Soviet claims, 16 June 1943

[Dénes Bernád]

Thanks, Andrey, for the details.

The Hungarians observed six fighters - which they identified as Airacobras - taking off from Urasovo airfield to intercept the Ju 88 & Bf 109 formation. Perhaps this detail helps identifying the VVS unit.

[Andrey Kuznetsov]

Hello Dénes,

Urasovo was a base for 573.IAP PVO (310.IAD). At that moment it had several Yak-1/Yak-7b and 2 Hurricanes ready for action, if remember right (I'll check it later today). Also 4 Yak-9 attached to 573.IAO from 802.IAP PVO.

Which documents of Hungarian AF have survived the war? War diaries, reports, claims/losses lists?

Best regards,
Andrey

[Dénes Bernád]

Originally Posted by Andrey Kuznetsov

Which documents of Hungarian AF have survived the war? War diaries, reports, claims/losses lists?

Very-very few documents related to the Hungarian air force (and not only) survived the war and the following 'purges'. It is estimated that about 95% of the documents were lost. Therefore, it's very hard (if not impossible) nowadays to piece together the wartime events.

[Andrey Kuznetsov]

Originally Posted by Dénes Bernád

Very-very few documents related to the Hungarian air force (and not only) survived the war and the following 'purges'. It is estimated that about 95% of the documents were lost.

So the situation like with Luftwaffe. It is regrettably
I had a hope to update the loss account of Lfl.4 during Apr.-Jun.43 by Hungarian AF losses for the full understanding of the situation.
Unfortunately GQM returns for the timeframe in question hasn't Hungarian AF entries.

Returning to 16.Jun.43: on Urasov airfield were ready for action 1 Yak-1, 7 Yak-7b, 2 Hurricanes of 573.IAP and 4 Yak-9 attached from 802.IAP.

Originally Posted by Dénes Bernád

The Hungarians observed six fighters - which they identified as Airacobras - taking off from Urasovo airfield to intercept the Ju 88 & Bf 109 formation.

According to operative report of 310.IAD, 7 fighters took off for intercept. Maybe all of them were Yaks. Their sole claim was Toth's Bf109F. How many Ju88s and Bf109s took part in the mission?

Best regards,
Andrey

[Dénes Bernád]

Originally Posted by Andrey Kuznetsov

So the situation like with Luftwaffe. It is regrettably

Actually, it's worse. We still have a sizeable chunk of data regarding the Luftwaffe, but nothing similar about the Hungarian air force.

Originally Posted by Andrey Kuznetsov

How many Ju88s and Bf109s took part in the mission?

As far as I know, three Ju 88s left the base to find and attack the Soviet train; however, one bomber returned early due to engine trouble. They were escorted by four '109s.

[Andrey Kuznetsov]

Originally Posted by Dénes Bernád

Actually, it's worse.

So Rumanian AF situation with documents seems a lucky exception in comparison with Germany and Hungary.

Originally Posted by Dénes Bernád

As far as I know, three Ju 88s left the base to find and attack the Soviet train; however, one bomber returned early due to engine trouble. They were escorted by four '109s.

Thank you! So Toth's words about 2 Ju88 are true. That is why so strange quantity instead of Kette.

I'll pay more attention to data about POW Hungarian pilots. It is a specific source but if the normal sources almost completely disappeared ...

Best regards,
Andrey