Question about the Soviet 401st Fighter Aviation Regiment
 

Hi Guys,

I think everyone knows the 401st IAP began operations with VVS West Front on 1 July 1941. Here is the question: did they fly in with their own aircraft, or were the MiG-3s already there ? The reason I ask is that in Pankratiev's article on delivery of new aircraft (Lessons Learned ch. 5 http://ilpilot.narod.ru ) states that most aircraft delivered before the out break of the war came by rail. Lennart Andersson in his book (Soviet Aircraft and Aviation pg 177) makes it clear that the MiGs delivered to Leningrad Military District came by rail, 164 had just arrived at Gorelovo by 22 June. In connection with this Kozhevnikov (Command and staff of the VVS 1941-45 pg 37) says 99 MiG-3s arrived at Orsha on 22 June 1941. They were meant for 43rd IAD but were never distributed. Did Suprun's pilots use these MiGs ?

Thanks in advance
Oquaig