RAF No 18 Squadron emblem

 

RAF No 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron

Motto: Na mnozstui nehledte (Never regard their numbers)

Formed at Honington on 29 July 1940 as a bomber unit comprising Czechoslovak personnel who had managed to escape from Nazi occupied Europe. It operated Wellingtons in the bombing role until April 1942 when it was transferred to Coastal Command.

It continued to operate its Wellingtons in the anti-submarine role, initially from Northern Ireland and later from Wales until May 1943, when it moved to Beaulieu in Hampshire. Here it converted to Liberators and moved its operational area to the Bay of Biscay. In August 1944 the squadron moved, again, this time to Scotland where it patrolled along the Norwegian coast.

Following the end of the war 311 Squadron was transferred to Transport Command, in August 1945, flying personnel and materials to Czechoslovakia. It disbanding as a RAF unit on 15 February 1946 and became part of the newly reformed Czech Air Force.

Squadron Codes used: -

HD Allocated Apr - Sep 1939
KX Jul 1940 - Apr 1942
PP 1945 - Feb 1946

Wellington aircraft of 311 Sqn

Serial No: Aircraft Code: Details:
L4332 KX-K Trans from 214 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 11 OTU.
L4338 KX-E Trans from 214 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 11 OTU.
L4343   Trans from 15 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 20 OTU.
L7776   Del to 311 Sqn then to Central Gunnery School.
L7778 KX-U Trans from 9 Sqn to 311 Sqn - This aircraft took part with two other Wellingtons (L7785 & P9235) in the squadron's first operation to Brussels 10.9.40. , then to 15 OTU.
L7785 KX-R Trans from 9 Sqn to 311 Sqn - This aircraft took part with two other Wellingtons (L7778 & P9235) in the squadron's first operation to Brussels 10/09/40, then to Central Gunnery School .
L7786   Trans from 9 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Hit power cables and crashed at Pipps Farm, Coddenham near Needham Market on 17/10/40, whilst on a training flight; Sgt Karel Lang (k); Sgt Oldrich Tosovsky (k).
L7788 KX-E Trans from 9 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Missing 24/09/40.from an operation to Berlin. Aircraft made a forced landing at Leidschendam in Holland. The crew initially went on the run but were soon captured and became prisoners of war; P/O Vaclav Killian (pow); P/O Zdenek Prochazka (pow); P/O Karel Trojacek and Sgt Arnost Zabrz (pow); Sgt Karel Kunka later took his own life because he feared his capture might endanger his family in Czechoslovakia. The aircraft was recovered by the Germans and test flown.
L7806   Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 18 OTU.
L7841 KX-S Del to 311 Sqn - then to Czech Training Flight then to 1429 Flt Aircraft crashed during a training flight with a student pilot, whilst overshooting at East Wretham 24/02/42. The aircraft had engine control problems and the starboard wing caught the ground on the boundary. The aircraft bellied onto the grass, fortunately the crew were able to get clear. The rear gunner was thrown out of his turret and injured his back. Instructor was P/O Josef Capka.
L7842 KX-T Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft took off at 1806 hours from East Wretham for a raid on Boulogne 6/02/41.The crew bombed the target but became disorientated through navigational error and bad weather. Eventually with the fuel exhausted they made a forced landing in France and both they and the aircraft were seized by the Germans. P/O Frantisek Cigos (pow); P/O Emil Busina (pow); P/O Karel Krizek (pow); P/O Arnost Valenta (pow); Sgt Gustav Kopal (pow); Sgt Petr Uruba (pow). (Valenta was one of those later shot by the Gestapo for his part in the ‘Great Escape' from Stalag Luft III at Zagan). The aircraft was salvaged by the Luftwaffe and taken to Rechlin for tests and evaluation.
L7844 KX-T Del to 311 Sqn,- Missing Raid on Kiel 16.10.40 (P/O Hubert Jarosek (k); P/O Bohumil Landa (k); Sgt Otto Jirsak (k); Sgt Karel Klimt (k), Sgt Emanuel Novotny (pow); Sgt Augustin Sestak (pow). Aircraft took off at 1850 hours and was reported shot down in the Zujder Zee by the captain of Hampden near by. This is probably the Wellington bomber claimed shot down that night by Lt Ludwig Becker of 4/NJG1 near Oosterwolde, Gelderland at 2125 hours.
L7847   Trans from 99 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to Czech Training Flight then to ATA.
L7852   Del to 311 Sqn then to 9 Sqn.
L7895   Del to 311 Sqn then to 115 Sqn.
N2752   Trans from 15 Sqn to 311 Sqn then back to 15 Sqn.
