4 January 1942: Soviet seaplane attack on Loustari airfield

[Brian]

Hi guys

On 4 January 1942, Soviet seaplanes from 118-ORAP were despatched to bomb Loustari airfield (near Kirkenes), and one Che-2 was shot by AA fire and crew killed.

Can anyone provide more information, please?

Cheers
Brian

[Matti Salonen]

Luostari (Monastery), not Loustari.

Matti

[andrus]

Crew list is here:
https://obd-memorial.ru/memorial/ima...8-3f8120d231b6
https://obd-memorial.ru/memorial/ima...0-1d835b6c7e37

Second Che-2 was destroyed during emergency landing according to this book: http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/92119/ (crew survived)

[Brian]

Thanks for that Andrus.

I do have the names of the crew who were killed.

Does the book you mention (is it worth trying to buy a copy?) provide further information? How many aircraft took part in the raid? From why did they fly? What was the purpose of such an attack with obsolete aircraft?

I'll be grateful for any detail you may be able to provide. Thanks.

Cheers
Brian

[andrus]

Does the book you mention (is it worth trying to buy a copy?)

It's edited reprint of "Chronicles of Great Patriotic War on the Northern marine theatre" originally from year 1944. Soviet side quite detailed (but later years should be even better).
Of these reprints, only 3 volumes about Northern Navy arrived at the end of 90ties (covering 1941-42). Original seems to be available from eastview.com.

About this attack following is written:

During the night of 4./5. Navy aircraft bombarded enemy forces near B. Zapadnaja Liza and storehouses near Titovka. 23 sorties. 4 fires were observed at storehouses. Antiaircraft fire. One Che-2 did not return to base, second one was destroyed during forced landing in the area of aerodrome. Crew unhurt.

[Brian]

Thanks once again, Andrus

Your help very much appreciated

Cheers
Brian