Russian fighter collided with RAF Catalina July 1941
 

Hi guys

From reading John Iverach's "Chronicals of a Nervous Navigator", one learns of a collision between an I-16 Rata and RAF Catalina W8247 of 240 Squadron, in late July 1941.

The Catalina was carrying General Filipp Golikov to Britain and had taken-off from the Dvina River (Archangel), and was escorted by three Soviet fighters. An hour into the flight, one of the I-16s suddenly carried out a presumed mock attack and grazed the Catalina's starboard wing, forcing the pilot to return to Archangel. The fighter pilot also survived and landed at a nearby airfield with his damaged aircraft.

The author (John Iverach) was informed that the errant pilot would be shot! Following repairs the Catalina made the trip to Britain, arriving on 31 July 1941.

Several questions for those who may know more, please:

a) The actual date of the incident?
b) The name and unit of the Soviet pilot?
c) What was his fate?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Russian fighter collided with RAF Catalina July 1941
 

Brian,

According the book "Historical Dictionary of United States-Russian/Soviet Relations" (Norman E. Saul) the Russian delegation led by Golikov arrived in Britain on 8 July 1941.

Regards,

Leendert

Re: Russian fighter collided with RAF Catalina July 1941
 

Hi Leendert

Good to hear from you - I trust you are well?

Yes, Golikov initially arrived in Britain as you say, but returned to Russia on 12 July (for whatever reason) on board a 209 Squadron Catalina and then returned to Britain on 31 July aboard the 240 Catalina.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Russian fighter collided with RAF Catalina July 1941
 

Hi Brian,

W8247 was a Brewster Buffalo I. Did you mean W8427?

Col.

Re: Russian fighter collided with RAF Catalina July 1941
 

Hi Col

AD taking control!

Yes, ORB does state W8427 - thanks for that.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Russian fighter collided with RAF Catalina July 1941
 

Brian,

I think Golikov returned early because he soon found that Britain had no weapons, equipment and other goods to spare...

Regards,

Leendert