seen on fire, other pilots were engaged in training flights.

1942-07-16

The weather was not very good and the flying was very limited. 10 of our aircraft were flown, the pilots training in formation flying. The Station as a whole was released at 14.00 hours.

1942-07-17

The weather had not improved. The Squadron was released for training from 09.00 hours until 17.45 hrs and then released from the station. The flying was limited to formation and low flying practice.

1942-07-18

The weather continued to be bad, it was raining almost all day long. No flying whatsoever was undertaken. The squadron was at readiness part of this day.

1942-07-19

The squadron was at readiness quite a substantial part of the day, but did not take part in any operational flights. The flying in general was very limited, being a single flight on sector recco.

1942-07-20

There was very little flying, consisting of one aircraft test until the squadron was called to take part in a Mass Rhubarb operation. Our squadron left at 15.46 hours being led by F/Lt. Trzebinski. They proceeded at under 500 feet to Shoreham which was crossed on time at 16.07 hours. Formation proceeded at sea level to St. VALERY EN CAUGX which was reached at 16.30 hours. About half a mile from the French Coast the squadron together with 306 Squadron left the wing and proceeded to Fecamp Out squadron was lower squadron and turned right towards Fecamp. They crossed the coast again just west of Fecamp and returned to Beachy Head and from thence to base. The Operation was carried out according to instructions but owing to very bad weather conditions the top squadron had to join in the ground attacks. All returned to base at 17.10 hours. The weather over France was thick haze at about 200 feet, with cloud above. F/Sgt. Malinowski’s plane had been hit but managed to return to base. The pilots saw the French people wave at them while attacking targets on the ground.

1942-07-21

NORTHOLT

The Squadron was not called to readiness at all during the whole of the day, being part of the day at 120 minutes available, released for training and then released altogether at 18.00 hours. The Flying was training only:- cine camera gun, sector recco, cloud flying.

1942-07-22

Although the Squadron was at readiness till late in the evening and an operational target was expected – none took place. In the morning 12 of our aircraft were flown in low flying practice.

1942-07-23

The weather was pretty good, only one of our flights was at readiness part of the day. The flying was practice, consisting of cloud flying and low flying. Four of our pilots flew to Southend range for air to sea firing practice.

1942-07-24

Extensive practice flying was carried out. The Squadron was at 30 minutes available early in the morning. At 10.15 hours the squadron was released for training, returning to 30 mins at 17.25 hrs only to be released altogether. 4 aircraft flown by four of our pilots left Northolt at 14.30 crossing the English coast Beachy Head and the French coast north of Le Touquet at 15.06 hrs. to take part in a Rhubarb operation. Aircraft operated throughout at under 500 feet. They split up into two sections.
F/O Kratke & F/O Mencel crossed north of Le Touquet, just south of Dunnes. They fired at a factory, railway near Lumbres and aerodrome near Offrethun. Enemy aircraft seen under the tress were fired at and hits observed. Crossing back one of the pilots attacked a M/G post on the sand dunes. F/O Lenczowski and F/Sgt. Lewczynski Crossed just south of Hardelot and attacked a factory near Dannes and left it with fire and smoke issuing from it. They attacked a Nissen but with some soldiers at Camiers They recrossed the French coast near Hardelot. Here F/O Lanowski’s aircraft was hit, his rudder being nearly destroyed. All aircraft landed at Northolt at 16.00 hours.

1942-07-25

The squadron was not called to readiness at all during the day. Many training flights were carried out, besides others, Altitude and formation flying. The squadron was released from the station at 17.00 hours. In the evening and in the very early morning (00.20 hrs) dusk & night flying was carried out.

1942-07-26

NORTHOLT

The morning was spent on training flights, formation flying, G.C.I. Practice and aircraft test. At 12.30 hours the Squadron was called to readiness and at 12.47 hours twelve of our Spitfires led by S/Ldr. Skalski took off to take part in a Rodeo 81. The English Coast was crossed at Newhaven at 1310 hours flying below 500 feet. They flew at the same height for thirteen minutes and then began to increase height. Several warnings from Operations about enemy aircraft were received but none were met. East of St. Omer the wing turned left, one Focke Wulf was seen but although engaged was not shot down. The French Coast was crossed between Gravelines and four miles east of Calais. Over France it was impossible to fly higher than 16,000 feet owing to cloud. A/A was seen over Calais. At the French Coast was crossed our Squadron was attacked as well as the rest of the Wing by 15 to 20 Focke Wulfe. Our pilots F/O Brzeski and Sgt. Grobelny destroyed one each. The Wing as a whole shot down 5 enemy aircraft, damaged one, and one was claimed as a probable. The Squadron landed at base at 1425 hours.

