Polish Air Force Operations Record Books 1940-1947

1943-09-01

FAIRLOP

The Squadron flew to Manston in the morning. Fourteen aircraft took off at 0850 hours led by S/LDR. KORNICKI, F. Several operations seemed probable but none did infact materialise, and the aircraft returned again to Fairlop at about 1600 hours. The weather was apparently too cloudy for bombers to operate. Two aircraft of “A” Flight carried out tests. Six aircraft escorted Mustangs to Bologne, nothing to report from this operation. Our aircraft which had flown to Manston did formation flying for 20 minutes over base.

1943-09-02

In the morning there were no operations. Four of our aircraft did cine-camera exercises 3 and 4 for almost an hour. Later, twelve aircraft practiced cine-camera gun exercises. Three aircraft carried out formation and high altitude flying. They climbed to 30,000 feet.
At 1800 hours, fourteen of our aircraft took off on a Ramrod S. 24 operation led by S.LDR. KORNICKI, F. the Wing was led by W/CDR. ZAK. The Wing was to act as escort cover to 36 Marauders which were to bomb Lille marshalling yards. Thirteen of our aircraft actually took part in this operation. No enemy aircraft were seen but the bombing was successful. Our aircraft landed back at 1930 hours. The weather was rather cloudy.

1943-09-03

No less than 3 operations were planned for our aircraft today. From the evening operation our aircraft were unfortunately recalled. At 0810 hours, twelve of our aircraft took off on a Ramrod S. 26. W/CDR. ZAK flew one of our aircraft in addition to the twelve mentioned. Our Squadron flew as part of the Wing with No. 302 Squadron. They escorted 36 Marauders which were to bomb Bauvais, near Lille. The bombing was good and our aircraft encountered no enemy aircraft. They returned without further incident at 1005 hours. This operation was followed by Ramrod S. 27 when ten of our aircraft led by S;LDR. KORNICKI, F. took off at 1250 hours to escort eighteen Venturas which had been detailed to bomb certain enemy targets in the forest of EPERLIQUES. Our Wing was acting as high cover. Bombs were seen falling on the forest. The Squadron than turned back for base landing at 1405 hours. Ramrod 28 had been planned and our aircraft were in the air. S/Ldr, KORNICKI, F. was leading 11 aircraft but after 15 minutes they were recalled and the operation cancelled. Other flying consisted of six aircraft tests, formation and high flying, the later being to 30,000 feet.

1943-09-04

FAIRLOP.

Twelve aircraft led by S/LDR. KORNICKI took off at 0825 hours for Ramrod 29. The Squadron formed lower squadron of the Polish Wing. They acted as close escort to 18 Mitchells which were bombing Rouen at 13,000 feet. The course was uneventful, bombs seen in target area, flak was moderate and all our aircraft returned at 1020 hours to base.
This operation was followed by Ramrod No. 30 in which twelve of our aircraft were again led by our Squadron Leader. They flew due South to rendezvous with 18 Mitchells over Beachy Head, there to turn left and go straight to Bologne. Bombs dropped all about the BASIN and they returned to Selsey Bill. Our fighters then flew on to base. The notice for further “Ops” was very short and briefing was very hurried.
Once again the pilots took to the air at 1745 hours, twelve aircraft led by S/LDR. KORNICKI and W/CDR. ZAK flying one of our aircraft. This operation was a Ramrod 31, this time acting as escort cover to 36 Marauders attacking some known enemy target in Honebrook, our aircraft flew to the spot. This attack was rewarded by an exceptionally heavy explosion seen in the centre of the town and the smoke rose to 10,000 feet. 317 had no luck but 302 Squadron engaged and destroyed two enemy fighters. Weather was good throughout the day and all rendezvous were carried out without a hitch. Inspite of all this operational flying, one aircraft of “A” Flight carried out a test and four aircraft of “B” Flight did likewise. A farewell party to our F/LT. WROBLEWSKI, Z. was held in the dispersal hut.

