Yak-9s in Italy

[HGabor]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your very interesting comments on the soviet Yaks in Italy.

Well, the REAL reason for opening this topic is that I am still looking for data on the markings of the Yaks of the 611. IAP. Several sources state that the long-range Yak-9DDs escorting the 15. USAAF B-17G Fortresses back to Italy in late August, 1944 belonged to the 236. IAD.

Now, the point is, that the 611. IAP was assigned to the 236. IAD UNTIL September, 1944, - later it was re-assigned to the 288. IAD of the 17th VVS. In early 1945 the whole 236. IAD was sold to the new Yugoslav AF. From this time period, when the fighters received the new markings of the YAF none of the planes show the markings of the Yak-9s we can see in the pictures taken in Italy, ie. big white ‘2’ on the side, red star on the spinner, white wingtip, etc.

My theory is that maybe these Yak-9s with the red stars on the spinners, at the end of the summer of 1944 belonged to the 611. IAP, 236. IAD indeed, and since in September they were re-assigned to the 288. IAD, they could not be present among the sold 236. IAD Yak fighters in Yugoslavia in 1945.

Any idea pro or contra?

Thanks,

Gabor