fighters often the flak shrapnel damaged planes. March was filled with typical over-the-channel service: offensive missions, scrambles for interceptions and convoy patrols.

When in the first days of April, No. 306 Polish Squadron arrived at Northolt, the No. 1 Polish Fighter Wing was formed. No. 601 Squadron stationed at Northolt (which started to become more and more Polish in character) complemented the two Polish units. The Wing was commanded by W/Cdr Kent with his Polish counterpart W/Cdr Urbanowicz, the former 303 Squadron pilot and the Battle of Britain ace. Tactically, both were subordinate to the sector CO, while administratively to the station commander. As a part of the Wing, the squadron flew offensive missions over the continent. In April the 303 flew many fruitless interception against sporadic raids ofGerman aircraft. No wonder that the most popular among pilots were "Mosquito" missions.

On 12 April, six 303 Spitfires were led by CO, S/Ldr Henneberg in the Le Touquet - Abbeville area. Poles carried out few daring attacks on German airfields. Unfortunately, the Henneberg's plane was hit by light flak. Pilot decided to try for home and had to ditch in the channel. Despite being previously located and intensive 24 hours rescue mission, Henneberg was never found. The unit lost not only the popular CO, but also an excellent pilot and the Battle of Britain veteran credited with eight kills.

Its first offensive sortie (Circus) the Polish Wing flew on April 16th. The 303 pilots were engaged by Bf109s, and in ensuing dogfights two Poles were lost: P/O Waszkiewicz and