1943-09-05

Squadron aroused early for yet another Ramrod 33. Our pilots, twelve of whom flew on this operation were ready for more good flying and. Led by the Squadron Leader, they took off at 0735 hours. This Ramrod was called for the Wing to act as close escort to 72 Marauders which were to bomb the marshalling yards in GHENT. Rendezvous was made at 0800 hours at North Foreland after a timely task. A 50 M.P.H. wind hampered navigation but the formation flew on and targets were bombed to time at 0850 hours, good bursts being seen on the Marshalling yards “concerned”. The Squadron landed back at 0935 without having encountered any enemy aircraft and encountering very little flak. Another Ramrod was planned, take-off to be at 1230 hours but this was unfortunately postponed and finally cancelled due to deterioration of the weather. Four aircraft of “A” Flight practiced navigation flying, besides testing aircraft and giving a Tiger Moth test.

1943-09-06

FAIRLOP.

S/LDR. KORNICKI led twelve of our aircraft on a Ramrod 35, all aircraft taking off at 0645 hours. Unfortunately the operation was cancelled after the aircraft had taken off. “A” Flight landed again at about 0715 whilst “B” Flight remained under North Weald Control in the air for half an hour longer. The real show for the day did not take place until tea time, “A” Flight having filled in the hours of the day with some practice flying or resting. Three aircraft tests by “A” Flight and two by “B” were made.
The formation of twelve of our aircraft led by S/LDR. KORNICKI took to the air at 1700 hours, W/CDR. ZAK flew an aircraft of our Squadron in addition. Pilots were duly briefed and not long after they were forming part of the Wing which had to play the part of escort cover to the first “box” of two “boxes” of 36 Marauders in each. They rendezvoused in good time at DUNGENESS at 12,000 feet and proceeded on the mission which was to bomb a target in AMIENS. It was whilst whirling left that F/O. WALAWSKI, J. on the right hand wing, was left behind while weaving. He saw a Spitfire VII go diving past him and also six F.W. 190s at 8,000 feet above him at 25,000 feet. He dived down and came up again with a diving ME. 109 and a pursued Spitfire Vb as he was giving emergency boost. He of course went in getting the Me. 109 into his sight at 200 yards and left him have it. The enemy aircraft pulled up and at 60 yards from 70° quarter. F/O. WALAWSKI was able to give him another burst, using all his cannon shells and 400 rounds of .303 ammunition. This manoeuvre brought on a stall and spin and when he locked again he saw enemy machined crash on the ground and burst into flames. F/O. WALAWSKI, J. claims it as destroyed. Nothing else was reported on this operation and our aircraft landed back at 1855 hours. This operation was a Ramrod S. 36. Five aircraft tests were carried out during the day.

1943-09-07

Today was heralded by a show in the morning but not so early this time. Ramrod S. 38 took place with twelve of our aircraft i8n the air at 0755 hours led by our Squadron Leader. Usual formation was flown and as escort cover, they flew with the first “box” of 36 Marauders with Lille as their destination. There was some doubt about where the bombers had been and it was believed that our Wing’s bombers had bombed ARRAS. The weather deteriorated during the day and by tea time the Wing was released except for “A” Flight 302 Sqdn. which remained at 30 minutes. Our aircraft landed after their Ramrod S. 38 at 0955 hours. Navigation and local flying besides a test was practiced.
GROUP CAPTAIN F.W. STANNARD gave a party in LONDON for the Polish Squadrons. Many, for whom it was possible, attended.

1943-09-08

FAIRLOP.

ITALY today surrendered at 1800 hours. Today promised to be a busy and the duty I.C. was roused at 2 A.M., 0500 and 0700 hours. with the Form D, zero hour information, and calling for briefing respectively. The Wing took off at 0836 hours led by W/CDR. ZAK, our Squadron being again led by S/LDR. KORNICKI, H. Our twelve aircraft, with the wing, was to act as escort cover to 72 Marauders which had been detailed to bomb LILLE NORD airfield. Ramrod S. 41 aircraft rendezvoused at North Foreland at 0900 hours, at 12000 feet. The Wing covered the second ‘box” of bombers. On approaching BAILLEUL, the formation was approached by the port side by a group of M.E. 109s which were engaged by the close escort. While over the target, ME. 109 s and FW. 190s attacked from above and rear out of the sun. In the ensuing dog flights, F/O. ZBROZEK, J. destroyed 1 M.E. 109F. F/LT. RADOMSKI, J. destroyed one M.E. 109F and damaged another of this type. SGT. RUDOWSKI, S. also destroyed an M.E. 109F. Our Squadron lost no aircraft. The pilots landed back at 1020 hours. Aircraft tests and gun testing besides local flying was carried out.
Twelve aircraft again led by S/LDR. KORNICKI took off at 1705 hours on a Ramrod S. 72. This fighter patrol – BOULOGNE, was uneventful and after 1 hour 55 minutes our aircraft landed again. This operation was like an “antidance” after this mornings bright “show”, to which our pilot’s hope to add more victories.
Special briefing at Hornchurch for I.C.s. and senior Pilots at 2200 hours.

