316 Squadron 28 February 1942

[keith A]

I found this entry in my notes...

28.02.1942 The 316 escorted Bleinheims over to Ostende. S/Ldr Gabszewicz was credited with one Bf109 probable. F/O Gorski KIA in the Channel’s waters.

I don't know where I noted it from so there's doubt when it appears nowhere else in the accounts but I have found in the past that sometimes these are the result of one error being repeated.

Even "The Polish Few" by Sikora which is, IMHO the best book on the Polish Air Force in exile in English that I have ever read, and which adorns my massive (my wife's opinion), or adequate with room for more... (my own opinion) library repeats the unsubstantiated Skalski claims of 8 November 1940.

regards

Keith

[Alex Smart]

28 Feb. Spitfire V AD363 (SZ-R) P/O Dobrut-Dobrucki KIA Ramrod. abandoned after being damaged by Bf109 25 miles SE of Manston.
Spitfire V AD330 (SZ-H) F/O Gorski KIA Same mission. Shot down by a Bf109

From -
http://www.polishsquadronsremembered.com/

[keith A]

However look at the scores for 316 on the same site! Thank goodness now I know where I got the entry.

"Feb 28. The 316 escorted Bleinheims over to Ostende. S/Ldr Gabszewicz was credited with one Bf109 probable. F/O Gorski KIA in the Channel’s waters.

regards

Keith

[Greg S.]

On 28 Feb. 1941 316 Sqn was the top cover of bombers went to Ostenda. F/O Górski was probably shot up by AA fire over target and tried to came to England but he had to use his parachute over the Channel and was not found. On the way back S/Ldr Gabszewicz saw two Me 109s which attacked Spitfire and opened fire to help him with long distance. He didn't see results of his fire but Me 109s escape. Unfortunelly Spitfire was shot up and pilot - P/O Dobrut-Dobrucki - had to use his parachute too and he was not found.

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by keith A

Even "The Polish Few" by Sikora which is, IMHO the best book on the Polish Air Force in exile in English that I have ever read, and which adorns my massive (my wife's opinion), or adequate with room for more... (my own opinion) library repeats the unsubstantiated Skalski claims of 8 November 1940.

Skalski did not claim the Me 109, he was credited with the victory by the FC. Full story in my book. So I am not sure what do you mean by unsubstantiated.

[keith A]

Greg. Your reference? I am happy to accept the entry on the 316 Squadron website is wrong, if you give me information that refutes it.

Franek. I apologise. I read parts of your book in the National Library and the only thing I can say to say sorry in real terms is that I have bought it on Amazon today. Scanning in bookshops is often enough to make a decision but in this case I was wrong. There are too many Polish air force texts that aren't translated and so we (English-speakers) get very little than a re-hash of the sort of stuff that was published in the 1940's. Your book is much more meaty than that and my review on Amazon will reflect that.

regards

Keith

[Greg S.]

Keith,


my sources are documents from Sikorski's Polish Institute and Museum in London. In this case it is ref no LOT.A.V.54/4, something like Polish ORB of 316 Squadron, vol. 2.

[Franek Grabowski]

Keith
Apologies accepted. I am pretty well aware of a bad state of affairs in regard of Polish history in English. This was quite a problem for me, as I could not refer to any other history books, and I had to explain the obvious, which probably is not so obvious for a foreigner.
All remarks, especially critical ones, corrections, etc. are most welcome. It is hard to make better books without the feedback from the readers.