RAF Missions Out of Murmansk During World War II
Fun Fact…. the RAF flew missions out of Murmansk during WW2.
The Need for Support
Not many people are aware of this, but not too long after Germany invaded the USSR, it was clear to see that the Soviets needed support. Mainly, they need help in defending their northern port of Murmansk from German attacks, as it was where a lot of supplies from the UK were heading.
As a result, representatives from both countries met and agreed to a plan. A plan which would see the creation of No. 151 Wing and it being deployed to an airfield just outside the port city.
No. 151 Wing Deployment
Equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, the 151 arrived at Vaenga airfield on September 12, 1941. The airfield itself was kind of a mixed bag compared to what the RAF crews were used to, but the Soviet personnel were hospitable and welcomed the British crews. But this deployment had two objectives.
The first was, of course, to provide air support to allied convoys heading to Murmansk. But the other was to train the Soviet crews on how to maintain and operate the Hawker Hurricane, which the USSR was set to receive very soon.
Outcome of Deployment
The deployment of 151 only lasted about five weeks before they headed back to the UK. But in that time, they were able to shoot down 16 Luftwaffe aircraft while only losing three pilots of their own.
But even though 151 left, British/Commonwealth forces would operate out of the USSR in support of allied convoys during the war. This time flying various aircraft such as the DeHavillan Mosquito and PBY Catalina Flying Boats.
~NC