1943-09-09

FAIRLOP.

All Pilots and Intelligence Officers assambled at 0545 hours in the briefing room for what was to be a great day. We were briefed on “Combat Operations” exercise in which our task was to be at readiness to escort a convoy of landing and other craft to within 10 miles of Boulogne before turning back in a faint, We wont straight to readiness, the I. Os. Remaining all day at dispersal and having sandviches brought to then and hot coffee for the pilots actually awaiting take off. There were two teams of pilots who flew in relays. The first scramble was at 0935 hours when thirteen of our pilots took off led by S/LDR. KORNICKI, F. They were vectored to within sight of BOULOGNE where they patrolled for nearly an hour. No enemy aircraft appeared however and our aircraft were landing at 1125 hours. The next relay was ready, nine aircraft, led by S/LDR. KORNICKI again. They were called at 1220 hours and had much the same task also covering the convoy in the BOULOGNE area. Landed back at 1425 hours. The last sortie at 1710 hours took 11 aircraft to the air led by F/LT. JANICKI, Z. – Ramrod operation - . This time it was an escorting job to 12 BOstons to 30 miles east of HAVRE. The weather closed down and they were recalled landing back at 1810 hours. Everyone seemed tired and so retired early this night. Three aircraft tests and some local flying was carried out.

1943-09-10

A quier day as the weather was not propitious. An aircraft of “B” Flight was tested from 1440 to 1505 hours. One pilot carried out sector recco from 1700 to 1720 hours and two others of “A” Flight did cloud and formation flying for more than an hour.

1943-09-11

Slight fog in the morning and in the afternoon, a remarkably successful Ramrod 216. The Squadron led by F/LT. JANICKI, Z. took off at 1600 hours. Our eleven aircraft were part of the Polish Wing which made rendezvous and escorted bombers to a target at ROUEN. When over the target, the Wing Commander ordered all Wing into fours led by their “4”s. Commanders respectively to comb with ten or more pairs of F.W. 190s. Combat followed in which F/LT. JANICKI, Z. damaged one F.W. 190 and shared a destroyed F.W. with F/LT. MARTINI, F. who destroyed a second F.W.190 and damaged yet another. F/O. WAL, R. shot down a third and F/O. KUROWICKI, S. shot down a fourth F.W. 190 before announcing on the R/T that he was hit. This pilot did not return. He was last seen fighting with four F.W. 190s. south – west of ROUEN. The remaining pilots landed safely back at 1755 hours in two’s and threes. F/LT. MARTINI’s aircraft had two sizeable holes in the Wings.
Other flying for today was local formation flying carried out by two pilots.

1943-09-12

There was little flying today. Two aircraft were tested which meant just 50 minutes flying. The weather was heavy and very dull.

1943-09-13

Today, Rodeo 6 took place at 1755 hours with twelve of our aircraft led by the SQUADRON LEADER. Our Pilots took off with Squadron 302 after tea as weather cleared a little. This fighter sweep took place in the DOULLENS – ABBEVILLE area. They crossed the English coast near Deal. In the BOULOGNE vicinity there was slight flak and six M.E 109s were seen. Cloud was 18,000 to 20,000 feet. The weather closed down shortly after the pilots had landed back at 1950 hours. There was nothing further for our pilots to report on arrival “home”. Mussolini reported in German hands. – Thunderstorm during tonight.

