Quote:
Originally Posted by NagaSadow
Hello!
I think the TB-3s were used to supply partisans and cut off Soviet forces in the rearward area of A.O.K. 4 around Dorogobuzh and Schilowka in Mid 1942. The TB-3s were probably withdrawn after the destruction of the Soviet troops in early June.
Regards
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Yes, they were supplying Belov's cavalry corps and IV Airborne Corps and the partisans in the "Dorogobuzh" pocket. TB-3's flew in a battalion of antitank guns on May 9. Operation "Hanover" was launched on 24 May. During this period there were heavy rains which disrupted the air supply operation. The first phase of the operation was over by 1 June and it developed into a pursuit of Belov's corps which escaped to the east after 21 June. It was an important mission for the Germans as it helped to stabilize the Rzhev salient. That would explain the extra Luftwaffe effort at night.
oquaig