In the morning 18th of July the 303 was posted as a cover force of a convoy on the English Channel.
The enemy bomber attack was expected. The He111 acompanied by four Bf109 bacame seen ahead, another pair of enemy fighters was left High in the sky.
Own vessel put a flak barrage to canalize the enemy move. Flight A of 303 squdron took position between a ship and the bombers, when a Flight B was left as a Top Cover.
Flight A led personally by F/Lt Urbanowicz dived towards the bomber element. German fighter decided to encircle a cloud cover to tail the Poles. It was an error, because it gave the Allies time to attack a bombers.
F/Lt Urbanowicz and Sgt Frantisek strafe two of three bombers and successfully make them disadvanteged when P/O Feric covered thier backs. When the German fighters had seen their mistake they divide the force, two fighters burn advantage to help bombers immediately when another pair continued a planned manoeuvre.
Both, Urbanowicz and Frantisek attached to the Heinkels backs and load a lead towards them. Squadron leader was more focused and set fire on the left engine of his Heinkel, when Sgt Frantisek was too hasty to hit. Meanwhile he bacame in trouble. Top cover flight of Bf109 dived towards the formation of Hurricanes.
Another pair of Bf109 dive from the front and attack P/O Feric. Rubust construction of Hurricane saved Polish pilot from the hit this time. Revese fire hit the Bf109 and forced Sgt Taube to disadvantage. Focused on the fight with the Messeschmitt P/O Feric haven't realized the presence of another enemy who successfully outmonouver Polish fighter.
Meanwhile the Flight B appeared from above and set on the backs of the German pair encircling battle area. Sgt Szaposznikow choose a leading Messerschmitt and set a long series. The plane belonged to the hpt Vogel was shat in flames. None parashute was visible. Sgt Szaposznikow was happy of his first kill.
This part of the sky was cleared from the enemy fighters. Thanks to that Tolo and Donald join the hunting of German bombers. P/O Zumbach attacked as a second, aimed and set a good piece of lead toward the German bomber. The second engine set on fire and a plane fall into the water. First confirmed victory to Donald!
Meanwhile Sgt Frantisek fought against three enemy fighters. The Czech pilot took many defensive trick to get rid of the enemies. Unfortunately none of his friends was at disposal to help him. Thanks to the robust construction of Hurricane and pilot skills he survived. Moreover he focused attention of many enemies thanks to that his friends were able to finished off the bombers.
In the head on attack P/O Zumbach finished off the second Heinkel. The second confirmed victory this day, he was going to execute the barell roll over the Northolt while he will come back.
Meanwhile F/Lt Urbanowicz used his Acrobatic skills to knock down the last undamaged Heinkel. Two shots from each side were enough to the only bomber. He was ready to finish him off when saw that the bomber throw away its payload and dive away towards the France. The bombers were driven off. Now the time come for the Messershmitts.
On the other side of the battle area Sgt Szaposznikow was trying to climb for advantage. Unfortunately he was blocked by the enemy fighter. Another one appeared and make a head on attack. The engine burned out and the plane fell into the water. The pilot never survived.
In the center of the battle F/Lt Urbanowicz aimed his guns for a disadvantaged aiplane ahead. Short serie was enough for him. The German fighter was knocked down. One confirmed victory for Squadron Leader.
Garman pilots were desperate to get the job done. Number 4 set his plane for the strafing attack agains destoyer. British sailors opened fire and ... hit the Messerschmitt that fall down. The pilot was rescued.
It was quite big victory for Polish pilots. They belived in their skills and in the evening went to the local pub for joy and for sorrow of lost Sgt Szaposznikow.
Double victory for P/O Jan (Donald) Zumbach
One victory for F/Lt Witold Urbanowicz
One victory for F/Sgt Eugeniusz Szaposznikow
One pilot lost - Eugeninusz Szaposznikow - killed in action
Replacements:
P/O Ludwik Paszkiewicz was posted to 303 squadron on RF-K in place of lost Sgt. Szaposznikow
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