Spitfires over the Kuban- unknown story

[v2]

Along with British Hurricanes, the Soviet Air Force (voyenno-vozdushnyye sily—VVS) also managed to fly another aircraft of the Royal Air Force as a front-line fighter—the Spitfire Mk. Vb. In the West this airplane is feted as the winner of the Battle of Britain, and is also a national symbol of World War II. In the skies of Russia these fighters became participants in 1943 of the bloodiest battles over the Kuban. Two front-line fighter aviation regiments of the Soviet VVS—57th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment (GIAP) and 821st Fighter Aviation Regiment (IAP)—were re-equipped with the Spitfire Mk. Vb.

More: Spitfires over the Kuban

 

[Glider]

Very very interesting.

 

[ndicki]

Agreed. Soviet propaganda played down the huge role played by the Western Allies in equipping their forces, with the result that many such stories have been forgotten.