1943-09-14

FAIRLOP.

Full Moon. Three aircraft were flown on tests. Although the morning dawned fair, clouds soon gathered and it was excessively sulky all day. Local flying, formation and cine-camera gun attacks was carried out during the course of the day.
In the evening, the weather cleared and Ramrod 218 took place after tea, The information was late and the briefing of the pilots was in itself very brief. Eleven aircraft of our Squadron took off at 1645 hours led by F/LT. JANICKI, Z. They formed part of the close escort Wing together with “302” and were escort to 36 Marauders which were to attack WOENSDRECHT airfield near ANTWERP. They were recalled due to 10/10ths. cloud near the French coast. Our pilots landed back at 1800 hours mumbling about the weather. No further comments were made by them. The weather continued to be sulky.

1943-09-15

Ramrod 220 today. The Squadron, ten aircraft, led by F/LT. JANICKI, Z. took off at 1705 hours. Rendezvous was made on time at North Foreland with two boxes of 72 Marauders. They flew at 11,000 feet to attack an airfield at MERVILLE. The bombing seemed fairly accurate. The flak was not too bad. The Wing returned without further incidents or interference of enemy aircraft or sighting snything unustal. They landed back at Fairlop at 1835 hours. The weather started rather nasty but cleared up during the day. Other flying for today consisted of Aircraft tests, two formation of three flying local formation for 50 minutes, and one or two “odd” flights.

1943-09-16

This morning, three of our aircraft carried out formation flying for an hour and in the afternoon one aircraft was given a 30 minute test.
At 1725 hours, S/LDR. KORNICKI, F. led eleven of our aircraft on Ramrod 223. They were part of the Polish Wing. They rendezvoused on exact time with 18 Mitchells at RYE. Course was set for CERQUEUX and uneventfully, they reached the marshalling yards which were bombed successfully. No enemy activity recorded by the Squadron though the weather over France was very good. Squadron landed back again at 1910 hours. They were over the target at 1815 hours.

1943-09-17

The weather was cloudy and rather colder after the recent mild weather. Two aircraft tests were carried out today besides plenty of other flying exercises. Throughout the day, our aircraft took off for Formation flying and photo attacks and local flying. The news in Italy and Russia is better again. W/CDR. WHITEHORN visited the Intell. Room and congratulated all
I. Os. on its appearance.

1943-09-18

FAIRLOP.

The weather was cold this morning and the Ramrod 228 had to be postponed one hour due to Autumn mists, Eleven aircraft of our Squadron under leadership of S/LDR. KORNICKI, F. took off at 0950 hours and were part of the Polish Wing led by W/CDR. ZAK. The target was near BEAUVAIS – quite a long trip. 72 Marauders were assigned the task in the usual two “boxes”. Rendezvoused was at Beachy Head. Unfortunately the target was obscured by cloud and the bombers jetisonned bombs in the sea on the way home. The Squadron landed back at 1150 hours. Orders came through for our Squadron to land at Tangmere at 1500 hours. From that ‘drome they were were going to have an operation. Eleven of our aircraft took off at 1635 hours led by F/LT. JANICKI, Z., but unfortunately they were recalled on their journey to the French Coast. Landed back at 1755 hours.
Five aircraft tests were made and one other flight was undertaken.

1943-09-19

Weather misty but later the sun shone. Ramrod 233 took place this afternoon with twelve of our aircraft led by S/LDR. KORNICKI, F. They took off at 1635 hours. The Fairlop Wing was led by S/LDR. BARANSKI. They escorted 12 Mitchells to attack the ammonia factories at LIEVIN. Our Squadron flew at 17,000 feet. Rendezvous was made to time. After crossing the French coast, individual F.W. 190s bagan to attack the formation and continued the attack periodically until before recrossing the French Coast. 302 Squadron destroyed one F.W. 190 and lost an aircraft – pilots safe -. 317 did not fire. Our aircraft landed back at 1835 hours. F/LT. RADOMSKI returned to base after 25 minutes flying owing to a u/s tank. SGT. LAKOMY returned after 45 minutes owing to engine trouble.
Four aircraft test were carried out and 15 of our aircraft did formation flying at various times throughout the day besides others who carried out, photo attack practices and local flying.

