F/L. Wielgosz - 305 Sqdn

[James W.]

Hello!

I'm James Wielgosz and my grandfather, F/L. Julian Wielgosz, was a pilot in No. 305 (Polish) Bomber Squadron and flew Mosquitoes in various raids against enemy targets on the Continent in 1944-45. Prior to this, he hopped between several Flying Training Schools and also spent a year flying Ansons as a staff pilot at an Air Gunners School.

I joined this forum because I've developed a strong interest in my grandfather's RAF career and WWII aviation in general. I'm slowly gathering together information in the form of official RAF records, Squadron ORBs, photographs, etc. that I eventually hope to synthesize into a small book that can serve as a tribute to my grandfather and other Polish airmen. I would certainly appreciate any interesting facts you may have relating to F/L. Wielgosz or 305 Squadron. In particular, I'm seeking details about citations/decorations he received during the War as well as any enemy planes he may have downed. Unfortunately I haven't found much info relating to these topics thus far.

In any case, I look forward to contributing to the discussion on this forum and learning more about Allied squadrons and the pilots who flew in them.

All the best,
James

PS. I've included a photo of my grandfather with his navigator, probably taken at Epinoy, France in early 1945.

[net_sailor]

All docs about Polish airmens are stored in two places: IPMS London and Northolt airbase (Northolt is an military area - all visits must be announced). I'm sure you find all information about F/L. Julian Wielgosz on his personal folder - you can get the copy of all personal docs for 30₤

***

Instytut Polski i Muzeum im. gen. Sikorskiego
20 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT
Phone: 020 7589 9249

***

Ministry of Defence
APC Polish Enquiries
West End Road Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 6NG
Phone: 020 8833 8603
Fax: 020 8833 8866
Mail: polishasstdisoff@northolt.raf.mod.uk

[Franek Grabowski]

James
Apart of the mentioned addresses (records from MoD should provide a list of awards/decorations) there are a couple of men researching 305 Sqn in the very period. A few airmen are still alive too.
No air victories, that is for sure, as 305 Sqn was a bomber unit and did not have any occasion to score.


F/L. Wielgosz or 305 Squadron. In particular, I'm seeking details about citations/decorations he received during the War as well as any enemy planes he may have downed. Unfortunately I haven't found much info relating to these topics thus far.

In any case, I look forward to contributing to the discussion on this forum and learning more about Allied squadrons and the pilots who flew in them.

All the best,

[James W.]

Originally Posted by net_sailor

All docs about Polish airmens are stored in two places: IPMS London and Northolt airbase (Northolt is an military area - all visits must be announced). I'm sure you find all information about F/L. Julian Wielgosz on his personal folder - you can get the copy of all personal docs for 30₤

Thank you - I've written and received good info from both these organizations.

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

No air victories, that is for sure, as 305 Sqn was a bomber unit and did not have any occasion to score.

Regarding air victories, 305 Squadron seems a bit unique since they ceased their affiliation with Bomber Command in 1943 and were attached to the Second Tactical Air Force as a 'light bomber unit'. I've wondered whether in the course of their operations in 1943-45 they may have encountered fighter resistance and, if any victories were scored, how these would have been recorded...

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by James W.

Regarding air victories, 305 Squadron seems a bit unique since they ceased their affiliation with Bomber Command in 1943 and were attached to the Second Tactical Air Force as a 'light bomber unit'. I've wondered whether in the course of their operations in 1943-45 they may have encountered fighter resistance and, if any victories were scored, how these would have been recorded...

They have converted from Wellingtons to Mitchells and flew only four or five missions before conversion to Mosquitoes. They flew FB.VIs with no AI radar on quite specific targets like Noball where strong Flak but no air opposition were expected. Later on, they flew mostly at night over Germany and there were only a few contacts with enemy aircraft at all, including last combat of Herrick and Turski against Me 109, Me 262 and a Black Widow. The only victories that could be linked in any way to 305 Sqn were the ones of Bob Braham, achieved in a borrowed Mosquito.

[mhuxt]

Hi Franek:

Any details on the 262 incident?

[Franek Grabowski]

Mark, it is believed one of the 305's Mosquitoes was downed by a Me 262. Sorry, I do not remember any more details at the moment.

[mhuxt]

Cheers Franek.