N2771 KX-H Del to 311 Sqn, Crashed Bentley Priory after taking off for a raid on Kiel 17/10/40; aircraft became iced up, suffered radio failure and the crew were unable to obtain an accurate fix, which all contributed to the aircraft crashing. Sqn/Ldr Jan Vesely (k); P/O Jaroslav Matousek (k); P/O Jaroslav Slaby (k); Sgt Frantisek Zapletal (k); Sgt J osef Albrecht (k); P/O Frantisek Trular suffered serious burns, but survived and later became a fighter pilot.
N2772 KX-J Del to 311 Sqn, then to 21 OTU then to 1429 Flt then to 1474 Flt.
N2773 KX-K Del to 311 Sqn - Captain Flt\Lt Josef Snajdr; Abandoned in the air at 0322 hours on 17/10/40.and came down at Blidworth, ten miles NNE of Nottingham returning from raid on Bremen, in bad weather with no radio and fuel exhausted. P/O Miloslav Vejrazka, the wireless operator was killed, when his parachute failed to open.
N2775   Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt then to ATA.
N2871   Trans from 15 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 12 OTU.
N2880   Trans from 38 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to Central Landing Establishment.
N2885   Trans from 115 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 20 OTU.
N2938   Trans from 57 sqn to 311 Sqn then to 12 OTU.
N3000   Trans from 40 sqn to 311 Sqn then to 12 OTU.
N3007   Trans from 214 sqn to 311 Sqn then to 20 OTU.
N3237 KX-C Trans possibly from 19 Squadron to 1429 Flt - Took part in the second 1,000 raid on Essen 01/06/42.).
N3010 KX-L Trans from 214 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Swung on take off and hit trees on take off from Langham. (Sgt Frantisek Dusek (k); F/Sgt Milan Stocek (k); P/O Stanislav Zeinert (dil); P/O Miroslav Svic (dil) 25/05/41.
P2525   Trans from 214 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 15 OTU.
P9209   Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 57 Sqn.
P9212   Trans from New Zealand Flight (later 75 Sqn) to 311 Sqn - Struck tree and crashed on approach to Honington after engine failure on 16/04/41.
P9224   Trans from 115 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to Czech Training Flight then to 5 Group Training Flight.
P9226 KX-Z Trans from 115 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Damaged by enemy intruder at 2210 hours on 12/03/41 over the Norfolk coast during a training flight. The pilot of the enemy aircraft was probably Fw Heinz Mittelstat of 2/NJG2 - then to 12 OTU.
P9230 KX-B then KX-X Trans from 115 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Attacked by an enemy intruder at 2250 hours on 09/04/41 whilst on a training flight. The enemy aircraft was a Ju.88 from NJG2. The captain of the Wellington, P/O Jan Hrncir was wounded in the head and the trainee pilot W/O Nyc took over and landed the aircraft. The enemy pilot was probably Hptm Karl Hulshoff, who claimed a Wellington shot down some 30 miles to the east of Bridlington (Hulshoff also attacked an unidentified Hampden off Scarborough some ten minutes later), then to Central Gunnery School.
P9235 KX-C Trans from 115 Sqn to 311 Sqn - This aircraft took part with two other Wellingtons (L7778 & L7785) in the squadron's first operation to Brussels 10/09/40, then to RAE.
P9280   Trans from 40 Sqn to 1429 Flt then to 30 OTU.
P9299 KX-A Trans from 218 Sqn to Czech Training Flight then to 1429 Flt - Flew into high ground in bad weather 06/04/42 near Llanymawddy on the River Dovey; 787831 Sgt Rudolf Grimm (k); 787929 Sgt Jindrich Horinek (k); 788087 Sgt Aldis Keda (k); 787880 F/Sgt Jan Stanovsky (k); 787584 Sgt Rudolf Vokurka (k); P/O Jan Stefek (k).
R1015 KX-L Del to 311 Sqn - Made forced landing at Church Fenton returning from raid on Hamburg 26/04/41 Captain Sgt Jaroslav Doktor. Missing raid on Hamburg 15/09/41. Nothing was heard after take off at 1955 hours. P/O Mojmir Sedlacek (k); P/O Antonin Zimmer (k); Sgt Vilem Soukup (k); Sgt Jan Miklosek (k); Sgt Alois Jarnot (k); Sgt Zdenek Babicek (k). This aircraft was possibly the Wellington claimed as shot down by Gfr Rudolf Frank of I/NJG3 north west of Meppen at 2330 hours.
R1021 KX-W Del to 311 Sqn - then to 11 OTU.
R1022 KX-K Del to 311 Sqn - Following a raid on Bremen on 02/01/41. Captain P/O Antonin Kubiznak, the aircraft landed back at base with 11 holes caused by flak and the front gunner Sgt Bolfik had his flying boot slashed by a splinter - then to 11 OTU.
R1034   Del to 311 Sqn then to 115 Sqn.
