Russian claims during the Winter War

[alex crawford]

Hi,

I am trying to find out some details on the pilots that claimed Finnish Gladiators shot down during the Winter War.

For example on the 29 February 1940 a mixed formation of six I-153s and 18 I-16s, from 68 OIAP carried out an attack on the Finnish air base at Ruokolahdella.

A total of 5 Gladiators were shot down with two pilots killed and three wounded. On I-16, piloted by 1st Lt Yefimov, was shot down by Kers S Suikkanen and another crashed into some trees.

I have all the info about the Gladiators that were lost and who was flying them etc. What I am looking for are the names of the Russian pilots.

I have tried Hakans Biplane Aces website but there are no pilots mentioned. I have a copy of Stalin's Falcons, but again no luck there.

My info on Russian pilots is very limited indeed. If anyone can help with the names of these pilots I would be grateful. I can supply a list of dates for the Gladiator losses.

Thanks,

Alex