HISTORY

Spitfires Over Europe

No.313 (Czechoslovak) Squadron, RAF

Part One: Spitfire Mk.Ia

by JIŘÍ RAJLICH

Air traffic at Catterick airport

No.313 (Czechoslovak) Squadron, RAF was activated on May 10th, 1941 at

RAF Catterick in northern Yorkshire from predominantly Czechoslovak natives

serving throughout the RAF in various units. One such pilot was F/O Frantisek

Fajtl, a veteran of the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain and one of five

Czechoslovak pilots serving with No.17 Squadron. Through the latter half of

May, it became clear that it was only a matter of time before these five would

be reassigned to the newest of the three Czechoslovak fighter squadrons formed within the RAF.

None of the five really wanted to leave No.17 Squadron. They did what they

could to remain with their current assignments. ‘We were satisfied and happy…

and into this came a telegram immediately reassigning us to the newly formed

No.313 (Czechoslovak) Squadron. We did not want to leave, and the telegram

brought us down, mentally. Starting over and having no idea when we would

again see action was not a comfort to us, while there was no shortage of flying

at No.17 Squadron.

After a brief discussion amongst ourselves, we decided to ask the Flight Leader

to reject the unwelcomed change in assignment. Alf Bayne nodded in agreement

and took off for Elgin, about a hundred kilometers away, to see the Squadron

commander, who had recently established a separate detachment of the squadron

with A Flight.

and after their arrival from all corners of the United Kingdom. They hailed

from No.3, 17, 43, 56, 32, 245, 257,501, 601, 607 and 615 Squadrons, and

also from No.312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron, which was to cover some necessary command functions. The shortage of Czechoslovak groundcrew was dealt

with by the Air Ministry with the assigning of virtually all-British personnel.

The CO of No.313 Squadron was originally to have been S/Ldr Alois Vasatko. However, this post was entrusted to another experienced pilot and veteran

of the Battles of France and Britain, S/Ldr Josef Jaske, who was B Flight Leader with No.312 Squadron. The new Squadron thus obtained a trusted and

well-liked officer, one with excellent social skills under all conditions, but he

did not arrive until July 21, 1941, so initially, the function was held by a British

co-commander. 4

This was S/Ldr Gordon L. Sinclair, DFC, who was experienced in serving with

Czechoslovak airmen. During the Battle of Britain, he served as A Flight Leader

with No.310 (Czechoslovak) Squadron. He had led the Flight in successful and

On his return to Castletown, he indicated that neither he, nor the Squadron

Commander, were particularly pleased with the reassignment and that they would

both do what they could to halt it. Their main argument centered around the lack

of replacement personnel, and for the time being, we would remain where we

were. For several days, we basked in the optimism that was suddenly and finally

obliterated….’ 1

Attempts to have the orders withdrawn were fruitless. Our British comrades were also not too pleased with our imminent departure….’ I am sorry to

see you chaps go, and I am not alone….’ proclaimed F/Lt Alfred Bayne, DFC,

B Flight Leader, to which the Czech group was attached. ‘I was very satisfied

with your performance. You gave us absolutely no reason for any doubt in the

dignified manner with which you represent your homeland, so humiliated by the

ruthless Nazis…you demonstrated great determination and bravery, perseverance in combat, and a high morale always and everywhere. You were always friendly and happy. For that, I am grateful to you, and I wish you the best of luck in

what further awaits you in our country….’ 2 The sentiment was echoed by the

CO of No.17 Squadron, S/Ldr Anthony Miller: ‘…you impressed all with your

fighting zeal, determination and uncanny ability to adapt to the conditions of

service and team spirit within the unit.’ he stated during the official farewell ceremony at Elgin, where the Squadron was based. ‘We are pleased with the level

of regard you place on the uncompromising resistance that England exercises

against Germany and its leader, Hitler. I thank you for your contribution to the successes of this Squadron. I wish you a successful return to your liberated homes.’ 3

F/O Frantisek Fajtl and his companions arrived at Catterick and No.313

Squadron on the evening of May 27th, 1941. Other pilots appeared before

10

eduard

Catterick, summer 1941

INFO Eduard - DECEMBER 2020