RAF on Eastern Front

[VPK_CARTOON]

Hi all !

 

I heard that 151 RAF squadron fought in USSR in winter 1941. Their base was near Murmansk.

Several british pilots even were later decorated with high soviet orders for downing 13 german fighters.

Can anybody provide some more info on that story ?

Thank you.

 

Edited October 17, 2013 by VPK_CARTOON

[=LD=Hethwill]

Greetings,

 

For a start http://lend-lease.airforce.ru/english/articles/sheppard/hurricanes/

 

They refer 134 and 81 Squadrons, no 151 which is referred as being a night fighter unit in the west since the Fall of France.

 

Regarding the first picture, it is tagged as

 

Pilots of 81 Sqn sit around playing cards and listening to a gramophone. In the back is Hurricane Z5227 FE-53 often flown by P/O Edmiston. This Hurricane was recovered in 1994 and is now with an American Collector
Photo from Mark Sheppard collection©

Edited October 17, 2013 by =LD=Hethwill

[=LD=Hethwill]

And you have the number correct although is up in organization. Apparently it is the 151 Wing.

 

Good finding if we get to lay hands on some northern front action in the future.

Edited October 17, 2013 by =LD=Hethwill

[79_vRAF_Friendly_flyer]

The Osprey title "Hurricane aces 1941-45" have a section devoted to the Russian expedition.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Hurricane-Aces-1941-45-Aircraft-ebook/dp/B00ATLMU9Y

[Trooper117]

There is also a book written during the war by the Adjutant of the wing (if I remember correctly)

I have it at home and it gives a clearer picture of the thoughts at the time of what was happening with the sqn's whilst out there

[=LD=Hethwill]

There is also a book written during the war by the Adjutant of the wing (if I remember correctly)

I have it at home and it gives a clearer picture of the thoughts at the time of what was happening with the sqn's whilst out there

 

Nice. Share the title/author ( ISBN would be cool for easier finding ) when you have the chance

[Trooper117]

Will do, I'm away overseas with work at the moment, but will get back to you with the title...

edit... the book is called 'RAF in Russia' by Hubert Griffith, the wing Adjutant

Edited October 24, 2013 by Trooper117

[79_vRAF_Friendly_flyer]

Thanks! I'm going to see if I can dig up a copy!

[=LD=Hethwill]

Same ! 

 

Thanks for the bother

[FTC_Cule]

RAF did feature in the Eastern Front but surely the bulk of brit equipment was lend lease spits

[707shap_Srbin]

RAF did feature in the Eastern Front but surely the bulk of brit equipment was lend lease spits

 

Lend lease Hurricanes and P-40's, not Spits

[Dakpilot]

Interesting read about Spitires over the Kuban

 

http://lend-lease.airforce.ru/english/articles/spit/

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[=LD=Hethwill]

Actually the RAF had great interest in moving their own personnel over to the northern front, especially to ensure the proper air cover for the PQ transit.

 

The article below is also interesting

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1181390/Stalins-British-heroes-The-discovery-forgotten-medal-reveals-extraordinary-courage-RAF-aces-fought-Soviet-Union.html

 

There was a big logistical operation planned ( can't recall the name now, will do when i get home to my books ) to transfer a big chunk of the northern squadrons to the Leningrad area, but was never concluded.

Edited October 31, 2013 by =LD=Hethwill_Khan

[=38=Tatarenko]

At various times the RAF flew Hurricanes, Mosquitos, Catalinas and Lancasters into/out of Russia.

 

They lend leased Hurricanes, Spits, Hampdens, P-40s.

[VPK_CARTOON]

According to the legend they used to lose Vodka competition with russians but definitely won beer contest there )))

[thx1138]

According to the legend they used to lose Vodka competition with russians but definitely won beer contest there )))

 

They lost because I wasn't there !

[MiloMorai]

RAF did feature in the Eastern Front but surely the bulk of brit equipment was lend lease spits

 

Were supplied in accordance to Lend-Lease terms in types of aircrafts: Pcs. Fighters Bell Ð-39 Airacobra 4,952 Hawker Hurricane 2,952 Bell Ð-63 Kingcobra 2,421 Curtiss Ð-40 2,134 Supermarine Spitfire 1,338 Republic P-47 Thunderbolt 195 North American P-51 Mustang 10

[6./ZG26_Emil]

There's a book called Hurricanes over Murmansk about this. Read it about 30 odd years ago though so I can't remember anything :D