1943-09-20

News received that MR. Churchill had arrived back from Quebeq. Weather was drizzly and damp with 10/10ths. cloud. No flying today whatever. The Polish Wing is prepared to move to NORTHOLT tomorrow. Movement by road, rail and air, Advance party leaves today.

1943-09-21

FAIRLOP TO NORTHOLT.

One aircraft test carried out. Squadron to move today to Northolt. No. 312 Squadron to call and exchange aircraft with our Squadron. Seven aircraft took off at 1320 for Northolt and at 1900 hours, nine more took off for Northolt. Two others take off at 1500 and 1615 hours. Main party to Northolt left Fairlop at about 1800 hours and arrived at Northolt at approximately 2010 hours. This journey was made by road transport.

1943-09-22

NORTHOLT.

Three of our aircraft of our Squadron took part in air-sea rescue operations. They took off at 1440 hours, two landed again at Hawkinge and one at Hamble. They were flying for two hours and the aircraft which landed at Hamble had flown 2 hours and a half. These aircraft returned to base shortly before 1800 hours having nothing to report. No other flying.

1943-09-23

Five of our aircraft did local flying during the afternoon and evening. One aircraft was tested and a flight was made to Fairlop and back. Our five aircraft on local flying were Spit. IXs which had been xxxxxxxxx long required by our Pilots who were themselves exceptionally planed with them. At 1645 hours, F/LT. PALEJ and F/O. BIRTUS took off on a scramble but encountered no enemy aircraft. They landed back at 1735 hours. Weather favourable in the later hours of the day but the morning presented misty weather.

1943-09-24

Weather from 1000 hours quite good. Twelve aircraft did sector reconnaissance flying and ten carried out local flying throughout the day. First aircraft took off at 1040 and the last landed at 1935 hours.

1943-09-25

Fifty eight sorties made today for Flight Formation and photo attacks. Battle formation, sector reconnaissance, local flying and aircraft test took place also. Our aircraft were landing and taking off from 0935 to 1850 hours. The weather was fairly good and at 1710 hours three of our aircraft led by F/LT. JANICKI, Z. took off on Air-sea rescue operations. After an hour and a quarter they landed back with no incidents to report. Spitfires of the new type to our Squadron, the Spit. IX were used for practice today. Pilots were taking it in turns to fly the “IX:. All were very satisfied.

1943-09-26

G.C.I. practices were made by two aircraft today besides three aircraft carrying out formation flying for 40 minutes and three others doing local flying. Five aircraft were tested. The new Spit.IX was again flown for practices just to get used to it for when our Squadron would be wholly equipped with this more outstanding machine. Four aircraft took off on a scramble to patrol Redhill Sector at 0945 hours led by F/O. ZBROZEK, J. Four others took over this patrol at 1115 hours. At 1415 hours, four more patrolled the Redhill Sector until four more took over at 1525 hours until 1650 hours. Weather conditions proved to be poor during these patrols.

1943-09-27

NORTHOLT.

Weather not to good, nevertheless, much flying was carried out. Forty five sorties were made. The flying included six aircraft tests, flight formation, local flying, photo attacks, aerobatics, battle formation and a three aircraft flight to Southend and back. This flying last from 0830 hours until 1845 when the last aircraft landed for the day. Two of our pilots were engaged on air-sea rescue operations from 1000 hours until 1150 hours this morning. Nothing was reported out of the ordinary.

1943-09-28

The weather today is very bad, during the morning it has been raining but later cleared up so a few aircraft carried out Battle formation practice whilst another aircraft was tested.

1943-09-29

Flying today consisted of formation attacks, local flying, and a flight to Hucknall and back. Cloud formation and cine-camera gun attacks were also practiced by three aircraft for little over an hour during this morning.

1943-09-30

Owing to adverse weather conditions, no flying could be undertaken. The pilots look forward very very much to the day which, it is hoped is not far off when they each have a Spit. IX.A. great difference has been found in this type after so many hours flying in the Vb.

Kornicki F S/L
SQUADRON LEADER, Commanding
NO. 317 POLISH SQUADRON.