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

[Kari Lumppio]

Hello!

Can not help with the Russian pilot. sorry about that.

The location is Ruokolahti. Ruokolahdella (and the -lla ending in general) means AT Ruokolahti. Very common mistake and often seen in captions of Finnish places. Gives some good smiles.

Regards,
Kari

[alex crawford]

Hi Kari,


Thanks for the correction.

Alex

[Alex Smart]

Hello Alex & Kari,


Please correct me if I have it wrong.
But wern't there six Gladiators lost this date ?
GL259;261;262;263;268;269.

Others lost were BL126 & FR94.

All to 68 except GL269 which was due to 49 IAP

Alex

[Carl-Fredrik Geust]

68 OIAP of VVS 13.A lost two pilots at Ruokolahti 29 February 1940.
Escadrille C.O. of 1st esc., st.lt. D.P.Yefimov was killed, while lt. M.I.Volosevich (of 2nd esc.) escaped by parachute and was taken prisoner.
Carl

[alex crawford]

Hi Alex, Carl-Fredrik,


Thanks for the info.

Yes there was a sixth Gladiator lost on the 29th. GL-269 was lost earlier in the day when it was shot down by an I-153.

The incident was not related to the attack on Ruokolahti, which occured around noon, hence my reason for not including it.

Alex