Soviet Hurricanes - where, when, ...?

[NBE1942]

Originally Posted by Mirek Wawrzynski

Hi
A Division of Hurricanes in the Battle of Stalingrad.

In early June 1942 a whole fighter division equipped entirely with Hurricanes, 235 IAD became part of 8 VA (8th Air Army). The unit was commanded by Lt. Col. I. D. Podgomiy. It comprised 46, 191, and 436 IAP. On 25 June it was joined by 180 IAP equipped with 20 Hurricanes. All those regiments, apart from 191 IAP, have been trained at Ivanovo. In order to facilitate rapid conversion to the British equipment, 3 British pilots and 16 fitters were present at Ivanovo. When moving to the front line, the division was largely equipped with aircraft fitted with the Soviet armament, or Mk IIC aircraft. In heavy fighting, with constantly changing unprepared landing grounds, the Hurricanes started to wear out rapidly. For example 436 IAP changed airfields no less than 12 times within 2 months. On 22 July 1942 two surviving Hurricanes of 191 IAP were handed over to a neighbouring unit. Two days later also 46 and 180 IAP were sent back for replenishment at Ivanovo. All the surviving and serviceable aircraft were assembled in 436 IAP. On 1 August 1942 8 VA had a total of 11 Hurricanes, of which only 3 combat-ready. During the rapid retreat of the Russians, all remaining Hurricanes were destroyed by own ground personnel at Kalch-on-Don airfield.

Hm... The only VVS unit equipped with Hurricanes which took part in the Stalingrad battle was 436 IAP. In early stages on the end of July 1942. More Hurricanes were in PVO units of 102 IAD (IAP OO, 651 IAP etc.) during Stalingrad battle. They were almost obliterated till September. In July 1942 the whole division of Hurricanes comprised of 4 IAP, 287 IAP, 831 IAP and 832 IAP entered 2 VA and during the whole month it was destroyed in the fierce battles over Voronezh-Semlyansk. In summer 1942 in the central combat zone there were two regiments on Hurricanes: 157 IAP and 179 IAP. One regiment - 485 IAP on the North-western front. That is all for Hurricanes in summer-autumn 1942, exept rapid two-month tour of duty with 3 GIAP VVS KBF and remaining PVO units such as 628 IAP...
Hurricane almost finished it's combat career on the Eastern front (exept North Pole) on November 1942...