R1036   Del to 311 Sqn then to 22 OTU. This aircraft made a forced landing at Newport Pagnell, Buck's on 28.11.40. P/O Cigos and crew were safe
R1046 KX-E then KX-X Trans from 214 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Missing from a raid on Bremen 20/10/41 Aircraft. took off at 1855 hours, nothing was heard until an SOS was received at 2201 hours. Following engine problems the aircraft came down on a sandbank 4½ miles south of Schiermonnikoog in the Frisian Islands. The crew were later picked up and became prisoners of war. P/O Erazim Vesely (pow); Sgt Frantisek Petr (pow); Sgt Vaclav Prochazka (pow); Sgt Josef Suza; Sgt Bedrich Valner (pow) and Sgt Josef Zvolensky (pow).
R1137   Del to 311 Sqn then to the Service Ferry Pool.
R1161 KX-X Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn - During a raid on Hamburg on 27/10/41 the aircraft lost a propeller, but pilot (Sgt Jan Lenc) managed to get the aircraft back to base - then to 105 OTU.
R1225   Del to 311 Sqn then to 9 Sqn.
R1228   Trans from 305 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 21 OTU.
R1240 KX-F Trans from 40 Sqn to 1429 Flt - then to 27 OTU - Took part in the second 1,000 raid on Essen on 01/06/42.
R1269 KX-G Trans from 115 Sqn to 1429 Flt - then to 22 OTU. (Note whilst with 1429 Flt this aircraft took part in the first 1,000 raid on Cologne and the second 1,000 raid on Essen in 1942).
R1371 KX-F Del to 311 Sqn - Missing 20/07/41 from a raid on Hannover. Aircraft took off at 2252 hours from East Wretham and crashed at Waddenzee. The aircraft was observed in combat with an enemy fighter. Both were seen to crash into the sea. Sgt Pavel Babacek (m); Sgt Jan Ctvirtlik (m); Sgt Vaclav Vales (m); Sgt Miroslave Jindra (k); Sgt Vaclav Netik (k); P/O Partyk (k) his body was later recovered and is buried at Sage War Cemetery.
R1378 KX-K Del to 311 Sqn - On returning from a raid on Bremen the aircraft made a crash landing at East Wretham 18/05/41 following a fire in the starboard engine. Captain was Sgt Leo Anderle.
R1410 KX-M Del to 311 Sqn Aircraft was damaged during a raid on Hannover on 15/05/41 and the port engine caught fire at 14,000 feet, this was extinguished and the aircraft was flown back to England on one engine. At 0600 hours a belly landing was made 11 miles south of Manningtree. The starboard engine cut out on touch down as the fuel supply was exhausted. The captain was Flt/Lt Josef Snajdr; The aircraft was later recovered and eventually transferred to 12 OTU.
R1441 KX-W Del to 311 Sqn - Struck trees on approach at East Wretham 28/03/41.
R1451 KX-P Del to 311 Sqn. During a raid on Munster on 05/07/41 this aircraft (Captain F/Sgt Karel Schor) was attacked by a night-fighter on two occasions. The rear gunner Sgt Kadlec, returned the fire and claimed to have hit the enemy aircraft. Unfortunately he himself was badly wounded in a leg (which later had to be amputated). The aircraft had also been hit by enemy flak and had a large hole in the starboard wing and flap, together with holed fuel tanks. The pilot did however, manage to make a safe landing back at base despite the additional problem of a punctured tyre. It is possible that this Wellington was attacked by Ofw Wilhelm Beier of 3/NJG2 (see R1532 below). The aircraft was later transferred to 18 OTU.
R1458 KX-Z 311 Sqn - then to 1 AAS.
R1466 KX-D Del to 311 Sqn - On returning from a raid on Hanover on 15/04/41 the the captain Sgt Frantisek Fencl had to make a forced landing at Thurleton south west of Great Yarmouth due to a lack of fuel caused by three flak holes in the tanks - then to 75 Sqn.
R1497   Trans from 218 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 4261M 10/43.
R1516 KX-U Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft was involved in a combat with an enemy fighter on 05/05/41 during a raid on Mannheim. After an exchange of fire the enemy aircraft dived away and disappeared into cloud. Aircraft Took off at 2202 on 01/07/41 hours for a raid on Cherbourg. Shot down in error by RAF night-fighter 02/07/41 at Lower Park Farm near Mere in Wiltshire. Sgt Oldrich Helma (k); Sgt Adolf Dolejs (k); P/O Richard Hapala (k); Sgt Antonin Plocek (k); Sgt Jaroslav Petrucha (k); Sgt Jaroslav Lancik (k).The aircraft is thought to Have been shot down by F/O John Cunningham in a Beaufighter of 604 Sqn.
R1523   Trans from 3 PRU to 311 Sqn then to 20 OTU.
