Originally Posted by BrianC (Post 277177)

2 July 1941

The Soviet response to these attacks was impressive but relatively ineffectual. Both Liinakharmi and Petsamo were targeted, the first raid comprising five MBR-2s that took-off from Gryaznaya Bay at 17:30. Three more MBR-2s followed 15 minutes later. The flight was carried out at low-level to avoid detection before the lumbering seaplanes climbed to 14,000 feet to release their loads - a paltry six 50kg bombs each aircraft - over the port at Liinakharmi. But surprise was achieved and all aircraft returned safely with only minor flak damage. However, the second flight of three was intercepted by Bf109s and promptly shot down by Oblt Horst Carganico (two) and Uffz Martin Villing. In one seaplane Ml/Ljt Mikhail Chalov and his gunner were killed, while Ljt Sergey Abramov was able to bale out but was captured. All three members of St/Lt E.I. Tishkov's crew were killed in the second aircraft, while the third machine ditched and the crew rescued.