next two and a half month, the 303 continued its intensive service over the channel, and the pilots became quite familiar with some portions of its coastlines.

On 6 September, the unit flew two full strength escort sorties. During the morning one, S/Ldr Falkowski once again guided an air-sea rescue after spotting three dinghies with American airmen. During this flight, his pilots chased away few FW190s lurking around. During the afternoon escort of 72 Marauders, the 303 pilots bagged five German fighters. In September the unit recorded 27 operational sorties, with additional 22 in October and first week of November. On November 12th, the 303 was detailed off to RAF Ballyhalbert (Northern Ireland) for another period of rest. On 20th, S/Ldr Koc assumed the command of the unit, whichwas in process of changing its Spitfires Mk IXs back to Mk Vs. As usually, the squadron pilots stayed in readiness, flew convoy patrols (Jurby on the Isle of Man), and trained. Together with the 307 and 316 Polish squadrons, the 303 became part of the newly created Air Defence of Great Britain (ADGB). Other Polish fighter squadrons became part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force and had much more chance to meet the enemy in the air. Feeling relegated to duties of secondary importance, the 303 pilots felt disappointed. At the end 1943, No. 303 Squadron had a record of 203 enemy aircraft destroyed, 40 probables, and 25 damaged. Although the unit remained in operational service for the rest of the war, this record did not change.