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agblume · 19 July 2008, 02:08 PM

As some of my aviation friends know I have long believed that WWI did not end on 11.11.1918. Beginning in November 1917 a series of other conflicts, all involving aviation, began taking place within the former Russian Empire. Some of these conflicts grew in intensity over time, while others began taking place in Central Europe and the Balkans and Asia Minor. It was not until late 1921 and early 1922 that things subsided.

I thought it might be of interest to offer folks some basic facts on some of the air services involved during this period.

Soviet Russia: The Red Air Fleet eventually had 53 recon AOs (detachments) of 4-6 aircraft along with 1 or 2 fighters; 15 fighter AOs of 4-6 aircraft, sometimes joined in Avia Groups of 3-4 units; 3 artillery AOs of 4-6 aircraft; one photo AO of 4-6 aircraft. They flew over 17,000 missions, over 23,250 hours, dropped 59,788 kg bombs and 8,900 kg leaflets.

Red naval aviation were served with Flotillas, with one each operating in the Baltic, North Russia, the Volga, Dneiper River, Black Sea and Caspian Sea. They flew about 2,000 missions, 4,300 hours, dropped 34,700 kg bombs and 104 kg leaflets.

Red aeronautical units made 2,044 assents, about 3,200 hours.

In Spring 1918 the Reds had 1,400 aircraft. Production facilities were inadequate to the task of keeping up with growing needs. By Spring 1920 there were 700 aircraft, and by September 1920 there were only 300 operational aircraft. About 500 aircraft were lost in crashes in front and rear.

Red losses were: 1918 combat – 31 pilots - 9 observers; 1918 non-combat – 52 pilots - 49 observers; 1919 combat – 65 pilots - 18 observers; 1919 non-combat -83 pilots - 49 observers; 1920 combat – 51 pilots - 12 observers; 1920 non-combat – 21 pilots – 14 observers. The Order of the Red Banner was awarded to 216 airmen.

If enough people would like to learn more about the Whites and others in North Russia, Siberia and South Russia I would be happy to continue this thread. Please, let’s see a show of hands. Thank you. Best regards, agblume

19 July 2008, 02:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
agblume Scout Pilot Contributor Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 371	After the Armistice As some of my aviation friends know I have long believed that WWI did not end on 11.11.1918. Beginning in November 1917 a series of other conflicts, all involving aviation, began taking place within the former Russian Empire. Some of these conflicts grew in intensity over time, while others began taking place in Central Europe and the Balkans and Asia Minor. It was not until late 1921 and early 1922 that things subsided. I thought it might be of interest to offer folks some basic facts on some of the air services involved during this period. Soviet Russia: The Red Air Fleet eventually had 53 recon AOs (detachments) of 4-6 aircraft along with 1 or 2 fighters; 15 fighter AOs of 4-6 aircraft, sometimes joined in Avia Groups of 3-4 units; 3 artillery AOs of 4-6 aircraft; one photo AO of 4-6 aircraft. They flew over 17,000 missions, over 23,250 hours, dropped 59,788 kg bombs and 8,900 kg leaflets. Red naval aviation were served with Flotillas, with one each operating in the Baltic, North Russia, the Volga, Dneiper River, Black Sea and Caspian Sea. They flew about 2,000 missions, 4,300 hours, dropped 34,700 kg bombs and 104 kg leaflets. Red aeronautical units made 2,044 assents, about 3,200 hours. In Spring 1918 the Reds had 1,400 aircraft. Production facilities were inadequate to the task of keeping up with growing needs. By Spring 1920 there were 700 aircraft, and by September 1920 there were only 300 operational aircraft. About 500 aircraft were lost in crashes in front and rear. Red losses were: 1918 combat – 31 pilots - 9 observers; 1918 non-combat – 52 pilots - 49 observers; 1919 combat – 65 pilots - 18 observers; 1919 non-combat -83 pilots - 49 observers; 1920 combat – 51 pilots - 12 observers; 1920 non-combat – 21 pilots – 14 observers. The Order of the Red Banner was awarded to 216 airmen. If enough people would like to learn more about the Whites and others in North Russia, Siberia and South Russia I would be happy to continue this thread. Please, let’s see a show of hands. Thank you. Best regards, agblume