Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-03-01

Hutton Cranswick.

Aerial activity on this day was confined to practice flying, the total flying involving a period of 29 hours 20 minutes. It was made officially known to the personnel whose duties necessitated possession of the information that the squadron was to move to R.A.F. Station, Northolt, the move to be effected on the twelvth of the month. Preliminary preparations for the movement were set into mati on.

1943-03-02

Apart from a patrol over the sea carried out by one Section of “A” Flight, all flying was of a non-operational category. The operational patrol, on which the Section took off to search for a bomber and crew that had landed in the sea, was inincidental. F/Officer J.W. Dec was posted to No. 302 Squadron for Flight Commander duties.

1943-03-03

An extensive flying training programme was carried out including a co-operation exercise with the 59th. Medium Regiment, but other departments failed to provide anything of interest to record. F/Officer J. Szlachcic, the Squadron Engineer Officer, proceeded to R.A.F. Station, Northolt, for a a conference in connection with the position of equipment on movement.

1943-03-04

The Army Co-operation exercises were continued, and were additional to affiliation with bombers, and aerobatic exercises. Nothing to record from other departments.

1943-03-05

Consequent upon the depreciation of weather conditions flying was limited. The day on the whole was uneventful.

1943-03-06

Weather conditions improved sufficiently to facilitate the execution of the average day’s practice flying. Nothing further to record.

1943-03-07

A comparatively uninteresting day during which only one flight was carried out, this in the squadron Tiger Moth. F/Officer B. Geca proceeded to Messrs. Rolls Royce Limited, for a Merlin Engine handling course.

1943-03-08

Weather conditions prevented aerial activity on this day. F/Officer J. Piotrowski was posted to No. 58 Operational Training Unit for Flying Instructor duties.

1943-03-09

One Section of “B” Flight took off at 12.50 on instruction to “Scramble”, the patrol, however, lacked incident. Two further flights were carried out only on this date, this being the result of a cross-country flight to and from Kirton in Lindsey.

1943-03-10

One Section of “B” Flight took off subsequent to instructions to “Scramble”, this patrol, which proved uneventful was the only flight carried out during the day. The Advance Party proceeded to R.A.F. Station, Northolt on movement. F/Sgt. Pilot Lipiec, K. was posted to No. 2 Flying Instructor’s School, for No. 25 Flying Instructor’s (War) Course.

1943-03-11

An unincidental day on which no flying whatsoever was carried out.

1943-03-12

Northolt.

Operating from Northolt in aircraft taken over from No. 306 Squadron, nine pilots of the squadron, S/Ldr. M. Trzebinski, F/O. J. Szymankiewicz, F/O. M. Zolcinski, F/O. J. Siekierski, F/O. C. Jaworowski, F/O. L. Zakrzewski, F/O. W. Kiedrzynski, F/S. Wisniewski, W. and Sgt. Szymanski, T. took off at 11.45. hours, in company with nine aircraft of No. 315 Squadron and led by Wing Commander Kolaczkowski, to participate, as Fighter Cover for the second box of Fortresses in a “Ramrod 43”. Rendezvous with the bombers and the North Weald Wing was made over Beachy Head, course being set for the French coast at 12.12. landfall being made at Fecamp. Course was continued via Candebec an Caux and then left to Rouen, before reaching which the formation was informed o the presence of enemy aircraft in the vicinity, but these were not seen. The bombers carried out their attack without opposition from either enemy ground or air defences. Subsequent to the conclusion of the attack, the formation made a right-hand turn, and after covering a distance of some twenty miles, sighted six F.W. 190’s some distance to the south and below. Operations again issued warning of e/a, and on reaching the area concerned, 2 M.E. 109 F or G, approached from the S.W. and attempted to attack the Fortresses from below. The port Section of three aircraft of the squadron turned towards the E/A, one of which climbed into the sun, the other being attacked and destroyed by F/Officer C. Jaworowski. 15/20 miles east of Le Havre six F.W. 190’s approached the formation from the West and attempted an attack from below. The middle section of three aircraft of the squadron turned towards the e/a, all of which half-rolled in turn and dived away. The Squadron Commander found it necessary the take evasive action on one occasion when he saw tracer coming from the direction of the e/a. Light flak was encountered S.E. of Etretat, but the bursts were very low. Whilst crossing the French coast of Etretat 2 M.E. 109F or G came in from the east and attempted to attack the bombers from below. F/Officer C. Jaworowski turned towards the e/a. and fired a short burst with the intention of discouraging the attack. One e/a. dived away the other doing likewise after it had fired a short burst at the bombers. One further e/a., a F.W. 190, this closing in on the starboard Section of the squadron, was sighted over the channel. The Wing Leader warned the formation, and being unable to get within effective range, fired several bursts from 700 yards to frighten the e/a. away. Obviously seeing the Wing Leader’s fire, the e/a. peeled off and dived away, but was immediately followed by P/O. W. Kiedrzynski who finally shot it down into the sea. All aircraft, with the exception of the one flown by F/O. M. Zolcinski which made an intermediate landing, returned to base at 13.45. The Main Party of the squadron proceeded to Northolt on movement.

