The BBC (Midlands) has an odd, brief report on 'World War II pilot from Halesowen, 101, dies', and refers: From: World War II pilot from Halesowen, 101, dies WW2 RAF history is not my interest, this expedition to Western Russia in July 1941. This would be very shortly after Operation Barbarossa began and Wiki indicates the Soviets were defeated: Battle of Białystok–Minsk - Wikipedia Anyone aware of such a deployment?
Hi, Eric Carter wrote an excellent book covering not just his involvement but the deployment as a whole. Ray Holmes wrote a book called 'Sky Spy' which includes a paragraph on his experiences. I also believe Vic Bashford (a ground crew member who is also a Dunkirk vet) is still with us. He's done several interviews you can find by googling. Definitely a one of a kind deployment and not one that's widely known. Cheers,
Isn't that reference to Minsk a typo ? 151 Wing went to Murmansk. We mentioned it in the forum many years ago.
Info here on Wiki about 151 Wing. No. 151 Wing RAF - Wikipedia RAF Hurricanes in Russia There were further plans in 1941 to send an expedition to southern Russia to defend the Caucasian oilfields if necessary. As part of that further Hurricane squadrons were assembled and shipped out via the Cape. En route the war in the Far East broke out and they were diverted there instead. The following year, in Sept / Oct 1942, 144 and 455 Squadrons with Hampdens went to North Russia to support Convoy PQ18. On completion of the operation the surviving aircraft were handed over to the Soviets.
This is one that I am aware of. Aircrew Book Review: The RAAF In Russia - Geoffrey W Raebel Regards, Dave
Jack Davenport- Beaufighter Leader by Kristen Alexander has a chapter on Operation Orator. Davenport flew Hampdens with 455 Squadron. Pretty rough living conditions there for the RAF men from what I can remember in the book. Aircrew Book Review: Jack Davenport, Beaufighter Leader - Kristen Alexander Scott
The Hampden under restoration at RAF Cosford museum was on its way to the Soviet Union when it was shot down by Norwegian based Me109's. Its worth looking at when the restoration hangar is open, once a year, usually November, but not sure about this year.
I have a copy of Golley's book "Hurricanes over Murmansk" written in 1987, happy to dig it out if anyone is interested.