Operation: Patrol

Date: 23rd June 1944 (Friday)

Unit: No. 306 (Polish) Squadron

Type: Mustang III

Serial: FB196

Code: UZ-Q

Base: RAF Holmesley South, Hampshire.

Location: Dreaux, France.

Pilot: Fl/Sgt. Karol Michalkiewicz 784123 PAF Age 23. Evaded capture.

REASON FOR LOSS:

Weather for the day was fair and good visibility. Twelve aircraft from the squadron took off at 11:10 hrs - eight as fighter bombers and the remaining four as escort.

The squadron met fierce opposition from the Luftwaffe over Dreaux with several combats taking place. The Squadron leader Janus Marciniak was shot down in Mustang FX970 UZ-C and killed. Fl/Lt, Tomanek, Fl/Lt. Budrewicz were also shot down, taken PoW.

Fl/Lt Potocki was also hit but managed to crash land at an allied emergency strip in Normandy returning to his unit later that day, taking a lift from France in a light aircraft. (his Mustang was destroyed) Three other 306 Squadron aircraft suffered Cat B. date on this operation.

Burial Details:

None, Fl/Sgt. Karol Michalkiewicz evaded capture and returned to Great Britain. Understood to have died in Birmingham, England on the 27th September 1988. Left service as a W/O with 315 Squadron (P)

With thanks to the 1333 (Grangemouth Spitfire) Squadron and the Grangemouth Spitfire Memorial Trust who provided me with so much information and assistance during my visit.