R1532 KX-R TDel to 311 Sqn - During a raid on Munster on 05/07/41, this aircraft (Captain F/Sgt Josef Bernat) was attacked by a night-fighter. Incendiary bullets set fire to the port wing fabric and the aircraft interior. The fire was extinguished by the navigator and the wireless operator. The enemy aircraft then made two further attacks, during which the hydraulic system of the rear turret was damaged and the turret had to be manipulated by hand. The rear gunner claimed hits on the enemy aircraft, which was seen diving away. Due to the damage to the hydraulic system, the undercarriage could not be lowered and the flaps were not functioning. A belly landing was made at East Wretham and apart from bumps and bruises the crew were uninjured. It is possible that R1532 was attacked by Ofw Wilhelm Beier of 3/NJG2, who claimed to have downed a Wellington north north west of Texel at 0308 hours. The aircraft was later transferred to 27 OTU.
R1594   Trans from 218 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Lost 27/06/41.
R1598 KX-C Del to 311 Sqn - then to 3 OTU.
R1599 KX-J Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft took off at 2055 for a raid on Berlin 17/04/41.Nothing further was heard other than an SOS sent shortly after the aircraft came under attack by an enemy fighter. The aircraft had carried out the bombing sortie and was returning to base when it came under attack and was shot down by Hptm Werner Streib of St1/NJG1 5 miles East of Weert in the Netherlands at 2339 hours. P/O Vaclav Kosulic (k); Sgt Frantisek Kracmer (k); F/O Vladimir Kubicek (k); Sgt Rudolf Lifczicz (k); F/O Frantisek Sixta (k); Sgt Vaclav Stetka (k).
R1600 KX-T Trans from 11 OTU to 311 Sqn - (converted to Mk.V111) then to 232 Sqn.
1718 KX-N Del to 311 Sqn - Missing Raid on Hamburg 17/07/41. The aircraft took off at 2307 hours and nothing was heard thereafter. It was attacked by an enemy night fighter. The crew baled out, although the pilot, F/Sgt Jaroslav Nyc, was momentarily trapped by a jammed hatch, but was able to break free and take to his parachute. He was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war as did the rest of the crew; P/O Otakar Cerny; P/O Jaroslav Zafouk; Sgt Frantisek Knap and Sgt Karel Stastny. Sgt jiri Mares, the rear gunner, was drowned in the Zuider Zee after baling out of the stricken aircraft. The enemy fighter was probably a Messerschmitt Me.110 from 4/NJG1, being flown by Lt Rudolf Schoenert. He claimed to have shot down a Wellington at 0050 hours just west of Lemmer.
R1771 KX-Y Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt - then to 311 Sqn - then to 1429 Flt - then to 6 OTU and thence to 3 OTU. Took part in the second 1,000 raid on Essen on 01/06/42.
R1777   Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt then to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt then to 6 OTU and thence to 3 OTU.
R1802 KX-M Del to 311 Sqn - This aircraft was badly shot up by an enemy intruder (Ju.88) on 13/08/41 when landing at East Wretham upon return from a raid on Hannover. Three of the squadron's aircraft were attacked, but no personnel were injured - Aircraft was repaired and later trans to 21 OTU.
R1804 KX-D Del to 311 Sqn Swung on take off for an air test at East Wretham at 1145 hours and hit a steamroller ripping off the starboard wing and crushing the fuselage. The captain of the aircraft was F/O J Stransky and the crew all survived the incident 19/07/41.
R3166   Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 21 OTU.
R3177 KX-L Del to 311 Sqn - Lost 28/10/40. No further information is available.
R3206   Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt then to 27 OTU.
R3218   Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt.
R3221 KX-O Trans from AAEE to 311 Sqn - Aircraft crash landed at Stradishall in Norfolk following instrument trouble 09/41 - then to 301 FTU.
R3230   Del to 311 Sqn then to 9 Sqn.
R3234   Del to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt.
R3237   Del to 311 Sqn (Converted to MkXVI) to 1429 Flt (06/41)then to 5 FP.
R3277   Del to 311 Sqn then to 75 Sqn.
R3286   Trans from 9 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to Czech OTU then to 1429 Flt then to 29 OTU.
T2467   Del to 311 Sqn then to 27 OTU.
T2468   Trans from 10 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 1429 Flt.
T2469   Del to 311 Sqn then to 214 Sqn.
T2519 KX-Y Del to 311 Sqn - Took off at 1750 hours for a raid on Wilhelmshaven 16/01/41 probably came down in the North Sea. Last message was an SOS at 2218 hours (F/O Josef Hudec (m): P/O Jaromir Kral (m); P/O Antonin Kubiznak (m); P/O Jindrich Leskauer (m); Sgt Bohuslav Baumruk (m); Sgt Rudolf Bolfik (m).Aircraft was believed to have been experiencing engine trouble.