1943-03-13

No flying was executed on this day until 14.00 hours when eight Spitfires of the squadron, flown by S/L. M. Trzebinski, F/L. F. Kozlowski, F/O. J. Szymankiewicz, F/O. W. Gnys, F/O. L. Zakrzewski, F/O. t. Legowski, P/O. W. Kiedrzynski and F/S. Wisniewski, W. took off, with No. 315 Squadron, as Fighter Cover to the second box of a formation of 70 Fortresses detailed to attack Amiens Marshalling Yards. Rendezvous was made with the bombers and other cover squadrons at Dungeness, French landfall being made west of Dieppe. Course was continued to the Gizors area, and operations issued warning of the presence of e/a. in the vicinity. These, however, were not sighted. A north easterly direction was followed to Grandvilliers where the Wing left the bombers which continued north-east. Instructions were issued by the Wing Leader for all Northolt aircraft to rendezvous to port of the bombers, and from there to follow a set course. The port Section of the squadron was then attacked by 3-4 F.W. 190 from above and out of the sun, a combat ensuing resulting in one e/a. being destroyed by F/O. L. Zakrzewski. Course was set for home via the French coast between Cayeax and Le Treport, and the English coast between Shoreham and Dungeness. One aircraft flown by F/L. F. Kozlowski failed to return from the operation, and no information whatsoever regarding what occurred to the pilot or the aircraft is available. Other flying included only aircraft tests and local flying. Nothing to record from other departments.

1943-03-14

Northolt.

Practice flying was carried out during the morning and at 12.30 hours 8 Spitfires of the squadron, as part of two formations consisting of one formation of Spitfires V and one of Spitfires IX, which included aircraft flown by G/C. Mumler, G/C. Pawlikowski and G/C. Robinson took off to partake in a “Rodeo 184”, the intention being to sweep the Dieppe area. Ten miles N. of Dieppe the formations divided, the Spitfires V turning gently to starboard, the squadron, in the Spitfire IX formations turning east and making landfall 15 miles north-east of Dieppe. The formation swept round to Abbeville and out at Berek, but neither flak nor e/a. were encountered. All aircraft landed at base at 14.20 hours. S/L. M. Trzebinski, F/O. C. Jaworowski, F/O. S. Stegman, F/O. J. Szymankiewicz, F/O. M. Zolcinski, F/O. A. Prochnicki, F/S. Gallus, P. and Sgt. Wlosok – Nawarski, S. participated in the operation. Practice flying continued for the remainder of the day, but nothing of further note occurred.

1943-03-15

Local fog existed from dawn to late afternoon and flying was consequently curtailed. One patrol following instructions to “Scramble” was carried out by a Section of “A” Flight, but the flight lacked incident. F/O. W. Karwowski left the squadron to join No. 302 Squadron on posting for Squadron Commander duties, whilst F/O. W. Gnys was posted with in the squadron to replace F/L. Karwowski as Flight Commander, and was appointed Acting Flight Lieutenant immediately.

1943-03-16

An uninteresting day, all flying being confined to training, on operation that was to have taken place having been cancelled due to the existence of unfavourable weather conditions.

1943-03-17

Aerial activity on this day was confined to non-operational flying, this inclusive of sector reconnaissance, high altitude, formation and photo-camera exercises. F/Sgt. Pilot Sumara, K. joined the squadron on posting from No. 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.

1943-03-18

No operational flying carried out. The day was comparatively unincidental.

1943-03-19

Poor visibility locally limited aerial activity to 6 hrs. 45 mins. flying apart from which the day provided nothing to record.

1943-03-20

Northolt.

Flying was confined to training and events lacked interest.

1943-03-21

No flying carried out. Authority was received for the reposting of F/O. S. Stegman withing the squadron for Flight Commander duties and for his immediate promotion to Acting Flight Lieutenant w.e.f. 13.3.43. in addition to which authority was also received for the re-posting of Sgt. Plenkiewicz, A. to the unit from R.A.F. Station, Hutton Cranswick, ex. supernumerary non-effective (sick).

1943-03-22

Aerial activity in the forenoon was limited, but the squadron took off at 15.555 to partake in an offensive operation, the formation however, being recalled on reaching the English coast due to bad weather conditions. The flight was converted into a formation exercises. P/O. M. Maciejowski, D.F.C., D.F.M. was posted to the unit ex. 58 O.T.U. for flying duties.

1943-03-23

Local haze prevented flying activity and the day closed having been unincidental.

1943-03-24

Consequent upon the persistence of unfavourable weather conditions, flying was limited and the day lacked interest.

