The Clermont-Aulnat Patrol
was created on May 16, 1940 to protect the ARAA (Air Force Repair
Shop). Initially, it was to be equipped with 14 Caudron 714 driven
by Polish Pilots. Finally, the organization is reviewed in two
patrols attached to the two Salon Patrols to form a group. Koolhoven
FK58 are planned to equip the 4 units. The training of the Polish
pilots of the 4 Patrols must be carried out from May 25th at Salon.
But it was not until May 28 that the first FK58 (3) arrived. They
are not fully equipped: without weapons or oxygen masks ... The
4 Patrols, with a total strength close to that of a squadron,
are under the command of Captain Walerian JASIONOWSKI.
Despite the poor equipment,
the four Patrols will perform 27 sorties from May 25 to June 7,
without success. On that date, one of the Patrol left for Toulouse
to be transformed on Morane MS406 and reinforce the local patrol.
The other three Patrols gather on the Clermont airield, still
under the command of Captain JASIONOWSKI.
In front of the delay of
delivery of the FK58, it will be Potez 63-11 (!!) which will ensure
the alerts. Captain JASIONOWSKI, must fight against the lack of
aircrafts and parts: it is his pilots who will go to get themselves
Browning machine guns for the FK58 or spare parts to maintain
his aircrafts, and he himself will fight against hierarchy to
recover FK58 under construction in Nevers. Various aircrafts will
be recovered elsewhere in the airfield, including probably Morane
MS406.
On June 6, three Polish
pilots leave the Patrol, replaced on 16 by four newcomers. In
order to join England, the Patrol receives the order on June 19th,
to retreat first on Rodez, then on Montpellier and Perpignan in
order to reach England. The FK58 will be abandoned during stopovers.
Finally, it is in Bayonne that the Polish pilots will be able
to embark for England