T2553 KX-B Del to 311 Sqn - Missing Raid on Wilhelmshaven 27/28/12/41. Aircraft took off at 1716 hours and nothing further was heard. The aircraft came down in the sea some 12 miles south south west of Den Helder and west of Petten in the Netherlands. Sgt Alois Siska, P/O Josef Scerba and Sgt Pavel Svoboda survived and became prisoners of war. F/O Josef Mohr (k); Sgt Rudolf Skalicky (k); Sgt Josef Tomancek (k).F/O Mohr's body was later recovered and he is buried in Bergen General Cemetery. It is possible that the Wellington was the aircraft claimed as shot down by Oblt Prinz zur Lippe-Weissenfeld of 5/NJG2, south west of Petten at 2146 hours. Weissenfeld claimed to have downed a Whitley, but that could be simply a case of poor target identification in the darkness and the excitement of the moment.
T2561 KX-A Del to 311 Sqn - then to 20 OTU.
T2564 KX-T Del to 311 Sqn - then to 9 Sqn, then back to 311 Sqn - Attacked by a single Ju.88 of Kg.40 on 18/08/42. at position 44.30N 08.20W. Captain F/O Frantisek Taibr. This aircraft was again attacked by two Ju.88s in position 47.45N 07.40W at 1630 hours on 15/09/42 over the Bay of Biscay. Captain F/O Frantisek Taibr. Aircraft later crashed ½ mile east of Northolt on 18.10.42.The aircraft was carrying a number of aircrew and ground staff from the squadron (the crews of P/O Bulis and Flt/Lt Student, who were to attend a series of interviews at Coastal Command regarding anti submarine operations). The aircraft stalled and crashed just short of the runway at Northolt killing all on board. F/Sgt Jan Blaha (k); P/O Frantisek Bulis (k); .P/O Antonin Bunzl (k); Sgt Josef Cech (k); F/Sgt Frantisek Dolezal (k); P/O Bedrich Gissubel (k); Sgt Wilem Gotzlinger (k); Flt/Lt Vaclav Hanka (k); P/O Jaroslav Jebacek (k); Cpl Frantisek Paclik (k); Sgt Vladimir Rajecki (k); F/Sgt Frantisek Stoklasek (k); Flt/Lt Vaclav Student (k); F/Sgt Josef Svec (k); P/O Lymans (MTO Talbenny) (k).
T2577 KX-Q Del to 311 Sqn - Crashed after striking trees following take off from East Wretham for raid on Manheim 16/12/40 (P/O Jaromir Toul (dil); Sgt Jan Krivda (k); Sgt Jiri Janousek (k); P/O Vladimir Nedved (s); Sgt Doubrava (s). Nedved affected the rescue of Doubrava and Toul and was later awarded the MBE for his gallantry).
T2578   Del to 311 Sqn then to 9 Sqn.
T2613   Del to 311 Sqn then to 115 Sqn.
T2624   Trans from 15 Sqn to Czech Training Flight then to 311 Sqn - Ditched Irish Sea off Cardigan 23/10/41. whilst on a cross country flight (Base -Llangollen-Maughold Head-10 miles-Aberystwyth-Banbury-Base) Sgt Karel Hurt (m); Sgt Otakar Januj (m); Sgt Jaroslav Polednik (m); Sgt Jaroslav Rolenc (m); The body of P/O Frantisek Dittrich was washed ashore on 31/10/41.
T2716   Del to 311 Sqn then to 40 Sqn.
T2739   Trans from 218 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 21 OTU.
T2962   Trans from 57 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 21 OTU.
T2971 KX-J Del to 311 Sqn - Attacked by an enemy night-fighter on return from a raid on Dusseldorf. The fire was returned but no claims were made by the crew. Captain was Sgt Jindrich Svoboda. Aircraft took off at 1800 hours for a raid on Bremen 18/01/42 and initially encountered icing over the North Sea. The aircraft crashed north east of Tilburg at 2317 hours, possibly as a result of flak damage. Sgt Karel Batelka, Sgt Zdenek Sichrovsky and Sgt Josef Snajdr were all taken prisoner and P/O Jaromir Broz, Sgt Rudolf Masek and Sgt Jindrich Svoboda were all killed.
T2972 KX-G Del to 31 Sqn - then to ATA.
T2990 KX-T Del to 311 Sqn - Missing Raid on Bremen 22/23/06/41. Aircraft took off at 2316 hours and is believed to have been shot down by Oblt Prinz zur Lippe Weissenfeld of 4/NJG1. The aircraft came down at 0213 hours in the Kostverloren Polder at Niewe Niedorp, north east of Alkmaar in the Netherlands. P/O Leonhart Smrcek (m); F/Sgt Alois Rozum (m); F/Sgt Karel Valach (m); Sgt Jan Hejna (m); the pilot F/Sgt Vilem Bufka survived and became a prisoner of war..
W5668 KX-T Trans from 304 Sqn to 311 Sqn - then to 1429 Flt.