1943-03-25

No flying was carried out in the forenoon, but an improvement in the state of the weather later in in the day facilitated the participation of the squadron in an operational sweep, when at 16.35. 11 Spitfires of the squadron, flown by S/L. M. Trzebinski. F/L. W. Gnys, F/O. L. Zakrzewski, F/O. L. Kondracki, F/O. T. Legowski, F/O. B. Geca, F/O. S. Litak, F/O, W. Kiedrzynski, F/S. Gallus, P. Sgt. Wlosok – Nawarski, S. and Sgt. Bartlomiejczyk. C. took off in company with the remainder of the Northolt Wing led by Wing Commander Kolaczkowski, to proceeded via Beachy Head, to make landfall at the French coast North of Le Touquet at 24,000ft. Extensive high and dense cumulus was encountered East of Boulogne and the Wing swept round it to St. Omer at 27,000ft. proceeding from thence to Dunkirk. From this point course was set along the French coast to Cap Gris Nez. Near Sangatte the formation received a warning from Operations to the effect that e/a. were in the vicinity at 2,000ft. and in mid channel a warning was received that e/a. were near at 20,000ft. Neither of these groups of e/a. were sighted, but on receipt of the latter warning, the Wing Leader reduced the height of the formation from 10,000ft. to 5,000ft. The English coast was crossed at Dover and all aircraft returned to base. Nothing further to report on this date.

1943-03-26

Apart from one operational patrol carried out by a Section of “A” Flight following instructions to “scramble” the days flying was devoted to training. Nothing of interest occurred.

1943-03-27

Aerial activity confined to non-operational flying. Nothing of interest occurred.

1943-03-28

In addition to a fairly extensive practice flying programme, one offensive operation was carried out when, at 12.05. 11 aircraft of the squadron flown by S/L. M. Trzebinski, S/L. Zumbach (H.Q.F.C.) F/L. S. Stegman, F/L. W. Gnys, F/O. Z. Przygodzki, F/O. B. Geca, F/O. L. Kondracki, F/O. A. Cholajda, P/O. W Kiedrzynski and Sgt. Pilot Sztuka, S. took of in company with No. 315 Squadron and landed by W/C. W. Kolaczkowski, to escort the 4th and 5th Boxes of a force of Liberators detailed to attack Rouen. From base course was set for Beachy Head, and two other Spitfire squadrons were met, Operations then recalling our Wing. On seeing about 30 bombers approaching from the north, however, the Wing joined them and took up escort positions. At a point approximately ten miles north of St. Valery – en – Caux the rear Group of bombers turned for home base accompanied by No. 315 Squadron whilst the leading group proceeded as far as the French coast with 316 Squadron and then likewise turned for home, presumably consequent upon the deterioration of weather conditions nearer to that coast. Nothing further to record.

1943-03-29

An extensive flying training programme was carried out throughout the whole day. At 12.50, 9 aircraft of the squadron flown by S/L. M. Trzebinski, F/L. S. Stegman, F/O. T. Legowski, F/O. J. Szymankiewicz, F/O. Z. Przygodzki, P/O. T. Karnkowski, F/SGT. Gallus, P., Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W., and Sgt. Zygarlicki, L. took ff, led by W/Cdr. Kolaczkowski, to act as second squadron in the second Fighter echelon during an attack by 12 Venturas on the Abberville Marshalling Yards. From base course was set via Croydon, where the squadron began to climb, to North Ford and across the channel, where the climb was continued until French landfall was made 5 miles east of Dunkirk at 26/27,000 feet. Flight was continued to a point ten miles south of St. Omer and then north crossing over St. Omer. All aircraft returned to base having encountered flak or e/a. One operational patrol lasting 40 minutes, which involed 9 Spitfires and commenced at 16.00 hours following the receipt of instructions to “Scramble” proved unincidental. F/O. E.E. Bartys was posted to R.A.F. Station, Northolt, supernumerary non – effective (sick) on admission to R.A.F. Hospital, Cosford.

1943-03-30

On this day constant patrol by the Northolt Wing inclusive of the squadron, was maintained over the South East coast in readiness to combat an anticipated enemy air attack. The attack, however, did not materialize, and the patrols were not incidental. Other flying was confined to training, and other departments failed to provide anything to record.

1943-03-31

At 10.40 on this day, 9 Spitfires, Flown by S/L. M. Trzebinski, F/L. S. Stegman, F/O. J. Siekierski, F/O. C. Jaworowski, F/O. L. Kondracki, F/O. J. Szymankiewicz, F/O. B. Geca, F/S. Gallus, P. and Sgt. Ciechanowicz, W. took off in company with No 315 Squadron, as the second fighter echelon to a diversionary sweep by 70 Fortresses later attacking Rotterdam. Rendezvous was made with the bombers near Harwich, and all aircraft flew together until approximately 15 miles north of Dunkirk at which point the bombers turned left and the Northolt Wing crossed the Belgian coast near Ostend at 26/27,000 feet. When about ten miles inland Operations issued warning of 60 e/a. at 15/22,000 feet over Ostend, but these were not sighted. Owing to strong wind the Wing was taken slightly too far south and turned when about ten miles north of Lille. When near Bailleu, six vapour trails were seen above and to starboard and almost immediately 20 plus F.W. 190 were seen behind and climbing fast from the Lille area. The e/a. were closing in rapidly, so the Wing immediately climbed and easily outdistanced the e/a. which were lost to sight. A height of 37/38,000 feet was reached during this movement. The Wing came out at Cap Gris Nez and proceeded to base via Dungeness, all aircraft landing safely. Apart from this operation the day was comparatively uninteresting.

[Illegible] F/O
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
No. 316 Squadron.