Yet another for our Russian experts, please!

[Carl-Fredrik Geust]

Some additional information of 668 BAP R-5 losses mentioned above:
- 7.2.1942 pilot Sn.Lt. Dormidov was rescued, navigator Capt. V.A. Tikhonov DOW 19.2.1942 - crash 150-200 km E Lake Lovozero, loss of orientation
- 16-17.2.1942 (night) Capt Vasiliy T. Yachmenyev and Sn.Lt Mikhail N. Rudzevich were found dead at crash site at Lake Sennoye - apparently shot down by German fighters
- 23-24.2.1942 (night) Sn.Lt. Sergei Semenovich Yefimov and Lt Ivan Filippovich Andrianov were captured by Finnish troops upon force-landing at Kuukasjärvi after loss of orientation on Alakurtti bombing mission. At least Yefimov (possibly also Andrianov) was handed over to German AOK on 26.2.1942 (after Finnish interrogation of the POWs).
-16-17.9.1942 P.K. Kovakin was apparently only "krasnoarmeyets" (private Soldier)
- 27-28.9.1942 Gubin was able to land at Shogui-2 AF base.

[Brian]

Many, many thanks, guys

Your combined input has really helped me understand the operations of this little-known unit.

Did 668-NBAP have a fixed base, or did it operate from different airfields during 1942? For example, for operations against Luostari from where did the R-5s operate? Shonguy?

Also, on 27/28 September - is there an account of Gubin's flight to Shonguy after his pilot had been killed? Did he receive recognition? What was his first name?

Cheers
Brian

[HGabor]

Hi Brian,
Yes, 'ordena krasnovo znameni'. He was starshina Nikolai Denisovich Gubin. e-mail sent about the event.
Gabor