W5682 KX-Y Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft took off at 0340 hours on 10/01/42 from East Wretham for an operation to Brest. Unable to locate the target, the crew decided to return to base. An engine failed and after jettisoning the bomb load a forced landing was made some 2 miles from Tavistok at 0615 hours. Whilst coming in to land the aircraft hit a haystack. Sgt Jiri Fina and his crew of Sgt Mazurek, F/O Slama, Sgt Svoboda, Sgt Sipula and Sgt Raiskup, were all safe.
W5711 KX-G later KX-H Del to 311 Sqn (G later H) - Crash landing 15/09/42 - then to 105 OTU.
X3178 KX-P Trans from 21 OTU to 311 Sqn - then struck off charge.
X3221 KX-O Del to 311 Sqn - This aircraft crashed near Stradishall in Norfolk in September 1941 following instrument trouble (Captain was Sgt Metodej Sebela). Aircraft was later transferred to 57 Sqn.
X9614 KX-Q 311 Sqn - then to 11 OTU.
X9664 KX-K Trans from 304 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 21 OTU.
X9733   Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 105 OTU.
X9741 KX-D Del to 311 Sqn then to 1505 Flt.
X9742   Del to 311 Sqn then to 75 Sqn.
X9745 KX-S Trans from 218 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 303 Ferry Training Unit.
X9760 KX-O Trans from 57 Sqn to 311 Sqn then struck off charge.
X9787 KX-G Trans from 156 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Missing Essen 02/06/42.
X9803   Trans from 11 OTU to 311 Sqn then to 1473 Flt.
X9806 KX-R Trans from 75 Sqn to 311 Sqn - then to 1429 Flt - Aircraft made a forced landing at RAF Grantham following prop failure on 08/05/42.Captain Sgt Jan Irving.
X9827 KX-F Trans from 304 Sqn to 311 Sqn - This aircraft had an exchange of fire with a Whitley on 31/07/42. No damage or casualties resulted - then to 303 Ferry Training Unit.
X9871 KX-A Trans from 150 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 22 OTU.
X9877   Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 7 OTU.
X9880   Trans from 156 Sqn to 311 Sqn (C) then to 21 OTU.
X9888   Del to 311 Sqn then to 115 Sqn.
Z1068 KX-T Trans from 214 Sqn to 1429 Flt - then to 27 OTU. (Note; whilst with 1429 Flt this aircraft took part in the first 1,000 raid on Cologne and the second 1,000 raid on Essen in 1942).
Z1070 KX-Y Trans from 218 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Missing from an operation to Billancourt France on 01/03/42. Aircraft took off at 1819 hours and crashed in the area of Creil. Sgt Bohuslav Hradil (k); Sgt Janich Kotrch (k); Sgt Alois Tolar (k); Sgt Josef Svoboda (k); Sgt Imrich Kormanovic (k); Sgt Pribyslav Strachon (k).
Z1090 KX-Q Trans from ? to 311 Sqn (Q) - Aircraft struck a building and crashed at Brancaster Beach, Norfolk on 25/06/42. after take off from Bircham Newton at 2327 hours, to take part in ‘Operation Millenium' the 1,000 raid on Bremen. Fourteen aircraft from 311 Sqn were involved and 11 attacked the target. The crew of Sgt V Zezulka, F/Sgt M Cervinka, Sgt J Holna, Sgt A Jelinek, Sgt Z Janda and Sgt K Kriz abandoned the aircraft and took to their dinghy, although they were relatively close to the shore.
Z1098 KX-U Del to 311 Sqn - Took off at 2225 hours on 14/04/42 for raid on Dortmund. Aircraft crashed at 0410 hours on 15/04/42 at Boshoven, Limburg, 2 miles west of Weert in Holland. The aircraft was probably shot down by Uffz Walter Schienbein of 2/NJG1 who claimed to have shot down a Wellington at 0400 hours in the area of Boshoven/Limburg. Sgt Vladimir Para (pow); Sgt Oldrich Havlik (k); F/O Milan Zapletal (pow); Sgt Josef Talab (k); Sgt Pavel Varjan (k); Sgt Jaroslav Klavana (pow).
Z1105 KX-E then KX-R Del to 311 Sqn - Ditched near Rams Island Lough Neagh Ireland 20/05/42.
Z1110 KX-N Del to 311 Sqn (N) - then to 101 Sqn.
Z1111 KX-N Del to 311 Sqn - This aircraft was involved in the testing of the ASV MkII Radar - then to 7 OTU.
Z1131   Possibly Del to 311 Sqn (No further detail).
Z1147 KX-G then KX-Q Trans from 57 Sqn to 311 Sqn - During a raid on Emden on 04/03/42 the aircraft became involved in a duel with an enemy night-fighter and was badly damaged. The rear gunner Sgt Frantisek Binder was severely wounded and later died. The pilot, Sgt Vladimir Para managed through skilfull airmanship, to escape the enemy aircraft in cloud. The enemy night fighter pilot that carried out the attack was possibly Ofw Paul Gildner of 5/NJG2, who claimed a Wellington shot down north west of Terschellling at 2120 hours. This aircraft later crashed following double engine failure on approach to Pembrey on 25/05/43.