1942-07-27

The weather deteriorated during the night. It was raining in the morning, it did not look as if many flights, if any, would be undertaken. In the Squadron dispersal, a gas drill was being held. Decontamination of an aircraft was the main feature. In the afternoon six aircraft practiced formation flying. Later, in the evening, dusk flying by five of our Pilots was carried out. The following Signal was received today, “My heartiest congratulations on today (26/7) most successful Rodeo. Well done all of you. LEIGH MALLORY, A-O-C, No. 11 Group”. From our former Group Captain came the message, “Heartiest congratulations on the magnificent show today. Well done the Polish Wing. Hellings-Pott, Group Captain, Commanding R.A.F. Biggin Hill”.

1942-07-28

All available Pilots are going to A.C.R.C. for a night vision test. Thus the Squadron is at 120 minutes available. In the afternoon extensive flying training was carried out, consisting of formation, attacks, cine-camera and dog-fighting practice. Flying still in progress in the evening till 2225 hours, dusk flying being the main feature non.

1942-07-29

The weather was good from the early morning. Extensive flying training consisting of formation flying and cloud flying was carried out. By special request from Group a “small” Rhubarb operation was organised by our Squadron Leader. Four of our aircraft, Red and Yellow Sections, took off from Northolt at 1620 hours. The English Coast was crossed at Beachy Head and the French Coast was crossed west of Dieppe at 1703 hours, flying at sea-level. Yellow Section (P/O Slomski and Sgt. Pawlowski) made a slight left turn, struck the railway lines at Senaport and saw a goods train proceeding South East. The engine was attacked head-on, clouds of steam and fire came from it. They fired along the whole length of the train. The coast was again crossed North of Le Treport. F/O. Slomski was seen to strike the sea at about 100 yards from the French Coast. It is presumed that he was hit by A/A when he crossed the coast, such A/A was encountered for the first time. Sgt. Pawlowski circled once but could not see anything. He returned to base, landing at 1745 hours.
Red section did not fire, not having seen anything of interest.
Six aircraft took part in Army Co-operation exercises. Three of our pilots went out on Air-Sea rescue patrol but did not see anything of F/O. Slonski’s aircraft.

1942-07-30

“A” Flight was at readiness from 0502 hours, “B” Flight being at 15 minutes available until 1345 hour, but no operational flight took place until 1640 hours. Twelve of our aircraft took part in army manoeuvree, attacking artillery positions. Two aircraft were tested. At 1640 hours eleven of our aircraft led by F/Lt. Trzebinski (our Squadron Leader being on leave), took off to take part in Rodeo. They proceeded at under 500 feet to Pavensey Bay, where the English Coast was crossed at 1702 hours. Course was set for St. Omer with all aircraft keeping at sea-level for as far as possible. When the French Coast was seen, our aircraft, as pra-arranged flew at full throttle over the coast and started to climb after penetrating in land for 2 to 3 miles. When crossing the coast they vere subjected to very heavy light flack of machine gun type. The flack was particularly good and accurate and it was considered lucky that none of our aircraft were hit. Over St. Omer our Squadron flew at between 12,000 and 17,000 feet and turned left re-crossing coast at Cap Gris Nez at 1733 hours. Our Squadron landed at base at 1810 hours. NO enemy aircraft were encountered. Weather over the channel no cloud, hase. France, coastal fringe clear, North of line Le Touquet – St. Omer 6/10ths. At 10,000 feet, South and East of line 10/10ths. At 10,000 feet.

1942-07-31

The weather was good. Squadron at 30 minutes available all day. Although not called to readiness the Squadron is called upon to take part in a sweep over France as part of a diversion Wing. Rendezvous at Ibsley where further information and briefing was given. The Squadron took off from Northolt for Ibsley at 1425 hours, flying at under 500 feet. Having been briefed at Ibsley they again took off at 1730 hours and flew towards Ch. Maupest ‘till 1749 hours at sea level. Climbing was started 30 miles from French Coast. They flew at 22,000 to 25,000 feet over Ch. Maupert and turning left re-crossed the French Coast near Barfleur. The Pilots saw 14 Focke Wulf 190’s take off from Ch Maupert ‘drome. They also experienced A/A fire over Maupert which was neither heavy nor accurate. In middle channel the order was received from W/Cdr. Janus for a left turn, he having in view an attack on the enemy who was seen taking off. At that moment 2 Focke Wulf 190’s came out of the sun and attacked our Last Section. F/O. Kratke’s aircraft was hit and set on fire. F/Sgt. Stramko fired at the Gerry but did not see the result of the burst. F/O. Kratke baled out and guarded by three of our aircraft, who kept circling round him, descended toward the channel. His dinghy opened alright and he was sitting in it showing signs that he was alright, except for one of his legs which was wounded. One Section of our Squadron landed at Tangmere for re-fuelling and then went back to the Channel where they relieved the other Section who were still guarding our Pilot. Thus he was guarded and rescued by a boats. All the other aircraft landed in Sections at Northolt. Twelve Boston’s were bombing St. Malo in the meantime.