[MW Giles]

Interesting quotes from USAF Historical Studies no 175 "The Russian Air Force in the Eyes of German Commanders" (p333-4) DW Schwabedissen 1960, summarising the work of the Ground Attack arm of the VVS

"As long as the German fighters could mount fighter missions in adequate strength against Soviet ground attack forces, the latter suffered considerable losses. These losses were increased by German medium and heavy anitaircraft guns, As a consequence the results achieved by the Soviets remained small. The ratio of German defensive fighters to attacking Soviet ground-attack aircraft, however, became less and less favourable to the Germans. Thus approximately from the end of 1944 on, the Russian ground-attack units were able to secure more effective results.

In spite of all German measures, the Soviet ground attack air arm steadily improved in the last two years of warfare, although it lagged behind its Anglo-American counterparts in the scope and effectiveness of its attacks. One reason for this was probably the inadequate training given to newly assigned personnel.

A massed commitment of ground attack air units in action coordinated with the army was always observed at those points where the Soviet Command was seeking to force a decision, while only small forces were committed in areas of secondary importance. Nevertheless, in most cases the effects achieved were of a psychological rather thana material nature.

In all justice to the Soviet ground-attack air arm, and in spite of the indisputable results it achieved, it at no time during the war played a decisive role."

Martin