Z1155 KX-F Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft became embroiled in combat with a single Ju.88 (probably from Wekusta 51) on 11/07/42. The enemy aircraft was driven off and later claimed as shot down. However, it apparently managed to return to its base with one of the gunners having been wounded. Missing from anti-submarine sweep on 15/07/42. The Wellington was probably shot down by Fw Henny Passier of IV/KG40 who claimed a Wellington shot down over the Bay of Biscay on this date. Flt/Lt Miloslav Cigler (k); Sgt Hugo Dostal (m); Sgt Josef Holub (m); Sgt Frantisek Novak (k); Sgt Vilem Orlik (k) and Sgt Rudolf Pancir (k).The bodies of Cigler, Novak, Orlik and Pancir were washed ashore some weeks later and are buried at Heanton Punchardon, near Chivenor in North Devon.
Z1167 KX-A Del to 311 Sqn (A) - Missing from raid on Paris 04/03/42 possibly ditched in North Sea or the Channel. The crew consisted of F/O Ladislav Riha (m); Sgt Karel Danihelka (m); Sgt Vladimir Hanzl (m); Sgt Frantisek Janca (m); Sgt Adolf Podivinsky (m); Sgt Dobromil Spinka (m). Aircraft was probably shot down by Ofw Paul Gildner of 5/NJG2, who claimed a Wellington shot down at 2120 hours, north west of Terschelling.
Z8787 KX-U Del to 311 Sqn - This aircraft carried out at least four training flights and air tests from Honington during September 1941 - then to 21 OTU.
Z8805 KX-V Del to 311 Sqn, then to to 214 Sqn.
Z8832   Trans from 18 OTU to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
Z8837   Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn then to 25 OTU.
Z8838 KX-Z Trans from 149 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Aircraft took off at 2201 hours (10/04/42) for a raid on Essen. Last message at 0001 hours indicated engine problems. Shortly afterwards the aircraft crashed following an attack by a night fighter, 2½ miles east of Kolhorn in the Northern Netherlands at 0020 hours 11/04/42.The enemy aircraft was probably being flown Hptm Helmut Lent of II/NJG2, who claimed a Wellington shot down at 0023 hours south east of Den Helder.F/Sgt Josef Hrdina (k); F/O Karel Rychnovsky (k); Sgt Josef Kalensky (k); Sgt Karel Kodes (k); Sgt Jan Peprnicek (k); Sgt Josef Politzer (k).
Z8845   Del to 311 Sqn then to 9 Sqn.
Z8853   Del to 311 Sqn then to 9 Sqn.
Z8854 KX-V Trans from 75 Sqn to 1429 Flt (Part of 27 OTU) - This aircraft took part in the second 1,000 raid on Essen on 01/06/42. - Later on 13/10/42. It crashed near Scropton, north of Lichfield. Aircraft was on a night training flight, it was seen to circle the airfield (Lichfield) at 2200 hours with navigation lights on. It then flew along the flare path and began to turn slowly to port. However, it failed to come out of the turn, lost height crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Watery Lane Scropton. Flt/Lt Frantisek Fanta (k); Sgt Josef Hrala (k); Sgt Rudolf Jelinek (k); P/O Vaclav Obsil (k); P/O Mucha (k); Sgt Emil Turkel (k).
Z8996 KX-E Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft took off at 2129 hours on 16/11/41 for a raid on Kiel. Ditched 20 miles south west of St Bee's Head, Cumberland on as a result of fuel exhaustion when returning. Two of the crew, Sgt Jan Lenc and F/O Engl were rescued; Sgt Stanislav Linka (m); Sgt Jan Parolek (m); Sgt Pavel Skutek (m); Sgt Arnost Vaclavek (m).
DV474 KX-Y Del to 311 Sqn - then to 104 OTU.
DV507 KX-W Trans from 15 OTU to 311 Sqn - Attacked by two Arado 196 floatplanes at position 47.20N 06.30W. one of the enemy aircraft was claimed as shot down the other was driven off - then struck off charge.
DV515 KX-D Del to 311 Sqn - Missing Raid on Bremen 21/01/42. Aircraft took off from East Wretham at 1732 hours and disappeared without trace. Sgt Cenek Kral (m); Sgt Ladislav Nemecek (m); Sgt Miroslav Plecity (m); F/O Zdenek Skorepa (m); Sgt Stanislav Rous (m); Sgt Karel Weiss (m). Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least some members of the crew died in their dinghy. The aircraft was possibly shot down by Ofw Hans Rasper of 5/NJG2 who claimed to have downed a Wellington at 2230 hours some 3 to 4 miles NNE of Harlingen.
DV516 KX-E then KX-K Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft crash landed on 20/07/42 - then to 6 OTU.
DV664 KX-A Del to 311 Sqn - Heavily damaged by flak 25/06/42 during a raid on Bremen. Captain Sqn/Ldr Josef Stransky. This aircraft was involved in a combat with an Arado 196 on 17/09/42 while on patrol at position 48.00N 06.00W - then to 7 OTU.
DV665 KX-B Del to 311 Sqn - Missing from patrol 18/08/42 shot down by enemy fighter aircraft.The last message received at 1230 hours stated that the aircraft was being attacked by an enemy aircraft. F/O Karel Becvar (m); Sgt Jaromir Drmelka (m); Sgt Jan Lenc (m); Sgt Vladimir Sobotka (m); Sgt Frantisek Sipula (m); Sgt Pavel Tofel (m).
DV716 KX-C Del 311 Sqn - Crashed in forced landing Whetstone Hill, Pembrokeshire 13/10/42.
DV738 KX-C Del to 311 Sqn - (converted to Mk.VIII). Suffered engine trouble whilst on a patrol in the Bay of Biscay and returned to base on 27/02/43 - then to 232 Sqn.
DV757 KX-X Del to 311 Sqn - then to 18 OTU.
DV779 KX-L Del to 311 Sqn - This aircraft was involved in a combat with a Ju.88 in position 47.08N 07.24W on 15/09/42. The enemy aircraft was claimed as damaged. Captain was Sgt Jan Hadravek. This aircraft later crashed on take off from Talbenny 18/11/42 when the flap lever was accidentally touched whilst the undercarriage was being retracted at Talbenny. The aircraft lost height and struck rising ground in line with the runway.
DV799 KX-Z Trans from 156 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Missing from anti-submarine Patrol 12/01/43 possibly shot down by enemy fighters. F/Sgt Miroslav Cervinka (m); P/O Alois Holna (m); P/O Jaroslav Jelinek (m); Sgt Zdenek Janda (m); Sgt Ladislav Kriz (m); Sgt Jan Stiess (m).
DV883   Trans from 57 Sqn to 1429 Flt and then to 27 OTU.
DV884   Trans from 57 Sqn to 1429 Flt (X) then to 26 OTU.
DV886 KX-X Del to 311 Sqn - Suffered engine trouble whilst on patrol in the Bay of Biscay on 15/04/43 - then to 7 OTU.
DV992   Del to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
HD982 KX-Y Del to 311 Sqn - Missing from anti-submarine sweep over the Bay of Biscay on 15/09/42.The Wellington was possibly shot down by enemy fighter aircraft. A Wellington was claimed as shot down by Lt Deuper of 13/KG40 at 1732 hours on this date. Flt/Lt Alois Gabriel (m); F/O Rudolf Matejicek (m); F/O Josef Nyvlt (m); Sgt Otto Jerbacek (m); Sgt Jan Neradil (m); Sgt Jan Simko (m).
HD988 KX-U Del to 311 Sqn - Aircraft was attacked by four Ju.88 fighters in position 47.20N 07.10W at around 1335 hours on 11/09/42. Although the aircraft suffered numerous attacks and was badly damaged, there were no casualties amongst the crew. Due to skilful flying and aggressive action by the gunners, the enemy were eventually driven off and at least two of them were damaged. The captain, Sgt Karel Mazurek, was later awarded the DFM for this action. Took off at 0001 hours on 26/01/43 for a raid on Bordeaux. Due to bad weather (fog) the operation was aborted, the crew being unable to locate the target. Captain Sqn/Ldr Vladimir Nedved - then to 105 OTU.
HE113 KX-B Del to 311 Sqn - (Converted to Mk.VIII) then struck off charge.
HE268   Del to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
HE477   Del to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
HE576   Del to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
HE577   Del to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
HF859 KX-R Possibly del to 311 Sqn. Struck off charge 21/07/44.
HF921 KX-M Trans from 57 Sqn to 311 Sqn - Missing from anti submarine Patrol 29/09/42. The aircraft was attacked by four Ju.88s and was forced to ditch ten miles south of Lands End, Cornwall. Crew spent the night in their dinghy and were picked up suffering from exposure and wounds. Sgt Friedlander the front gunner was killed in the aerial battle. The Wellington was claimed by Lt Walter Berger of 13/KG40 in concert with Uffz Kaltenbrunner of the same unit at 1740 hours. Sqn/Ldr Josef Sejbl (i); Sgt Pavel Friedlander (k); Sgt J Stern(i); F/Sgt V Kubalik (s); Sgt J Bajer (s).
HF922 KX-H To 311 Sqn.
HZ268 KX-Z Del to 311 Sqn - then to 304 Sqn.
HZ282   Del to 311 Sqn then to 304 Sqn.
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This webpage was updated 30th June 2023

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